Fabric birds with button eyes

By
Elaine Kazinec
– February 27, 2008Posted in: Crafts for the home

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This is an easy and inexpensive project and is a great way to kick off spring.  You can use these as floral picks or string them together to make a fun garland.  All the stitching is done by hand and all you need is fabric, buttons, embroidery thread and a little bit of stuffing.  

Materials: 

  • fabric remnants or fat quarter quilting fabric
  • embroidery thread
  • buttons  (two for each bird)
  • polyester stuffing

pattern-for-birds.JPGpin-pattern-piece-to-fabric-then-cut-out.JPGpin-wing-pattern-piece-to-fabric-then-cut-out.JPG

Step 1.

Cut out two birds and two wings.  I used several different fabrics and contrasting fabric for the wings so they stand out more. 

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Step 2.  

Using a running stitch, sew the birds body together 1/4 inch from edge leaving an opening on the bottom so you can fill the bird with polyester stuffing. 

  poke-stuffing-into-opening.JPGclose-opening-using-the-same-running-stitch.JPGbird-body.JPG

Step 3. 

Fill with stuffing  and then close with a running stitch. 

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Step 4.

Add buttons for eyes putting one on the front and one on the back.  Stick the needle through both buttons at the same time.  Pull it tight and tie it off with a knot.

secure-wing-to-body-with-button.JPGstitch-wings-together-using-a-running-stitch.JPG add-running-stitch-to-rest-of-wing.JPG                                     

Step 5. 

Secure wing to bird by stitching a button on as shown.  Put a button on the front and back sewing on both at the same time as you did for the eyes.  Then sew the top of the wings together using a running stitch.  Do a running stitch along the bottom of the wing as seen in above illustration.  Repeat this step on the back of the wing to finish.

bird-on-a-stick.JPGIf you want to use it as a floral pick just stick a skewer in the bottom.  I will be doing another project using the birds in the next couple of weeks.

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About Elaine Kazinec

I have never met anyone who can't make wonderful things for their homes, friends, and family, only those who think they can't. The purpose of this blog is to show everyone how really simple most projects for the home are to make. When my husband and I bought our first home we were short on cash so I learned to be long on creativity. I have been told that I can make something wonderful out of nothing and that is true. You can too! Some of my favorite things are items that I found in someone's junk pile. I am going to show you how easy it really is. I hope you find the courage to jump in and attempt some of these projects. You will be amazed at how talented you really are.