“Too much love can break us.” That's what a stuffed animal said.
Knowing how to sew a hole in a plushie can help you save the day.
Keep reading to find out how to restore your little one's beloved furry friend. From gathering materials to applying the finishing touches, we've got you covered.
Preparation steps
Before deciding what to do, carefully assess the damage. Check the plushie to see where the tear is and how big it is. Is it a large hole right in the middle of the body? Or is it a tiny tear or a ripped seam?
By understanding the extent of the damage, you can decide the best way to repair it.
And when you're at it, take note of the thread color you'll need to sew the hole.
Required materials
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Needle
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Thread matching the stuffed animal's color
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Scissors
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Extra stuffing (if needed)
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Patches or fabric glue (for bigger holes)
What are the best stitches to use for different holes?
Now, take a second to decide the best stitch to use.
Don't worry, even if you're not a sewing expert, you can pull this through. And the more you practice, the better the stitch gets.
I'm not saying you have to practice before starting. What I mean is that if you have a kid, you will probably sew many holes in plushies in the years to come. So, as you do it, you'll gain more expertise.
There are different types of stitches depending on the size of the hole you want to repair.
Small holes
Ladder stitch: known as an invisible stitch, it's perfect for small tears and holes. If you're looking for a seamless finish, then this is the best option. Works great for delicate fabrics too.
Whip stitch: this type of stitch is better for quick repairs. It's very effective for thick materials like wool or felt. It provides a secure closure, and it's ideal for sealing loose fibers.
Medium holes
Darning stitch: if you've ever repaired a hole in a sock, then you know what darning is. By placing many rows of stitches close together, you create a woven patch effect. It provides reinforcement to the surroundings of the fabric as well.
Running stitch with interfacing: the running stitch is maybe the easiest one. You just need to insert the needle up and down in the same direction to create various stitches. And if you combine it with fusible interfacing, you get a secure repair.
Large holes
Patch method with zigzag stitch: for bigger holes, the best solution is to patch. Particularly for heavy fabrics. Grab a piece of fabric that combines with the plushie, and that covers the entire hole. And do a zigzag stitching to add flexibility and strength to the area.
Buttonhole stitch: to reinforce the edges of large holes, use this type of stitch. Do this before applying any repair method. This will prevent the fabric from tearing.
Sewing process
With all your materials ready, now it's time to start the repair process:
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Lay the furry friend on a flat surface, exposing the area you want to repair.
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Cut any loose stitches and clean around the hole gently using a damp cloth.
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Add more stuffing if the plushie needs it.
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Thread the needle and tie a secure knot at the end. Make sure to use enough thread to cover the hole.
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Grab the needle and insert it into the fabric, inside the stuffed animal. This way, the knot will not be visible.
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Push the needle to the outside and continue doing the stitch of your choice.
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Make small stitches until you have closed the hole.
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To secure the repair, create a finishing knot by pushing the needle under one of the last stitches.
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Pass the needle through the loop of thread and pull it tight.
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Repeat it for security.
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Trim the excess thread and you're done.
More tips and recommendations
PS: If you’re short on time or simply prefer a needle‑free solution, consider our guide on how to fix a stuffed animal without sewing for a quick alternative repair method.
Sewing doesn't have to be hard. You just need to be prepared. Get your work area ready by cleaning it and ensuring it is well-lit.
If you are going to repair large holes, prepare the fabric patches in advance. This way, the process can be faster.
In case the plushie's fabric is sturdy, look for stronger thread.
And if you want the repair to be truly invisible, look for a clear thread or fishing line. These blend seamlessly with any fabric color.
How can I make the repair look more like the original stitching?
This can be harder to do. It may work well in small tears or loose stitches. But in bigger holes, it's kind of difficult to make it look like the plushie hasn't suffered any damage.
In case you are repairing a small tear, you can match the stitch spacing to the original seam pattern.
Follow along the previous stitches that got loose. Typically, you could see the holes where the original seam was.
By doing this, you'll be creating a more authentic appearance.
Professional techniques to hide the repair
You can also hide the repair by:
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Keeping stitches neat and evenly spaced.
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Pulling the thread taut to maintain consistent tension.
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Use the ladder stitch well executed to ensure an invisible seam.
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Gently fluffing the surrounding fur or fabric to help camouflage the repair.
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Concealing knots by pulling them inside the stuffed animal.
If your plushie is missing an eye, consider reading how to fix an eye on a stuffed toy.
Can I use a sewing machine to fix my kid’s plushie?
Using a sewing machine may be tempting because who likes to sew by hand?
It helps you sew significantly faster. Not to mention, it creates stronger and tighter seams.
You could use it, but the problem is that it's not so great for small areas or thick fabrics. And if the plushie has a lot of stuffing, it may clog the machine. It's not suitable for delicate or intricate repairs, either.
So what can you do? You want to repair the furry friend with your sewing machine. Maybe you don't trust in your hand sewing skills. Or you feel it may be more practical. Just make sure to look for one with the required features.
The sewing machine must have adjustable speed control. It has to be strong enough to handle plush fabric. And it must be able to make small, tight stitches.
About the needle, use a ballpoint one for fleece materials. If the fabric is too thick, use a jeans needle.
For best results, combine machine and hand sewing techniques. Leave the machine for long straight seams. And hand sewing for small repairs.
