Pattern Description:
This is a sewing pattern for a Shiba Cube Puppy Plush, taking the classic geometric cube shape to the next level.
The shape forms a chubby little puppy body. It includes four stubby legs, a contrast muzzle, and a little curly tail for the complete Shiba look.
This design is super customizable and could work for animals like Corgis, pugs, cats, and foxes.
Materials Needed & Measurements:
Materials & Tools
- ¼ yard tan fabric (main body)
- ¼ yard cream fabric (body accents)
- 3” × 3” black fabric (felt, cotton, etc.) for eyes and mouth
- 3” × 3” pink fabric for the tongue
- 3” × 3” cream fabric for eyebrows and inner ears
- 4” × 4” fusible web (light or heavy-duty)
- Matching sewing threads
- Poly-fil stuffing
- Basic sewing tools: sewing machine, scissors, iron, hand needles, pins, fabric marker, seam ripper
- Optional: White fabric paint or small rhinestones for eye highlights
- Suggested Fabrics: Thick plush fabrics such as fleece or minky.
Finished Measurements
- Width: 5”
- Length: 5” (excluding tail)
- Height: 6” (excluding ears)
Instructions for Making the Shiba Cube Plush Pattern:
1. Create the Muzzle and Prepare the Face
- Place the straight edge of the Muzzle piece (B) along the bottom of one Front/Back/Top piece (A) with right sides together. Stitch along the curved edge using a zigzag or straight stitch.
- Turn the piece so the right side is facing out and trim the seam allowance to ⅛”-¼” to reduce bulk. This is your plush front panel.
- Trace the facial features (two eyes, mouth, tongue, two eyebrows, and two inner ears) onto the paper side of the fusible web. Fuse the web to the back of the corresponding fabrics and cut out each shape. Keep the inner ears separate for now.
- Arrange the face pieces on the front panel: eyes first, then tongue under the mouth, followed by eyebrows. Fuse in place and optionally secure with a zigzag, straight, or whipstitch.
2. Sew the Inner Legs
- Take the Bottom piece (C) and the four Inner Leg pieces (D).
- Clip small notches (⅛” deep, ¼” apart) along the curved edges of the Bottom piece to match the straight edges of the legs.
- Stretch and align the edges, then sew using a ¼” seam allowance. Repeat for all four legs.
3. Join the Outer Legs and Side Panels
- Align the Side pieces (E) with the corresponding leg openings on the Bottom piece. Pin carefully, adjusting for the 3D shape.
- Sew around each leg, pivoting at corners, and continue along the space between legs. Repeat for the other side.
- Clip inner corners of the seam allowance near the stitching to help the cube turn neatly.
4. Attach the Front, Ears, and Top
- Position the front panel with the muzzle aligned to a raw edge of the Bottom piece. Sew it in place, stopping and starting at the leg seams (¼” from edges).
- Fuse inner ear appliques to two Ear pieces (F). Place each with a blank ear piece, right sides together, and sew along the curved edge, leaving the straight edge open. Turn right side out.
- Mark ear placement lines on the top edge of the front panel. Pin the ears downward, inner ears facing the head, and baste along the seam allowance.
- Take another Front/Back/Top piece (A) for the top of the cube. Place it right sides together with the front and sew along the top edge, starting and stopping ¼” from ends.
5. Form the Cube Structure
- Attach the last Front/Back/Top piece (A) to the open edge of the Bottom piece for the back. Sew beginning and ending ¼” from corners to match previous seams.
- Align the edges of the front and side panels and sew vertically. Leave ¼” unsewn at each end; these are Y-seams where three panels meet. Repeat for all vertical edges.
- Sew the top to the cube, pivoting at corners, and leave a 2-3” gap for turning. Clip corners, turn the cube right side out, and shape the legs and corners.
- Stuff the plush: start with legs and corners, then fill the body. Close the turning gap with a ladder stitch.
6. Make and Attach the Tail
- Place the two Tail pieces (G) right sides together and sew around the outer curve, leaving the short straight edge open. Clip notches on the inner curve, turn right side out, and lightly stuff.
- Sew a gathering stitch ¼” from the open edge, pull to close, and knot.
- Position the tail on the lower back, about ¼” above the bottom seam, curling upward. Sew in place using a ladder stitch.
7. Optional Finishing Touch
- Add a sparkle to the eyes using white fabric paint, a French knot in thread, or a small rhinestone. Let dry completely before handling.
Congratulations! Your Shiba Cube Puppy Plush is now complete.
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