Pattern Description:
This is an easy-to-make unicorn sewing pattern for a plush toy that small kids can comfortably hold or use as a small cushion.
It features a satin mane and golden horn. The design avoids fiddly legs or gussets, simplifying the construction.
It can be customized with various pastel colors for the body and a matching satin mane and inner ears. The project should take approximately 40 minutes to complete.
Materials Needed & Measurements:
- Fabric: Plush for the body and outer ears, satin (or silk or chiffon) for the mane and optional inner ears, golden accent fabric for the horn.
- Ribbon: 1/8″ (3mm) black satin ribbon for the eyes.
- Thread: Matching thread and black cotton for eyes if stitching.
- Stuffing: For the unicorn body and horn.
- Tools:
- Free unicorn plush pattern (downloadable PDF file).
- Scissors (or rotary cutter and a cutting mat).
- Ruler or measuring tape.
- Iron and ironing board.
- Sewing clips or pins.
- Sewing machine.
- Knitting needle or chopstick (for turning ears).
- Fabric glue (optional, for eyes).
- Optional: DIY fabric rose for the neck (substitute pearl beads with 3mm yellow ribbon for toddlers).
Measurements:
- Finished size of the unicorn plush pillow toy: approximately 18 x 14 inches / 45 x 35cm (including horn, mane, and ears).
- Mane fabric: 44 inches x 5 inches (112 x 13cm) piece of satin, folded and gathered to approximately 22 inches (66cm).
- Eye ribbon: 2 1/4 inches (5.5cm) piece of black ribbon per eye.
- Opening for stuffing: 3 inches (8cm) area at the middle of the base.
- Horn base fold: 1/4 inch section.
- Mane stitching: Two parallel lines ¼ inch (6mm) from the edge.
Instructions for Making the Unicorn Plush Pattern:
STEP 1: Prepare the unicorn sewing pattern
First, download the unicorn plush pattern onto your computer. Print it at 100% scale (without any scaling) using a program like Adobe Reader.
The pattern consists of 5 pages, which you will then assemble according to the instructions. Avoid printing directly from a web browser, as this can distort the pattern.
The finished unicorn plush toy will be approximately 18 x 14 inches / 45 x 35cm, including the horn, mane, and ears.
You have the option to slightly enlarge or shrink the pattern if you wish to make a larger or smaller unicorn.
STEP 2: Cut the fabrics
Lay out the pattern pieces on your plush fabric, being mindful to utilize your fabric economically.
It is crucial to ensure you cut a left and a right side for the main head piece. Cutting two separate pieces for the head rather than folding and cutting through two layers, as plush can be difficult to cut accurately when folded.
Pin the pattern pieces in place to prevent them from shifting during cutting. You can choose to make the inner ears from satin to match the mane, in which case you would cut two outer ear pieces from plush and two smaller inner ear pieces from satin.
STEP 3: Pin the ears
Take the plush fabric for the ears and lay them right side to right side, then pin them together in position.
STEP 4: Stitch the ears
Stitch around the edge of both ears, making sure to leave the bottom edge unstitched.
STEP 5: Turn the ears around
To reduce bulk, cut across the corner at the point of each ear, being careful not to cut too close to your stitch line.
Next, turn both ears right side out, using a knitting needle or a chopstick to carefully poke out the ends and achieve their correct shape.
Once turned, fold each ear in half and pin it. Set the ears aside as they will be attached later.
STEP 6: Make the mane
For the mane, cut a piece of satin fabric measuring 44 inches x 5 inches (112 x 13cm). Fold this fabric right way out along its length. Set your sewing machine to its longest stitch length.
Stitch two parallel lines ¼ inch (6mm) from the folded edge, leaving the thread ends long at both the start and end of your stitching.
Use these long thread ends to gently pull the satin fabric into an even gather along its length, aiming for it to end up at approximately 22 inches (66cm).
STEP 7: Layer the head pieces
Lay one piece of the unicorn head on your work surface with the right side facing up. Take one of the prepared ears and place it in the designated position on the head, as indicated on the main pattern piece.
The folded edge of the ear should face the top of the head, with the raw edges of the ear aligned with the raw edge of the plush fabric.
Now, pin or clip the gathered mane to the edge of the plush fabric, ensuring its raw edges are aligned with the edge of the pattern piece.
Position the mane starting just before the ear placement and extending to the bottom of the neck’s curve. Finally, pin the other ear over the mane, aligning it with the first ear you placed.
STEP 8: Stitch the head
Stitch over the ears and mane, carefully removing pins as you sew. Since there are multiple layers of fabric in the ear area, it’s advisable to go over the ears twice to ensure they are securely attached.
STEP 9: Finish making the head
After removing all pins from the previous step, lay the second side of the unicorn head over the first side, with the wrong side facing up. Carefully line up the edges and then pin it in position.
Proceed to sew all the way around the head, but remember to leave a 3-inch (8cm) opening at the middle of the base. This opening is essential for turning the unicorn pillow toy right side out later.
STEP 10: Prepare the horn
Take the triangular piece designated for the horn. Fold it over with the right side of the fabric facing inwards. Stitch along the straight edge of the triangle.
Once stitched, clip the very top corner of the horn piece. Then, turn the horn right side out so it is ready for stuffing.
STEP 11: Turn the unicorn pillow around
Carefully clip all the curves of the unicorn head, making sure not to cut through your stitching. This helps the curves lie smoothly when turned.
Now, turn the main head piece right side out. Take a moment to inspect it and ensure you haven’t missed stitching any section of the mane or ears.
If you find any missed sections, turn the piece back to the wrong side and re-stitch over that area.
STEP 12: Stuff the unicorn pillow
Your unicorn pillow is now ready for stuffing. Distribute the stuffing evenly, pushing it firmly into the edges to ensure the toy is well-shaped and plump.
Once stuffed to your desired firmness, hand stitch the 3-inch (8cm) opening closed using an invisible stitch.
This type of stitch, while not truly “invisible,” involves making very small stitches that are hidden within the plush fabric by pushing the needle along inside the fabric before making the next tiny stitch. Looking at the back of a man’s tie for an example of this technique.
STEP 13: Stuff and attach the horn
It’s time to stuff the horn. Make sure the filling reaches right to the tip of the horn and that it is firm, maintaining its conical shape.
To attach the horn to the head, fold over a ¼ inch section at the base of the horn and pin it in place on the unicorn’s head. Using the same invisible stitches as before, carefully attach the horn to the head.
STEP 14: Add eyes and eyelashes
For the finishing touches, add the eyes and eyelashes to the sleeping unicorn. Cut a 2 ¼ inch (5.5cm) piece of black ribbon for each eye.
Place one piece in a curved position on the head, adjusting it slightly up or down until you find the perfect position for the eye.
You can then secure it in place using fabric glue or stitch it down with invisible stitches and black cotton thread.
For the eyelashes, cut smaller strips of ribbon. Glue or stitch one end of each eyelash strip down, closest to the eye ribbon, leaving the other end loose and “fluttery”. Repeat this process for the other side of the unicorn’s head.
Optional Unicorn Plush Toy Additions:
You can add a DIY fabric rose to the neck of the unicorn. I recommend substituting any pearl beads in the center of the rose with a couple of twists of thin 3mm yellow ribbon to prevent accidental swallowing. Pearl beads are acceptable for older children.
Download Free PDF:
