How do you make a stuffed animal sling?

What is a Stuffed Animal Sling?

A stuffed animal sling is a simple handmade accessory that allows you to carry around or display your favorite stuffed animal in a cute and hands-free way. It can be worn across your body, diagonally over one shoulder, or hung on a wall.

Stuffed animal slings are often made using ribbon, fabric, or rope. They usually have an adjustable loop that goes around the stuffed animal’s belly to hold it in place. Some slings may also have decorative embellishments like bows, buttons, or fabric flowers.

Stuffed animal slings are great for kids who want to keep their special plush friend with them all the time. They allow children to have their hands free for playing while keeping their stuffed buddy secure. Slings are also popular with toy collectors and plushie enthusiasts.

Benefits of a Stuffed Animal Sling

There are many benefits to having a stuffed animal sling:

• Allows for hands-free carrying of stuffed animals
• Keeps plush toys secure and prevents loss/dropping
• Cute accessory to personalize stuffed animals
• Allows stuffed animals to be “worn” as a fashion statement
• Great for travel – stuffed toys stay safe and close
• Can be used to display stuffed animals in a room
• Fun DIY craft activity for kids and adults

Having a sling enables you to proudly display your favorite stuffed friend wherever you go. Kids will love being able to keep their special plush pal close all the time.

How to Make a Simple Stuffed Animal Sling

Making a basic stuffed animal sling is an easy, fun craft. Here are the steps:

Supplies Needed

• Stuffed animal you want to make a sling for
• 2 yards of ribbon or fabric (cotton, felt, fleece all work well)
• Needle and thread (or fabric glue)
• Scissors
• Optional: extra decorations like buttons, bows, flowers, etc.

Instructions

1. Cut your ribbon or fabric into two equal 1-yard lengths.
2. Fold over about 1/2 inch on each end of the strips and sew or glue in place. This prevents fraying.
3. Take one strip and tie the ends together to form a large loop. Make sure the loop is big enough to fit comfortably over the stuffed animal’s belly.
4. Position the loop around the stuffed animal’s belly and adjust so it’s centered. Mark where the loop overlaps.
5. Sew or glue the loop in place where it overlaps. Make sure it is securely attached.
6. Take the second strip and tie each end to one side of the loop, creating two strap pieces to go over your shoulders.
7. Adjust the strap lengths to your preference. Tie a knot to shorten or add a decorative bow.
8. Add any additional embellishments if desired.

And that’s it! Your stuffed animal now has its own special sling for carrying or display.

Tips for Making Stuffed Animal Slings

Here are some tips to make the perfect sling:

• Use ribbons or fabrics that match or complement the colors and style of the stuffed animal.
• Make sure the loop fits snugly but not too tight around the stuffed animal’s belly.
• Reinforce the seams with extra stitching to prevent breakage.
• Adjust strap lengths so the sling sits comfortably on your body.
• Have kids customize their slings with fun embellishments.
• Use coordinating thread colors for a cohesive look.
• Consider waterproofing fabric slings for outdoor use.
• Group multiple small stuffed animals in one large sling.

Fun Embellishment Ideas

Personalize your stuffed animal sling with fun decorative touches:

• Buttons, brooches, patches, or pins
• Fabric paint designs
• Colorful stitching or embroidery
• Monogrammed initials
• Bows, ruffles, lace, or rickrack trim
• Appliques of fabric, felt, or ribbons
• Beads, tassels, or pom poms
• Charms on key rings or jump rings

Let your creativity run wild! The right embellishments can really make your sling stand out.

Choosing Fabric and Ribbon

When selecting materials for your sling, keep these tips in mind:

• Durability: Look for tightly woven fabrics or ribbons strong enough to hold the weight of the stuffed animal without stretching out or fraying.
• Comfort: Softer, flexible materials like fleece or satin ribbon work well for slings worn on your body.
• Aesthetics: Matching colors and complimentary patterns give a cohesive finished look.
• Function: Waterproof or outdoor fabrics like canvas work for adventure-loving stuffed animals.
• Stability: For slings that will hang on a wall, choose sturdy fabrics like burlap or woven ribbons.

Recommended Fabrics

• Fleece
• Felt
• Cotton
• Canvas
• Burlap
• Denim

Recommended Ribbons

• Satin
• Grosgrain
• Jute
• Polyester
• Corded ribbon

Choose fabrics and ribbons suitable for your sling’s purpose. Have fun mixing and matching!

Making Adjustable Slings

For greater versatility, you can make adjustable slings that allow you to modify the size. Here are two methods:

With Buckle and Strap

1. Attach one end of the sling loop as normal.
2. Cut two strips for the shoulder straps.
3. Sew a buckle to one shoulder strap end.
4. Attach the other end to the sling loop.
5. Thread the second strap through the buckle.
6. You can now adjust sling length by sliding the strap through the buckle.

With Velcro

1. Sew one side of a Velcro strip onto each shoulder strap end.
2. Attach strap ends to sling loop as normal.
3. To adjust, detach Velcro and re-attach at desired length.

Adjustable slings allow for custom fitting. Kids can let out the straps as they grow!

Stuffed Animal Sling Uses

Stuffed animal slings are useful in many situations:

• Travel: Keep plush pals secure through airport trips, road trips, and vacations.
• School: Help schoolkids stay comforted carrying a special stuffed friend.
• Events: Make a fashion statement at conventions, festivals, mock interviews/performances.
• Collections: Display prized plushies in a cute way.
• Parties: Liven up celebrations and photos with fun stuffed animal accessories.
• Therapy: Carry therapeutic stuffed animals hands-free.
• Work: Keep a mini plush pal at your desk for stress relief.

Stuffed animal slings are useful for anyone who wants their special stuffed friend by their side!

Fun Fabric Patterns to Try

Choose fun, vibrant fabrics and ribbons to make your slings really stand out:

Fabric/Ribbon	Characteristics
Polka dots	Retro vibe, great for red gingham dot cotton
Florals	Feminine and cute, sweet for soft pastel plushies
Plaid flannel	Rustic lumberjack style, perfect for bear slings
Stripes	Classic, use bold colors like nautical red/white stripes
Paw print fleece	Adorable for dog-themed stuffed animals
Unicorn ribbons	Sparkly and magical for fantasy plushies

Mix and match patterns for a funky DIY look. Let the sling reflect the stuffed animal’s personality!

Displaying Stuffed Animal Slings

Stuffed animal slings make for cute room or wall decor when not in use:

• Hang slings on push pins or hooks on a bulletin board.
• Use over-the-door hangers to display rows of hanging slings.
• Install wall-mounted coat racks or wooden doll display hangers.
• Group collections of slings together in fun arrangements.
• Match sling styles to your room’s theme – nautical, fairy, jungle, etc.

Decorative stuffed animal slings are a great way to show off your ever-growing plushie collection. Let your favorite plushes brighten up your space!

Safety Tips

To safely use stuffed animal slings:

• Check for loose threads, damaged fabrics or weak seams regularly.
• Avoid overloading slings with extremely large/heavy stuffed animals.
• For young kids, supervise use and detach slings during active play or sleep.
• Follow age guidelines and avoid long drop lengths for babies/toddlers.
• Remove choking hazard attachments like bows before giving slings to very young children.

Properly designed slings are safe accessories. Take care and have fun carrying your plushies in style!

Conclusion

Stuffed animal slings are easy, enjoyable crafts that provide a cute and practical way to keep special plush pals close. Making matching slings for collections or groups of stuffed friends can be a fun activity for crafters of all ages. Personalize them with special fabrics and embellishments to show off each stuffed animal’s unique personality. Sturdy slings allow for hands-free carrying and displaying of precious plushies during travel, events, school, playtime, and more. With some basic materials and simple techniques, you can create customizable slings to show some love for your favorite furry friends!