Step‑by‑Step Guide to Sewing Your First Whimsical Felt Bob Toy

If you’ve ever watched a child’s eyes light up at a tiny felt bob hopping across the floor, you know there’s something magical about these little creatures. The good news? You can make that magic yourself, right at your kitchen table. In this post I’ll walk you through every stitch, cut, and giggle needed to bring your very first whimsical felt bob to life.

Why a Felt Bob?

Felt bobs are more than just cute toys. They’re soft, safe, and endlessly customizable. Because they’re made from felt—a fabric that doesn’t fray—you can sew them without worrying about loose threads. Plus, the simple shapes make them perfect for beginners who want a quick win before tackling more complex patterns.

What You’ll Need

Before you dive in, gather these basics. Nothing fancy, just the stuff you probably already have in a craft drawer.

Materials

Felt sheets – I like 2‑mm thick cotton felt in bright colors. One sheet per bob is enough for a small size.
Sharp fabric scissors – A clean cut makes the pieces easier to sew.
Needle – A medium‑size embroidery needle (size 5 or 6) works well.
Thread – Polyester embroidery thread in a matching or contrasting color.
Pins – Small straight pins keep the pieces together while you stitch.
Pattern – Print or draw a simple bob shape (a circle for the head, a rectangle for the body, and two tiny ovals for ears). I’ll include a downloadable PDF on the Felt Bob Creations blog.
Stuffing – A small amount of polyester fiberfill.

Optional Extras

Embroidery floss for facial features.
Tiny beads for eyes if you want a 3‑D look.
Fabric glue for a quick fix on the ears.

Step 1: Cut Out Your Pieces

Lay your felt sheet flat on a clean surface. Place the pattern on top and pin it down. Using your sharp scissors, cut around the outline. You should end up with:

One head circle (about 2 inches in diameter).
One body rectangle (about 2.5 inches tall, 1.5 inches wide).
Two ear ovals (each about ½ inch long).

If you’re feeling adventurous, cut a second set of ears in a contrasting color for a “mismatched” look—my first bob had a pink ear and a teal ear and it was a hit at a family gathering.

Step 2: Mark the Stitch Line

Felt is thick enough that you can see where the needle will go, but a little guidance helps. With a fabric marker (or a light pencil), draw a dotted line around the edge of each piece, leaving about a ¼‑inch margin. This line will be your seam line. Keep it light; you’ll erase it later.

Step 3: Sew the Ears to the Head

Take one ear and pin it to the top of the head circle, right where the dotted line meets. The pointy end should face outward. Repeat with the second ear. Now, thread your needle and start a simple running stitch along the dotted line, catching both layers of felt. A running stitch is just a straight line of tiny stitches that go in and out of the fabric. Keep the stitches even—about 3‑4 per millimeter works well.

When you reach the end of the ear, tie a small knot on the inside of the head and trim the thread. Do the same for the other ear. If you’re using two different colors for the ears, you’ll get a playful contrast that adds character.

Step 4: Attach the Body

Flip the head over so the stitched side faces you. Pin the body rectangle to the bottom of the head, aligning the top edge of the rectangle with the bottom edge of the head’s dotted line. Make sure the rectangle is centered; a quick visual check helps.

Sew around the entire perimeter using the same running stitch. When you get back to the starting point, leave a small gap—about a half‑inch—so you can stuff the bob later. Tie off the thread securely and trim any excess.

Step 5: Add the Face

Now for the fun part: giving your bob a personality. Use embroidery floss in a contrasting color (black works for classic eyes). Thread a needle, knot the end, and stitch two tiny ovals for eyes. A simple backstitch—where you go forward a stitch, then back into the previous stitch—creates clean lines.

For a smile, a single curved backstitch does the trick. If you want a nose, a tiny dot of pink felt glued on works nicely. Remember, the face is where you can let your imagination run wild. My first bob sported a tiny mustache made from a strip of brown felt—kids loved it.

Step 6: Stuff the Bob

Turn the bob right side out through the opening you left in the seam. Gently push a small amount of fiberfill into the head and body using a pencil or a small spoon. Don’t overstuff; you want the bob to be soft enough to squish but firm enough to hold its shape.

Once you’re happy with the fullness, close the opening. You can do this with a few invisible stitches (a ladder stitch works well) or a dab of fabric glue if you’re in a hurry. I prefer stitching because it keeps the bob fully washable.

Step 7: Final Touches

Give your bob a once‑over. Check that all loose threads are trimmed, the ears are securely attached, and the face looks just right. If you want to add a little flair, tie a tiny ribbon around the neck or stitch a tiny pocket on the belly for a secret stash of tiny beads.

Tips for Success

Practice on scrap felt first. A quick test piece helps you get the tension right before you work on the real bob.
Keep your stitches small and even. This makes the seams less visible and the bob more durable.
Use a thimble. Felt can be a bit stiff, and a thimble protects your fingertip while you push the needle through.
Don’t rush the stuffing. Adding a little at a time lets you feel the bob’s shape and avoid lumps.

My First Bob Story

I still remember the first bob I made for my niece. I used a bright orange felt for the body and two mismatched ears—one purple, one green. I was nervous about the stitching, but after a few tries the bob took shape. When I handed it to her, she named it “Zigzag” and refused to let it go for a whole afternoon. That moment reminded me why I started Felt Bob Creations: simple, handmade joy that sparks imagination.

Ready to Make Yours?

Now that you have the steps laid out, it’s time to gather your supplies and start cutting. The first bob may feel a little clunky, but that’s part of the charm. Each stitch teaches you something new, and before you know it you’ll have a whole family of whimsical felt bobs marching across your living room floor.

Happy stitching, and may your bobs be ever whimsical!