Designed in 2022-Released in 2023
The flamingo pool float drifted onto the scene in 1957 and has been an iconic symbol of summertime water fun every since. Embrace that summer feeling all year long with this adorable and cuddly plush version of the flamingo pool float.
Hey, it makes a good floor pillow too! Oh, and it is so much cuter than its floating plastic counterparts. Don’t be surprised if it ends up around the head of pretty much anyone as it is almost irresistible to test it out as a hat.
Includes:
Full Size Templates
Two Options to Sew the Circle
Video Link for Circle Tutorial
Video Link for Embroidered Mouth/Nostrils Tutorial
Easy to Follow Bite-Size Instructions
Photos Accompany Each Step
Skill Level - Confident Beginner with Intermediate Option
Skills and Techniques Used
- Fundamental Sewing Basics
- Sewing Tight Curves
- Clipping Curved Seams
- Machine Applique (optional for markings)
- Attaching Safety Eyes
- Hand Sewing (to close seams & attach head)
- Hand Applique (to attach optional eyelids)
- Basic Embroidery (to apply mouth and nostrils, optional)
- Applying Wire or Lock Joint Armature (optional, but recommended for neck support)
Photo Gallery
Materials and Tools Needed
- 2/3 yard minky or Luxe Cuddle® (alternative fabrics: quality cotton, fleece, repurposed clothing, etc)
- ~10″ x 4″ of minky for beak (alternative fabrics: quality cotton, fleece, flannel, repurposed clothing, etc)
- Small scrap of minky for optional beak tip applique (I used two colors) (alternative fabrics: quality cotton, fleece, flannel, repurposed clothing, etc)
- ~ 22-26 oz fiber filling
- 1 pair 20mm, 24mm or 30mm safety bolted eyes (30mm is shown in this tutorial) (alternatively make fabric appliqued or embroidered eyes)
- Optional: 3/16″ lock joint armature in desired length or 18 gauge wire
- Optional: Less than a ½ skein black embroidery floss (for mount & nostrils)
- Optional: 1 pair false eyelashes (the kind people wear)
- Notions: scissors, thread, sewing machine
Pattern Testers' Flamingo Floatie Gallery
Oh, how I appreciate my pattern testers who volunteer their time and talents to test it out and provide feedback. My favorite part of it is seeing the creativity of each tester as they curate the fabrics for their flamingo and bring it to life. A huge thank you to each one of them!
Pattern testers used a variety of fabrics, including: minky, cotton, fleece, velvet and even a repurposed chenille bed spread.
A couple testers added their own versions of wings and a tail, some added bling around the neck and a couple used very lavish feather eyelashes. One tester carved a pool noodle to put in the circle and stuffed the head and neck with small cut up chunks of the pool noodle to make it water friendly…and actually float!
Three testers sewed the entire flamingo by hand and one reduced it to 50%…adorable!
The wire or armature provide support for the neck but also make the neck poseable! The neck has a curve designed into it, but you can have fun with posing it too!
Pattern testers’ skill level ranged from beginner to advanced/professional.
Have fun and let your creativity drive you! I’d love to see your finished flamingo! You can share your makes in my Facebook Group or even email them to me.
Why Make a Flamingo Floatie Plush?
Well, why not!?
Heirloom quality toy
Inspires active play and imagination
Did you know if makes a great hat?
Makes a memorable and fun gift
A memory flamingo is more fun than a memory bear
You will tap into your own creativity when you make it
Sewing and crafting are therapeutic
Great décor in a nursery
Wonderful addition to any toy room
Fun décor in your living room
Sell finished flamingos at handmade markets
You’ll love watching it come to life as you make it
You’re never too old to cuddle a soft toy…or you can call it a throw pillow…I don’t judge
It is difficult to accurately describe the skill level needed for each project as the skill level itself can be quite subjective. Each traditional skill level has a wide spectrum of ability associated with it. I have tried to assign a general skill level to each pattern, however, please review specific techniques used in the pattern to determine if it is a good fit for you to try. Keep in mind I write my tutorials in bite-sized easy to follow steps, each accompanied with photos.
I aim to have each pattern attainable for a confident beginner and some have variations that may be more advanced, but they are optional. You’ll be provided with all the instructions, tips and material list to create a plush toy just like those pictured in the tutorial…I keep nothing secret. Each pattern and tutorial provides the blueprint for you to make it just like I have. An easy to make pattern doesn’t have to be simplistic looking…it can look amazing!