Originally Designed circa 2012
The Nutty Nag was the first Pudgy Plushie I designed. I originally designed it circa 2012 and it looked considerably different. The body was the same but the head had a very different face. I completely redesigned it in 2017 and gave it a considerable update in 2026 as it consistently places first year over year as the most popular of my patterns…with the Blissful Bovine de-throning it one year but it jumped right back in the saddle and bumped that cow out of the lead.
Unfortunately, its popularity drew the attention of thieves…deplorable pattern pirates. I continue to fight this theft…but you are in the right place to source this pattern from the original and legitimate source…thank you! To learn more about this pattern piracy and grab a 30% off coupon code…visit this page.
Need some inspiration? Check out the horses I made and all the creative, fun and awesome ponies many D.A.S.I.E. Makers have made below!
Includes:
Full Size Templates
Yarn or Fabric Strips for Mane and Tail Tutorials
Unicorn Horn
Three Ear Options
Applique for Donkey
Applique for Socks
Wing Option!
Easy to Follow Bite-Size Instructions
Photos Accompany Each Step
Free Video Tutorial by Shanon Fabrics and Teresa Coates!
If you need the Project Planner PDF, you’ll find it at the bottom of this page.
Skill Level: Confident Beginner to Intermediate
Skills and Techniques Used
- Fundamental Sewing Basics
- Sewing Moderate and tight Curves
- Clipping Curved Seams
- Attaching Safety Eyes
- Hand Sewing (to close openings plus to add optional eyelids and optional snout overlay)
- Stuffing
- Stabilizing Ears (optional)
- Add yarn or fabric strips into the seam
Photo Gallery
Materials and Tools Needed
- 2/3 yard smooth minky (alternative fabrics: fleece, quality cotton, repurposed clothing, etc)
- 1/4 yard minky for hooves (alternative fabrics: fleece, quality cotton, repurposed clothing, etc)
- ~7″ x 12″ piece of minky for inner ears (same alternative fabrics)
- 1/4 skein yarn or 1/4 yard minky or knit fabric for mane
- 1/4 yard minky for muzzle and markings (same alternative fabrics)
- ~18 oz fiber filling
- 1 pair 30mm, 24mm, or 20mm safety bolted eyes (or make them from fabric) *30mm and 24mm shown
- Notions: scissors, thread, sewing machine, etc.
The Maker's Gallery!
Nutty Nag Horses
Unicorns and Pegasus
Donkeys
Zebras...and a Reindeer...
My Nutty Nag predates the time I began creating my Testers’ Galleries, compiling images of the plushies pattern testers make during the testing process. So, for my Nutty Nag pattern update, I asked makers in my Facebook group to share images of Nutty Nags they have made and wanted to share here.
Enjoy all of these awesome Nags…by far the most made pattern I have. These images barely scratch the surface of what makers have shared over the years. I’ve seen them in a wide variety of fabrics, such as: quilting cottons, minky, faux fur, fleece, corduroy, denim, repurposed clothing, repurposed baby blankets, repurposed horse rugs/blankets and more! I invite you to join my Facebook group and see what everyone is making…including more Nags! I’d love to see your finished Nag! You can share your makes in my Facebook Group or even email them to me.
…and in case you’re wondering…Caz Hirst made that reindeer by omitting the mane and tail, adding a red nose and antlers…that’s it!
These are reviews for my Swanky Swine...I'll be collecting reviews for my Nutty Nag from over the years and creating some testimonial graphics soon!
Why Make a Nutty Nag?
Inspires active play and imagination.
Makes a memorable and fun gift.
Make a horse to resemble a beloved real horse! Bonus…it can come inside!
Make a zipper pocket in the back to keep tail hair from a beloved horse.
A memory horse is so much more unique than a memory bear!
You will tap into your own creativity when you make it.
Sewing and crafting are therapeutic.
Thoughtful gift.
Wonderful addition to any toy room.
Sell finished nags 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.
Grab the Project Planner PDF!
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!