• Cover Image
  • Hippo girl
  • Front Cover
  • Back Cover
  • Trio
  • hippo stuffed animal pattern
  • Spotted hippo
  • Twinkle Toes Hippo
  • Sitting Hippo Plush
  • Pink Tummy Hippopotomus
  • painted toenails on hippo
  • Hippopotumus plushie
  • hippo stuffed animal spotted
  • Hippo side view
  • Hippo Plushie Minky
  • Hefty Hippo Plushie
  • Fuzzy hippo
  • Cotton Hippo Plushie
  • Bundle on Patterns website
  • Dasie 2

Hefty Hippo Soft Toy Sewing Pattern and Tutorial

(21 customer reviews)

$11.99

An adorably quirky hippo with realistic flare.

Description

Second in size only to the elephant, curvy cuddles are just stitches away.

Imagination can take you Anywhere!

A quirky, squishy and cuddly hippopotamus is sure to bring snuggles and smiles! A variety of fabrics work well for this project, my favorite for optimum softness is minky. 

This sewing project is suitable for an adventurous confident beginner since there isn’t any complicated sewing for the easiest options and I walk you through each step with detailed instructions and photos to illustrate each step.  Your creativity is encouraged with variations to help you customize your stuffed animal. Variations can also help you plan for the skill level and time commitment of your project. 

Add a little tutu for a girly touch or a bowtie for a dapper chunky fellow.

  • Deceptively easy to make
  • Detailed  step by step instructions 
  • Photos accompany each step
  • Full size pattern pieces
  • Tips for best results
  • Variations included
  • PDF digital download, available instantly after purchase
  • List of vendors for various materials
  • Print only the pages you need, instructions can be followed on your computer or mobile device (or printed if desired)
  • Make them for a special child, event or even sell your finished plush
  • Prints on standard 8.5″ x 11″ printer paper.  

Experience Level Confident Beginner with Intermediate options

Language: English

Measurements: US Standard Units

Digital Download

Size When Complete

~23 inches from hoof to top of head

~10 inches wide

"I found it a lovely easy pattern as always and a big thank you Rena Dearden for the instructions on the nostrils, I have always wanted to know how to make nostrils but thought it would be really hard but the instructions were so easy!"
Sarah Kilshaw
United Kingdom
"I absolutely love these patterns! I love that most of them are very similar in construction and very well written. This pattern was no different! Great step by step instructions with many variations giving you options for any sewing level."
Shannon Weaver
United States
"This hippo has stolen my heart! I think he turned out great! The options in this pattern makes the Sewists look fancy. Neck roll, toenails, nostrils and tummy details really look great but are very easy to do. Thanks for another cute pattern!"
Jennifer Epp
Canada
Why do you sew?
Do you love the sense of accomplishment? Do you find it relaxing? Do you value handmade heirlooms? Is it your happy place? Do you enjoy the creative expression?
D.A.S.I.E.

Copyright and Terms

This pattern and tutorial is copyright protected.  It cannot be shared, sold, redistributed, copied, etc, in any manner in whole or in part.  A full copyright statement is in the tutorial. You may make items from this pattern to sell on a small ‘home crafter’ scale.  I request that credit be given to Rustic Horseshoe for the design on any items sold.  This is detailed in the tutorial.  I greatly appreciate your honesty and adherence to my copyright and terms, I have put a lot of hard work into not only the creation of my design, but the creation of this pattern and tutorial.

21 reviews for Hefty Hippo Soft Toy Sewing Pattern and Tutorial

  1. Anusha krishnamurthy

    One of the best soft toy patterns ever . The instructions are brilliant , the options and check points as you sew they all come together so efficiently and beautiful. Love your patterns .

  2. Vicki Topen

    I love love love this pattern. Rena has done an amazing job at designing a pattern that both looks amazing and is so easy to understand. Now with the video tutorial it will be even easier. I love how quickly it goes together with all of the different options you can add according to you taste and skill level. I love this style of plushie as it makes the most adorable cuddly toy or keepsake that any child or adult with absolutely love. I will use this pattern over and over again.

  3. kimsdreamkreations

    I love this pattern. Easy to make for anyone. Have had alot of compliments on the finished hippo. I love all of your work. Love the different options in your patterns. Thank you for such great creativity.

  4. Shannon Weaver

    This pattern was so fun to make! I absolutely love all of rustic horseshoe designs but so far this one was my absolute favorite!!

  5. JESSICA E INGRAM

    I tested the hippo pattern and loved it. I found the directions clear and the pattern pieces easy to work with. Thank you for another great pattern.

  6. Katie Reist

    Such a fun pattern! The instructions were easy & clear to follow. I’m no expert, but I felt confident making this cute hippo!

  7. Jennifer Epp

    This Hippo is so cute! The instructions are very clear (always read the instructions!) and the curves aren’t too hard for a beginner. Just go slow! Those nostrils are the perfect touch! I see Many more in my future!

  8. Dayna Seely

    This is by far my favourite pattern from Rustic Horseshoe!! The step by step instructions makes it relatively easy to follow even for a beginner sewist. Thank you again Rena for such amazing patterns to make our children’s dreams a snuggly reality.

  9. Teresa Guerrero Impson

    This is a beautiful, fun, and easy to sew pattern! Just choose your fabric wisely, and read the easy-to-follow instructions before cutting. Rena provides photos for visual learners which act as stepping stones towards the finished Hefty Hippo. Enjoy this labor of love! and Happy Sewing!

  10. rachaeltigger

    Absolutely amazing pattern easy to follow extensive instructions with clear concise photos.
    Follow them you will be rewarded with your own hefty hippo. ❤️

  11. Elizabeth Rodriguez

    Omg this is a fantastic pattern for anyone who sews. It has life like features. Nostrils. Hoofs. And a beautiful realistic face. Cute little tail too. And look at those toes!. It’s a really simple fast pattern to make. Easy for intermediate sewers and simple instructions for beginners. And even easy for hand sewing like myself.

  12. Briana

    I love this pattern! It was easier than expected to make and came together quickly. The check point pictures made it less stressful knowing I was on the right track throughout construction.

  13. Kathy Tomblin

    I have sewn many dolls and stuffed animals…..the Rustic Horseshoe patterns are by far the easiest to follow. Even with all the options available she is still able to keep the directions clear. Between the written instructions and the visual pictures there was no chance of error. I thoroughly enjoyed making Hefty Hippo and was honored to be chosen as one of the testers. Once I was done all I could do was sit and smile at him (her). Well…… on to my next Rustic Horseshoe stuffy!!!!

  14. Kellie Walker

    I absolutely love this pattern! So many options and such easy to follow directions! Rena has done it again! I think this pattern s my favorite so far!

  15. Shannon Smith

    I thoroughly enjoyed make the Hefty Hippo! I was much easy than I was expecting, the instructions and photos made the pattern a breeze to follow. I just love that there a number of options to choose to from which give each Hippo their own personalities.

  16. Mardi Clifford

    I have had the pleasure of testing the hefty hippo pattern and can’t praise Rena enough. It’s another amazing pattern that is well written and an easy pattern to follow with lots of photos to help visual learners, like myself, produce a beautiful hippo plushie.

  17. Andrea Nikolakis

    Such a well written pattern, directions are easy to follow with loads of pictures. The options make it simple to swap from beginner level to intermediate level without compromising on finished cuteness! I’ve made stuffed toys from many designers, Rustic Horseshoe patterns are by far my favorite to sew!! Don’t wait for Christmas, you definitely WANT to sew a hippopotamus today!

  18. Kellie Walker

    If I could give this a rating of 10 I would! It is a fantastic pattern!!! It is very well written with check points to help you stay on track! Rena is an excellent designer! I simply cannot say enough about her patterns!

  19. Rider D’Souza

    The pattern was easy to follow and includes options from beginner to intermediate. The nostrils were the most fun part to make with this pattern. I believe in learning new skills with each pattern I make. This pattern delivered.

    Give it a try and you won’t be disappointed.

  20. Jocelyn Marchuk

    If you have ever wondered if you could make this design – you can!!! Rena’s designs are soooo well made that I truly believe anyone can make them. These patterns are written with very clear step by step instructions and photos to match the steps, which make it even clearer. Patterns have different options to choose from, as well. This little hippo design gets a full five star rating from me!! Keep up the great work! Your patterns rock!,😍👌

  21. Mardi Clifford

    I was lucky enough to be chosen to test this pattern and what fun I had. The pattern and tutorial are so easy to follow, and as usual there are so many options that make a beautiful plush hippo for all sewing abilities. The nostrils and eyelashes give this make so much character.

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