How to Make an Animal Face Pillow Plush – Complete Step-by-Step Guide

Introduction

In this tutorial, ZMAKER Ava from Peachy Paw Studios demonstrates how to create an adorable animal face pillow plush using Big Z Fabric's long pile faux fur, minky, and Baby Soft Vinyl. The project combines applique techniques, faux fur sewing methods, and plush construction to create a soft decorative pillow featuring dimensional cheek fluff, vinyl facial features, and stuffed ears.

The tutorial covers the entire process from preparing the pattern and transferring it to fabric, to sewing the face together, stuffing the plush, and finishing it with an invisible ladder stitch.

Materials Needed

Gather the following supplies before beginning:

Fabrics

• 2 ft × 2 ft cut of Minky fabric (face)
• 7 in × 7 in cut of Long Pile Faux Fur (cheek fluff)
• 6 in × 8 in cut of Baby Soft Vinyl (eyes and mouth)
• 5 in × 8 in cut of Baby Soft Vinyl (inside ears)

Filling

• Polyester Poly-Fil stuffing

Sewing Supplies

• Paper pattern
• Fabric scissors
• Paper scissors
• Fabric marker or pen
• Straight pins
• Sewing machine
• Black thread
• White thread
• Hand sewing needle
• Brush or comb for faux fur seams

Step 1: Prepare the Pattern

Begin by cutting out the paper pattern.

Because the face pattern is symmetrical, only one half of the pattern needs to be cut.

Cut out the following pattern pieces:

• Face
• Eyes
• Mouth
• Ears
• Cheek fluff

Before moving on, draw small guide lines where the cheek fluff will attach to the face. These markings will serve as alignment guides later during construction.

Step 2: Transfer the Face Pattern to Minky

Before tracing the pattern, determine the direction of the minky pile.

Draw an arrow on the back of the fabric indicating the pile direction.

The exact direction is not important, but it must remain consistent for every pattern piece.

Position the pattern approximately:

• ½ inch (1 cm) from the fabric edge.

Trace:

• The outside edge
• Interior placement lines
• Alignment marks for the cheek fluff

Flip the pattern over and repeat to create the mirrored half.

Cut both pieces, leaving approximately:

• ½ inch (1 cm) seam allowance

The two pieces become the front and back of the pillow.

Step 3: Prepare the Faux Fur Cheek Fluff

Mark the pile direction on the cheek fluff pattern.

Transfer the pattern to the backing of the faux fur while keeping the fur pile running in the proper direction.

Trace four pieces total:

• Two mirrored pieces for the front
• Two mirrored pieces for the back

Leave approximately:

• ½ inch (1 cm) between each traced piece.

Step 4: Cut the Faux Fur

Cut the faux fur using short, careful snips.

Only cut through the fabric backing rather than the fur fibers.

This preserves the long pile and creates cleaner seams once assembled.

An X-Acto knife may also be used for this step if preferred.

Step 5: Attach the Cheek Fluff

Align each cheek fluff piece with the guide marks previously transferred to the face.

Pin beginning at:

• The top
• The bottom

Then fill in the remaining area with additional pins.

Sew directly along the seam line using a straight stitch.

Backstitch at both the beginning and end of the seam.

Repeat until all four cheek fluff pieces have been attached to both face panels.

Step 6: Prepare the Vinyl Appliqué Pieces

Cut the vinyl into smaller sections for:

• Eyes
• Mouth
• Nose
• Inner ears

The instructor uses larger pieces than necessary simply to better demonstrate the sewing process.

Step 7: Appliqué the Inner Ears

Place the vinyl behind the minky ear pieces with the finished side facing outward.

Pin securely at the top and bottom.

Sew directly on the traced outline using a stitch length of approximately:

• 3 mm

Because the curves are small, sew slowly.

Frequently stop with the needle down and pivot the fabric while lifting the presser foot as needed.

Backstitch at the beginning and end.

After sewing, trim closely around the seam, leaving only:

• 1–2 mm outside the stitching.

This cleans up the applique and smooths the curved edges.

Repeat for the second ear.

Step 8: Appliqué the Facial Features

Attach the vinyl facial features using the same applique technique.

Pin the vinyl behind the face.

Sew carefully around:

• Eyes
• Nose
• Mouth

The mouth and nose contain tighter curves and require slower sewing with frequent pivoting to maintain smooth lines.

After stitching, trim away the excess vinyl close to the seam.

Repeat the process for every facial feature.

Step 9: Prepare the Face for Assembly

Once both face panels are complete, place them:

• Right sides together

Draw two guide marks along the chin area to indicate where the opening for stuffing will remain.

This opening should not be sewn shut during machine construction.

Step 10: Sew the Pillow Together

Begin pinning at the top of the face.

When pinning across the faux fur sections, use your fingers to push the fur fibers inside the seam allowance before inserting each pin.

This prevents long fibers from becoming trapped in the stitching.

Sew completely around the perimeter following the seam allowance while leaving the stuffing opening at the chin.

Because several layers of faux fur overlap, sew slowly through these thicker sections.

Step 11: Trim the Seam Allowance

Trim away the excess seam allowance around the completed pillow.

Although optional, reducing the seam allowance:

• Minimizes bulk
• Produces cleaner corners
• Creates smoother finished seams

Step 12: Turn the Pillow Right Side Out

Turn the pillow through the opening at the chin.

Use the blunt end of a pair of scissors to carefully push out the ear corners.

Avoid using sharp tools that could puncture the fabric.

Step 13: Brush the Faux Fur

Use a brush or comb to pull any trapped fur fibers out of the seams.

Brushing restores the fluffy appearance of the cheek fur and helps hide the seam lines.

Step 14: Stuff the Pillow

Fill the pillow with Poly-Fil stuffing.

Begin stuffing at:

• The tops of the ears

Then continue working downward toward the chin.

Pay special attention to filling the base of the ears completely.

Firm stuffing in this area reduces bunching and helps the ears maintain their shape.

Continue stuffing until the pillow reaches the desired firmness.

Step 15: Close the Opening

Use a ladder stitch to close the remaining opening.

Create several ladder stitches before pulling the thread tight.

As the thread is tightened, the seam closes neatly and hides the stitches inside the fabric.

Continue ladder stitching until the opening is completely closed.

Add additional stuffing as necessary before finishing the final stitches.

Tie off the thread securely and hide the knot inside the pillow.

Tips from the Instructor

• Because the pattern is symmetrical, only one half needs to be cut.
• Keep the minky pile direction consistent throughout the project.
• Transfer alignment marks carefully to simplify assembly.
• Cut only the backing of faux fur to preserve the long pile.
• Sew faux fur slowly and push fibers into the seam before stitching.
• Use a stitch length of approximately 3 mm when appliqueing vinyl.
• Pivot frequently while sewing tight curves around facial features.
• Trim applique pieces closely after sewing for clean edges.
• Fill the ears firmly before stuffing the rest of the pillow.
• Brush faux fur after turning the pillow to hide seam lines.
• Use a ladder stitch for a clean, nearly invisible closure.

Final Result

Following these steps creates a soft animal face pillow plush featuring dimensional faux fur cheek fluff, vinyl appliqué facial features, stuffed ears, and an invisible hand-sewn closure. The combination of Big Z Fabric's Minky, Long Pile Faux Fur, and Baby Soft Vinyl produces a plush that is both decorative and cuddly, making it an excellent project for gifts, room décor, or custom character creations.