How To Make

Simple snowballs in the hoop

ITH Snowball Stuffies Tutorial

A collection of finished, plush snowball stuffies with cute embroidered faces.

Recommended Fabrics

For this project, I recommend using a 4-way stretch fabric. However, a two-way stretch fabric will also work effectively. Suitable fabrics include:

  • Fleece: Soft and warm, often used in blankets and apparel.
  • Sherpa: Has a textured, wool-like surface, great for cozy items.
  • Velboa: A low-pile, faux fur fabric, often used in baby items.
  • Velvet: Luxurious and soft, with a distinct smooth pile.
  • Cuddle Fabric: Similar to Minky, known for its softness and plush feel.
  • Microfiber Fabric: Made of fine, soft fibers, used for towels, cloths, and linens.
  • Flannel: A soft woven fabric, slightly brushed for a smooth feel.
  • Plush Fabric: Any soft, furry fabric, often used for toys and comfort items.

INFO: I created the six snowballs shown using my larger hoop. To replicate this, you will need to merge the files in your embroidery software. The folder includes individual files for each snowball, allowing you to choose the ones that best fit your project.

The embroidery design files for the different snowball faces.

Stitching Instructions

Step 1: Embroider the Front

Hoop a tear-away stabilizer with one piece of your main fabric (e.g., minky).

A piece of white minky fabric hooped with tear-away stabilizer.

When embroidering on fluffy fabrics, be sure to place a layer of water-soluble topping over them to keep the surface flat and ensure the stitches don't get hidden in the pile.

A layer of water-soluble topping placed over the minky fabric in the hoop.

Stitch the outline and all the decorative elements for the face.

The snowball's face and outline stitched onto the minky fabric.

Step 2: Final Assembly and Finishing

When everything is stitched, pause the machine before the last seam (the final outline). Lay the second piece of fabric over the top with right sides together.

A second piece of minky fabric placed over the embroidered front, right sides together.

The backing fabric correctly positioned, ready for the final seam.

Sew the final outline seam. It is recommended to choose an outline thread color that closely matches your fabric color.

Remove the project from the hoop and trim the excess fabric along the outline.

Trimming the excess fabric from around the stitched snowball.

The snowball after being trimmed, with an opening for turning.

Turn the ball right side out through the opening, then fill it with padding. Make sure to fill it tightly for the best shape.

Stuffing the snowball with polyester fiberfill.

Next, hand-sew the opening closed.

Hand-sewing the opening of the stuffed snowball closed.

Once it is sewn shut, roll the ball between your hands and gently manipulate it to create a nice, round sphere shape.

Rolling and shaping the finished snowball by hand.

The finished, plush snowball stuffie, ready for a snowball fight!

Please feel free to ask any questions.

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