Handprint Turkey Softie and Tutorial

For me, the hand print turkey is the quintessential Thanksgiving kids craft and it is one of my favorites.  I thought it would be fun to have a more permanent version so I decided to make a softie version.  I'll be the first to say that the following tutorial is very spare (because I'm really supposed to be working on other things) but I had this on my mind and just had to make it!

You'll need:

*two layers of fabric large enough to accommodate your child's hand with at least one inch to spare all the way around

*a few pins

*disappearing fabric marker or pencil

*sewing machine & coordinating thread

*scissors

*poly-fil or other stuffing

*pencil with eraser for help with stuffing

*scraps of felt (wool preferable)for feathers, wings, eyes, beak, and wattle; I used red, orange, gold, yellow, and beige

*fabric glue, like Fabric-Tac

How-to:

With right sides of fabric together, trace your child's hand with the marker/pencil.

Pin the fabric together and sew over marked lines leaving the wrist area open.

Trim within about 1/8" of stitch line.

Snip between the fingers and around any curves.

Turn right side out and poke out fingers.

Using only small bits of stuffing at a time, stuff the fingers then the hand.

Tuck in the bottom opening and edge stitch to close or hand stitch if you've got time - I didn't :)

Feathers should be about the length of the fingers.  I didn't use a pattern but cut them freehand.  I used five different colors and cut two feathers from each one for a total of ten.  Snip along one edge of the feather.

Apply glue only at the base of the feather and attach to the turkey.

Cut two wings, apply glue on one forward end only and place appropriately.

Cut a little triangle for the beak and a little rounded strip for the wattle and glue in place.

Take a little bit of felt and roll it between your fingers to make the eye then glue in place and repeat for the other side.

Tip: If you don't want to machine sew then make the body from felt.  Leave a little more room around the edges of the tracing for hand sewing and there's no need to turn it inside out.  Continue as above with the stuffing and feathers.

Your done!  That was simple right?  Enjoy :)

Comments

[Kim Steffen]

http://www.greenchildmagazine.com/2011/11/turkey-hot-mitts-and-pad/

You inspired our idea that was posted in Green Magazine:-)

[Angie Neil]

LOVE LOVE LOVE! I shared on my FB fan page!
http://www.facebook.com/treasuresfortots

[Justine]

Yes,thanks .i cant wait to try this with my kiddos.

[Christina at I Gotta Create!]

This is SO, SO sweet! You and I were featured together over at The New Home Ec! I'd love it if you linked this up to my "Abundantly Thankful" linky party for Thanksgiving! http://igottacreate.blogspot.com. Either way, have a blessed holiday :)

[Whimsy Couture]

So cute!! I posted this here: http://whimsycoutureboutique.blogspot.com/2011/10/whimsy-finds-handprint-turkey-softie.html

[Kiki]

Too cute!! love it!
Thanks for the tut, I am going to give it a try with my kids.

[lisa]

I did this craft and it was so easy! I love it and now I have my little girls hand print for a turkey! I love it and it will come out every year for thanksgiving! I think I am going to make mommy turkeys too! Love this project thanks for the idea!

[Amanda]

Wow that is so darling! I just love it! I made a stuffed turkey from a glove one year (on the side bar of my craft blog), but don't know why I never thought to do it this way. I LOVE the fabric you chose, very clever!

[Denesa Oberbeck]

Thank you thank you! I've been combing the net for days looking for a craft combining handprints, turkeys and felt. You'd think it would be easy, but it took several tries before I found yours, and you have just what I'm looking for! We're a bunch of moms having a crafternoon party, and this will be so perfect for us. Easy, fun for the kids, and a great way to commmemorate their little tiny hands (although I'll probably make some big momma hand/turkeys for ease). Thanks again!

[Sarah's in the midst of it]

So cute! I was wanting something this year to keep their handprint sizes, so this is perfect; thanks!!

[Cloth Diapers]

What a great way to save a handprint. I must do this for my baby girl! How sweet. Thanks for the idea.

[hillary]

I love this project! We made one yesterday and it turned out so cute. Thank you!

[JanS]

That is so cute. Too bad I didn't see it before Thanksgiving. Maybe this year .....

[Drea]

This is awesome! Next year I'm going to do this with my 3 nephews. I'll make two sets for each set of grandparents!

Thanks so much!

[moonless]

I loved this creative Turkey so much... and mentione it in Turkish in my blog ,thank you:))
www.kelebeklebizbize.blogspot.com

[Kelly Henderson]

I just added your blog to my favorites-- I'm a kids craft lover too... I'm having a little giveaway over at my blog, and I wanted to invite you and your readers over for the drawing.
Have a great weekend,
Kelly
www.monarchpost.typepad.com

[Vintage Kids' Books My Kid Loves]

super cute!

[nathalie]

this is too cute. and simple to make!!! thanks for sharing it! i loove your blog!

[k rose]

oh this is absolutely fabulous!!! :) I love it!

[Tita Carré]

I loved your blog, visit my blog http://agulhaetricot.blogspot.com
Bye

[Puva]

Hello! I came across your blog today while looking for sewing/knitting/crochet ideas. I love your crocheted hearts! You're so talented! :)

[rtsbeacon]

Thank you for this fun activity. My daughter is only 2, so it was really more an activity for me, but I had a great time and she loves playing with the finished product. http://beneaththisbowlofstars.blogspot.com/2008/11/homemade-stuffed-turkey.html

[ann]

Love it! Can't wait to show my dd who made a cooked turkey out of felt yesterday. In fact, I need to post a photo on my blog. Give me a few minutes & come visit to see it:

http://KeepinUpWithTheTatums.blogspot.com

And, Happy Thanksgiving!!!

Ann

[robin]

Thanks for posting this tutorial. Actually this was my very first sewing project and I'm pleased with the end results. I admit I had to try it a few times before getting it right and had to trace an overexaggerated version of my hand so I could reverse the fabric and stuff it with ease.
I linked my end result on my blog linked above. The fingers on mine came out a little crooked but it doesn't matter since they are covered with feathers. I plan to make another one soon.

[Paper Dolls for Boys]

My friend and I are in the middle of this craft, which unfortunately is also probably the end for us.

Your turkey looks so cute and not malformed at all. We must be doing something wrong, nay - we ARE doing something wrong.

Obviously our tracing, sewing and turning inside out skills are not up to this craft.

Happy Thanksgiving anyhoo! :)