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

[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! :)

[Paige]

Thank you for sharing that tutorial - I can't wait to make this with my kids!

[jenny]

This is such a lovely idea - as usual! Fantastic imagination!

[sinem]

so cute:)

[Chantal]

I agree with commenter -Katie-
Super cute idea to perserve the traditional hand turkey.

How well does it stand up? Did you need to prop it against something or make a bean bag in the bottom?

[MonsterBug Blankets]

This was soooo cute that I HAD to start it right away. Waaaaa--my baby's hand is too small. :P He's two, but the fingers were too tiny (and he's a chunk!)--flipping them was a pain! I gave up after that. Maybe when the kiddos are a bit older? Or we'll stick to unstuffed? It's too precious to not do!

[marie]

very cute!
TY :)
~marie

[Silvia]

Wow! thanks for the tutorial! It's great!

[mayaluna]

I love this! the idea is fantastic and your choice of fabrics is really perfect. Yup, I really love it!

[Tricia]

I love this, what a great idea and how fun to try every year

[pretty penny designs]

So cool. We are definitely doing this one!

[Leslie]

I got out my materials today and have three little hands ready to go. I can't wait to see the end result. So cute.

[geek+nerd]

This is really awesome! What a fun keepsake of a classic kid activity :)