How to Make Felt Snowmen

Snowmen have the uncanny ability to bring a smile to the face of even the most hardened Scrooge. Take advantage of the uplifting effect of snowmen by making these delightful felt snowmen to create a holiday grouping or to hang atop the door to welcome guests.

Things You'll Need

• White felt
• Miniature buttons
• Watercolors
• Permanent marker, black
• Scraps of wool
• Embroidery floss, blue or black)
• Needle
• Thread
• Glue
• Dowel (optional)
• Twigs (optional)
• Wire (optional)

Instructions

1. Look through craft books or children's coloring books to find a suitable pattern for your snowman. A simple outline is all that is needed, as you will be adding your own details later. If you have difficulty finding just the right pattern, sketch the outline of a snowman onto plain paper. Cut out the pattern with a sharp pair of scissors and trace it onto heavy cardboard or thin plastic to create a template that will last for years.

2. Cut two snowman shapes from white felt. You can purchase felt wherever fabric is sold. It is available in squares or on the bolt. Be sure you purchase enough to make several snowmen.

3. Stitch around the form of the snowman with a blanket stitch using blue or black embroidery floss. Leave a small opening to stuff the snowman. Fill with fiberfill to create a slightly puffy snowman and continue to stitch closed. Tuck fiberfill into the corners using the end of a pencil or a wooden dowel.

4. Glue miniature buttons down the front. Using a needle and thread, sew black seed beads in place for the eyes. Dab a touch of pink watercolor for the cheeks and draw on a smile with a felt marker. A dot or orange is all that's needed for the nose. Add eyelashes and other facial features, if desired.

5. Cut a strip of brightly colored woolen fabric or other heavy weight fabric to create a scarf. Wrap around the neck and tack in place under the chin. Use your fingers to gently fray the ends to simulate fringe. Add a fabric hat, if desired. A baby sock makes a wonderful hat. Simply cut it to the length you desire. Roll the top to form the brim of a stocking hat and stretch it over the snowman's head. Stitch the open end closed and stitch in place on the snowman's head.

6. Display several snowmen hung from a natural cord draped around windows or doors, or insert medium-weight wire into the base and attach to a wooden dowel or twig. Insert the dowel into a vase of natural twigs or evergreen sprays. Make an assortment of snowmen in varying sizes to create a charming display of snowpeople.

Tips & Warnings

• Attach a decorative cord and use as tree ornaments or attach to gift tags for a delightful gift from the heart.

• A tiny stuffed snowman is adorable as an accent to gift baskets or gift jars.

Resources

• Snowman Patterns