I was making bugs for my mom. I know she likes ladybugs a lot, even though we live in a place where they invade your house by the hundreds! I really know what a ladybug looks like from seeing so many. I cut felt out free hand, and tried to make it look right. Then I sewed it all together. I like making stuffies a lot. I give them to my mom, and friends. I like designing them, because I don’t have to follow any directions! My mom helped me draw the pattern from the original, and wrote out the directions for making it.

Materials: felt – small amounts of red, black, white | ☺embroidery floss – black | size 26 tapestry needle recommended (The rounded point is better for younger needle workers and still pierces the felt just fine. It is also easier to thread than standard embroidery needle. | fiber fill or cotton balls to stuff with | scissors

Directions: Draw the pattern onto paper, or enlarge on a photocopier until you have it the size you want - make sure to make it a big bigger to allow for cutting and sewing.

Cut 2 of the head pattern from black felt. | Cut 2 of the eye pattern from white felt. | Cut 6 of the spot pattern from black felt. | Cut 1 of the body pattern from red felt. | Cut 1 of the body pattern from black felt.

HEAD: Stitch the eye pieces nto one of the head pieces, using black floss. Then stitch the head together – top to bottom using over cast stitch. Leave an opening for the stuffing. Stuff and close the rest of the way.

BODY: On the red body (top) piece, First use a running stitch and black embroidery floss to create a line along the dotted line on pattern. Then stitch the 6 black spots. Use the picture as a guide, or put them where you want! Stitch the top (red) to the bottom (black) leave an opening to stuff. Then close.

PUTTING HEAD ONTO BODY: Put the head into position at one end of the body and stitch using black embroidery floss.

HINT: Don’t worry about your stitches being perfect – it’s part of the charm!

About the maker: Becca is ten years old and in fifth grade. She likes to do crafts, embroider and to draw.

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