My computer decided not to work last night – so you get Monday’s post on Tuesday today! Thank goodness it’s working now… (sign of relief!)
So. You have a ton of stuffed animals… and they are all over your house… what do you do? Put them in an S.A.C. – the S.tuffed A.nimal C.hair, it’s a genius idea that Shannon from googiemomma made and has a tutorial for. Hooray! In case you’ve seen this before, it is from 2011. Problem is I saw it BP (Before Pinterest) and bookmarked it – and forgot about it until my friend pinned it a while ago and reminded me how amazing it is. And… I had the perfect fabric (that I won, eek!) waiting on the shelf! I entered a Violette Field Threads contest this past May where Whimisical Fabric was giving away 8 yards of Riley Blake chevrons and dots in delicious colours… and all of a sudden it was mine. That never happens!
My youngest has a thing for green!
When I won the fabric I told Danielle from Whimsical Fabric that I would post whatever I came up with on Thread Riding Hood, and she offered to give me a discount code to share with all of you. And, as a bonus for you – since Shannon’s S.A.C. pattern does not come with a pattern piece, I volunteered to make one. And, I made it in two sizes because the first one I made is amazingly too big! (Imagine something so large it won’t hold all of your children’s stuffed animals.) I had to stuff one of our extra pillows and the unused (but still loved) nursing pillow in the top to fill it up for the photos!
Whimsical Fabric is just what the name says. I love the playful variety of fabrics that Danielle stocks. And she also has patterns, notions, packaging and clothing blanks – lots to use the discount on! Head over to Whimsical Fabric and use the discount code: TRH10% to get 10% off almost everything in the Whimsical Fabric shop from today until Wednesday, Nov 27th, 2013 at 12 midnight MT! You can even use it for most sale items. (Items that do not apply for the discount will state this in the description.)
I don’t think (if you have children) that I have to try to convince you to make one of these! My kids fully endorse ours and it’s super comfortable to sit on… I’ve tried it! Just don’t put anything too hard inside and you’ll be fine. We even have a mewing cat in there that sometimes goes off if you sit on it right and the kids think that’s hilarious. You can read Shannon’s very funny post about it for more information also, since that is where you will get the bulk of your instructions. On with the pattern pieces?
The large size pattern will get you a (roughly) 85″ around, 18″ high and 25″ across chair. The smaller size pattern will be aprox. 70″ around, 12″ high and 20″ across. Both of my kids like curling up on the large one, in fact they can both fit on it at once. And the smaller one is the perfect size for my youngest who is 3 1/2. As she states – “This fits my bum and legs perfectly.” How do they come up with this stuff?!
You will need:
- Fabric – Assuming it is 42″ wide prewashed, see “Cutting Your Fabric” below for cutting layouts & more information. You will need more for nap and one-way fabrics.
- Large size in 6 fabrics: 2/3 Mtr/Yds each of 5 Outer Top fabrics, 3/4 Mtr/Yd Outer Bottom and 2 3/4 Mtr/Yds Lining
- Large size in 1 fabric: 2 3/4 Mtr/Yds each of Outer and Lining
- Small size in 6 fabrics: 1/2 Mtr/Yds each of 5 Outer Top fabrics, 1/3 Mtr/Yd Outer Bottom and 1 2/3 Mtr/Yd Lining
- Small size in 1 fabric: 1 2/3 Mtr/Yd each of Outer and Lining
- Same yardage as lining in high loft batting if using (less enough for the bottom zipper pieces which do not need batting, more info about the batting below)
- Zipper: 25″ for large size, 20″ for small size
- Pattern Pieces:
- Large Size Pattern Pieces (< click the link to download)
- or Small Size Pattern Pieces (< click the link to download)
- or make your own pattern pieces using goggiemomma’s tutorial
Notes on my changes:
- I only made two changes to Shannon’s tutorial. The first was to add a pentagon shaped patch over where the points of the side pieces match up at the top. This is because I was in a hurry and didn’t take the time to line them up. The second was to adhere batting to the lining as I sewed it together. So the entire chair (except the zippered bottom) is lined with quilt batting. I found that the high loft cheapy polyester batting smooths out any bumpy edges and makes the chair smoother. Especially since I used quilting cotton. Shannon leaves a gap at the top of the lining for some stuffing – either way is great. I have included directions on how to do the optional changes below.
Before you begin:
- Print all pages of the pattern piece pdf in the size you choose on letter size (8.5″ x 11″) or A4 paper. Important: Make sure scaling is set to “None” or “Actual Size” when printing. Once you have printed the pages, measure the 1″ test square to ensure the pattern is the correct size.
- Cut or fold the pages on the outer gray lines and tape/glue the pages together, matching the letters in the gray half-circles.
Cutting your fabric:
- Cut your fabric as per the pattern piece directions and notes on the S.A.C. Tutorial Post on googiemomma.
- Visual layouts for each of the 4 options are below so you can see more easily how much fabric each option uses. Pieces are illustrated in full – not “cut on fold” shape.
- Please use the diagrams as a guide only, referring to the S.A.C. Tutorial for placement.
- You may need more/less yardage for one-way and directional fabrics.
Large Size OUTER Fabric Yardage for 6 Fabrics (see Large Size in One Fabric for Lining Yardage)
Large Size in One Fabric Yardage (You will need this much each for Outer & Lining)
Small Size OUTER Fabric Yardage for 6 Fabrics (see Small Size in One Fabric for Lining Yardage)
Small Size in One Fabric Yardage (You will need this much each for Outer & Lining)
Sewing Instructions:
- Follow the googiemomma directions on the S.A.C. tutorial post to make your Stuffed Animal Chair.
- A 1/2″ seam allowance is included in the printable pattern pieces.
- A 3/8″ seam allowance is included for the zipper seam.
Optional Instruction: Add the Pentagon Patch – Do this after stitching together all of the outer outside pieces. (1) Cut 2 the tiny pentagons out of your fabric (see pattern pages). (2) Stitch them together right sides together. Leave an opening on one side for turning. (3) Turn the pentagon, folding under the opening edges and ironing the sides. (4) Line the straight edges of the patch up with each side of the outer outside pieces and pin generously. (5) Topstitch the patch. (6) Turn the outer pieces over and CAREFULLY! cut out the centre of the fabric that is under the patch.
Optional Instruction: Add Quilt Batting to the Lining – Do this when stitching the lining pieces together. (1) Cut 5 pieces of batting using the outside pattern piece. I used my cut fabric as a template. (2) Place tape over the open edges of your zig-zag foot. This prevents the batting from getting stuck in the points. (3) When stitching the lining together, place 1 batting piece on either side of the lining before stitching, and while it is right sides together. Like this: Batting, Lining pieces Right Sides Together, Batting. (4) Stitch together following the instructions, making sure to stitch each outer outside lining piece with a batting piece.
Here’s wishing you many happy stuffie-free days ahead – and a comfy spot for your kids to sit too! Please share your projects on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram – hashtag: #alongforthreadride so we can see them. I love to share my favorites too!
This is a great idea to store all those stuffed animals! Even with just one girl in the house , we have so much stuffed animals. (people tend to give girls much stuffed animals as a present, and not to boys) I’ve stored a part of them in a garbage bag. I think a S.A.C. is much better and nicer. When I can find the time and the fabric, I’ll make one.
I’m so glad Shannon thought it up and let me post the pattern 🙂 The more stuffed animals the better – it just makes the chair more comfortable!
This is brilliant! My mother would have loved to have one of these for all of my sister and my stuffed animals growing up. Now at least I’ll be prepared for my kids!
I think it’s a great idea and super comfy – and gives the kids a chair of their own! Hooray! I totally wish i had started out with one of these for my kids – lucky you! 🙂
What a fantastic solution for all that stuff all over the place. Maybe I should make one for fabric scraps! What an awesome idea – and yours is perfect. Love the fabrics for it!
Mom
Ooohh… that would be amazing! I’m sure I have enough fabric scraps for that too 🙂 You could re-size the small one and make a footstool!
This makes me very happy Sherri! Thanks for posting. I think this might actually make me want to buy more stuffed animals just to put in the S.A.C! Best idea ever!
Hee Hee! I’m glad 🙂 It’s super comfy with more animals – just sayin’! Maybe a Nov 22nd MG project?
updated the post, sherri! and did a blog post about it too 😉
thanks again!
xoxo
Wow! Thanks so much. I’m off to check it out 🙂
Hi Sherri. Great post. I might have to make these for my girls for Christmas. What a great idea. I did want to mention that you have a typo on the coupon code. It is good through the 27th, not the 17th, so it expires Wednesday, Nov. 27th.
Thanks for sharing what you created with that awesome fabric.
Thanks for catching that Danielle! I have just fixed it. Sorry about that. I think it is correct on the sidebar button – thank goodness! My daughter’s birthday was the 17th, I guess that’s where it came from. Glad you like them. I’ve still got fabric left over and might make a third!
I shared your blog on my Facebook page. It was a perfect use of that fabric. I love them!
Thanks for sharing it Danielle 🙂 I appreciate the shout out! I love the fabrics in these too. And they are washable (given that they are white) – hooray!
stupid question… if i want to use the same fabric through out… how much yardage would i need total?? im so mathematically challenged!! 🙂
Hi Kate, No worries – So am I! I laid it out in my design software to figure it out 🙂 If you make the large one you need 2 1/2 yds or metres EACH for the outer and lining, if you make the small one you need 1 2/3 yds or metres EACH for the outer and lining. Hope that helps. Let me know if you have any other questions. Thanks for asking 🙂 All the best with your new little one! So exciting!
thank you!! your so sweet! i do have another question… we wanted to make it soft and cozy. like shannon’s. 🙂 but i have NO clue what fabric that is OR where to purchase, if i could online! i took home ec in high school and made tons of blankets/projects, but this will be the first outside of high school and pregnancy brain is hitting hard!! 😉
Hi Kate – I’m not sure where you are located – but you could maybe try fabric.com? googiemomma’s fabric is fuzzy on one side and plain on the other – so it looks like some type of upholstery fabric. Not sure though. She may be able to tell you where she got it? Sorry not to be so much help on this one.
Hey lady! So I am finally attempting the SAC! And I too have pregnancy brain! Do I need to cut the lining smaller at the top like google momma,s if I am doing the batting option? And the battng gets attached to the lining right? Thanks!
Oh dear Tara! 🙂 No worries. The lining is cut using the same pattern piece as the outside if you are going to add the quilt batting. You are right, the lining and quilt batting are attached together. Check out the instructions under the “Optional Instruction: Add Quilt Batting to the Lining” title above and hopefully that will help. Let me know if you have any other questions!
In the original tutorial, she says makes the liner slightly smaller than the outside fabric. Did you do that? Do you understand what she meant by a 3 inch gap between the fabrics? Does it mean 3 inches from the tip of the outer fabric? I’m sorry if this is confusing. I’m just trying to learn.
Thank You so much for this tutorial! I made one for my daughter and it solve a big problem we had: a place for all the stuffed animals she has! 🙂
If you want to see it: http://witeedesigns.com/2014/03/stuffed-animal-chair/
Thanks Chris! I’m so glad it worked out so well. These things are super useful! 🙂
Just made one of these and LOVE it! Thanks for the pattern 🙂 I made the big one & now I’m going to make a smaller one for extra blankets and my son wants one for his room as well. I posted mine on my blog: http://michellewhitlow.typepad.com/24-olive-street/2014/03/stuffed-animal-chair.html
Such a great idea!!
So for a large one we need 2.5 yards?
That’s right Ashlee! You need 2 1/2 yards for the outer and 2 1/2 yards for the lining. Hope that helps!
I made one for my Grandson – just the small one. He loves it. The tip about putting tape on your Zig Zag foot is priceless! I can’t believe I have done it the hard way all this time!
Oh Hooray Holly! I’m so glad you got to use the tape trick. I was so pleased when I figured that one out. It’s really a pain to sew though otherwise. And, good to know your grandson is happy. That’s the best! I love it when these tutorials are useful!
Thank you so much for the printable pattern pieces. I just wanted to say that for my lining I bought an unidirectional solid fabric and was able to cut everything out of 2 yards, this is for the large chair. If anyone would like a picture of the layout I would be happy to share, just email me at cassidymod@hotmail.com for a picture.
That’s great Cassidy! I’m so glad it worked out better for you. Always good to save on fabric 🙂 Thanks for including your emali – that’s super helpful!
Just finished making a SAC for my nephew, and I’m half way done with one for my daughter. Thank you so much for writing out the pattern!
Oooh I’m so excited Audrey! So glad you like it! We use ours all the time! 🙂
On googiemomma tutorial, she makes the liner slightly smaller than the outer layer of fabric. What is the reasoning for this? And did you do that?
Hi Madison, The liner is slightly smaller so it fits nicely inside the outer circle. I haven’t found it makes a lot of difference since the whole project is quite large.
Hi sherry I wad wondering if I would be able to use fleece fabric and what type of string? I am very new to sewing:-)
Thanks for asking Carol! You can use fleece, but it will be stretchy, so the shape will get a bit distorted and it might be a bit harder to sew (depending on the type of fleece you get). I’m not sure where you need a string? Let me know and I’ll get back to you right away!
My son has his all in a child’s sleeping bag and sits on it all the time. This would be far nicer! Thank you for the great idea.
Good idea with the sleeping bag! That would work great too 🙂 I’m glad you like this one as well, I suppose it would take up a bit less room!
Hello Sheri, I just found your wonderful site and would love to make this! Where did you find the 20″ closed-end zipper?
Thanks so much Maureen! I must have gotten the zipper from my local box fabric store. You could use a separating one as well. Just sew it in as a non-separating one.
Thanks!
So far the BEST online pattern I have ever printed! AWESOME! Getting the directions printed out so I can start assembling it! Thank you!
Hooray Donna, I’m so glad! Thanks for the encouraging words 🙂 Let me know if you have any questions – I hope the construction went smoothly!
I love this idea! My boy gets a ton of animals and he doesn’t want to part with them. My only question is do the animals get terribly misshapened?
Thanks Janet! We haven’t had any smushed stuffies over here, but I’m not sure. I suppose it might matter how much he was sitting on the chairs or how many animals were stuffed into it? Sorry I’m not more help on that!
Do you think that this would work with Jersey Fabric.
I inherited a lot of the Stretch jersey fabric and have been looking for something useful to do with it.
Hi Lea Ann. The thickness of the Jersey might be an issue, if it is very thin it would not hold it’s shape well. If you add the batting in behind it it might be better – but would still look very lumpy, even if the Jersey is thicker. If you have cheap broadcloth or an old sheet you could back the jersey in that so it wouldn’t stretch – that would likely work the best. Hope that helps!
Hey Sherri,
I’m just writing down the instructions on my pattern (because I’m a write-it-down person, rather than a print the instructions out person) and wondering: If I’m sewing batting on to my lining pieces, do I need to leave the opening in the right side outer piece when sewing it together? From what I’m visualising, the hole in the outer piece is only used to put stuffing in. I just want to make sure before I sew it so I don’t have to rip seams!
I love your blog, by the way 🙂 I just found you a few days ago.
Hi Andrea! So glad you came to visit, glad you like it. Thanks so much 🙂 To be honest, I don’t remember if I left the hole in the outer or not. I think I sewed it up – but left a hole somewhere (likely the lining?) so it could be turned right side out at the end. I’m pretty sure you are right about the outer opening, though. I’d go with that and hopefully you won’t need the ripper!
Finished (finally!) and you don’t need the hole in the outer fabric, only in the lining. I’ll post to instagram 🙂
So, is it just me or is the diagram for how to cut out the larger size from one fabric wrong? I am working on cutting out my liner (after already doing the outer following the diagram) and I’m realizing that if I do the 2 bottom hex pieces that they won’t come out right. I just checked my previously cut outer pieces and am realizing that they both face the same way. Now I have to drive half an hour back to the store with the hopes that they have the same outer fabric still in stock. Thankfully I didn’t do that with my liner fabric since I bought the last of the bolt that was on clearance. Maybe the diagram should be updated. Just my opinion.
Oh no Erin, I am so sorry. I am going to update the diagrams and yardage requirements now. I apologize for your extra time and fabric, I feel so bad about this whole thing. Can I send you a copy of one of my patterns to try to make up for your trouble? Thank you so much for letting me know about it.
No problem Sherri! I don’t know how I missed it when cutting out the outer fabric. I made it work and cut the lining hex properly and used that as the outer for the bottom. The new liking will look a little different but it’s on the inside so it won’t really matter!
I’m so glad it worked out Erin! Hope you enjoy using it!
Maybe this is a dumb question, but when sewing the batting to the lining, shouldn’t the batting pieces be right sides together? So that when it is turned right side out, the batting will be on top of the lining and therefore in between the outer fabric and the lining? Please advise! I’m new to sewing projects, thanks so much!!! I can’t wait to finish this for my girls ☺️
Thanks for asking Ashley! Attaching the lining right-sides-together hides the seam allowance, so the raw lining/batting edges are hidden inside with the batting. Trust me 🙂 It will work! Promise! Let me know if you have any other questions – your girls are going to love their chair 🙂
Great idea. but just saying I use Bean bags covers and stuff a toys in them same way
Hi Denise! I think that is an amazing idea! And it saves time making one for sure 🙂 Love it!
Quick question- I have no crafting or sewing abilities, could I just buy a bean bag cover and do the same thing?
Hi Courtney! Yes! Totally! As long as it has a zipper or something as a closure – great idea!
Hi, looking forward to making this. Just wondering if there’s any reason I couldn’t make the inner and outer the same rounded shape and then make the beanbag reversible?
Hi Clare. Great idea! You can do this if you buy and insert a reversible zipper. That’s a great idea!
I just love this idea and featured it in my blog post about stuffed animal storage. Hope that’s ok! Love your idea and hope to make this soon.
Sumita http://www.nextnursery.com
http://www.nextnursery.com/blog/2017/3/14/diystuffedanimalstorage
Thanks so much Sumita! Appreciate the link 🙂 Good luck with the bag!
Hi Sherri! I know this is an old thread but I Love this idea! Thanks so much to you & Shannon for sharing. I see that you don’t recommend fleece or jersey. What kind of fabric is best for this project?
Generally I use quilting cotton, because it is cute and there are so many options! You could use pretty much any fabric that does not stretch, so long as it is not too thin (ie voile or lace) so it will stand up to your kids’!
Would Minky fabric work? I would love to make my daughter a soft textured one.
Hi Missy. This would work, but would definitely stretch as you were sewing it – Maybe not so good for a beginner – but ok for an advanced sewer!
Super IMPRESSED with the quality of your tutorials and PDF’s!! Simply sew refreshing to find a treasure like your site in such a vast sea of impossible to navigate trash sites! Thank you Thread Riding Hood
Awwww. Thanks so much Nora! I’m glad you found some things you can use 🙂
I’ve been to Hobby Lobby, JoAnn’s and Walmart and can only find 24″ or 26″ zippers. Do you think it would be difficult for me to alter the pattern for a 24″ zipper?
Hi Sheila. Simpler than altering the pattern, you can buy a larger zipper than you need and shorten it. Here’s a helpful tutorial: https://www.craftsy.com/blog/2015/04/how-to-shorten-a-zipper/ Hope that helps!
I just finished the S.A.C. I used recycled fabric from Thrift Store Sheets.
Great idea Ruth! These would work really well 🙂
Hi! Sorry if this is posted, but how much time is it too make these? They don’t look too difficult, and I’m hoping to make 5 of them for my kids.
Thanks in advance!
I can’t wait to make them!
Catherine
Hi Catherine. Sorry for the delayed response. We’ve moved house and things have gotten a bit lost in the shuffle. These would take at least a couple of hours each. If you do all five at once. The first one would be longer for sure, but after that each would be much quicker. Hope that helps!
My daughter found this on your site ! It’s a fantastic idea and I’ve just finished my fourth one. The pattern was so helpful. Can’t thank you enough!We’re all thrilled with the results
I’m so glad you found it! and so good it helped.
The bottom is not a true pentagon Created a do over for me. So disappointed
Hi Gretta, I’m sorry you are disappointed in this pattern. Is there a way I could be more clear in the tutorial to avoid the issue for someone else? Thank you for your help.
I have a suggestion for a slight change to the pattern: I notice it’s difficult to sew the pentagon smoothly onto the top of the bean bag. That can be solved by making the top angle of each side piece a 72 degree angle (36 degrees when the pattern is folded) for 2-3 inches, then blending in to the sides. This would make the top flat.
So far the BEST online pattern I have ever printed! AWESOME! Getting the directions printed out so I can start assembling it! Thank you!