This post may contain affiliate links. Read our disclosure policy.
Today, we’re going to make an adorable felt ladybug that’s perfect for kids ages 6 and up (with a little help from an adult!). This project is a fantastic way to introduce hand sewing and being fun without being too complicated for beginners.
Want More Felt Sewing Fun?
Find more beginner-friendly felt sewing projects and step-by-step videos on my YouTube channel, Sly Sew Simple. I post new patterns, easy tips, and fun crafts for kids and grown-ups alike!
» Subscribe & Explore More
What You’ll Need:
- Felt (in your chosen colors)
- Free Ladybug pattern (link below)
- Markers (or similar) for tracing
- Embroidery floss (try to match the colors to your felt)
- Needle with the big eye / Embroidery Needle (a child-friendly one works best)
- Scissors
- Stuffing (polyester filler, scrap felt, or even ripped-up plastic grocery bags)
Before we begin, make sure you grab the free pattern, print it out, and let’s get tracing! This pattern includes the ladybugs body, wings and spots.
[Free Printable Felt Ladybug Pattern For Beginners – Simple Easy Hand Sew Project for Kids]
Click image to download and print
Click Image to Download and Print
Step 1: Trace and Cut
Start by laying the pattern pieces on your felt and tracing around them with your marker. A sharpie works great on felt! Remember to flip the pattern for any pieces that need to be traced twice, like the body, to ensure they line up. Once you’ve traced everything, carefully cut out your felt pieces, trimming away any visible marker lines. Save your scraps – they’re perfect for stuffing!
Step 2: Add Eyes
Now, let’s give our ladybug some personality! You can either stitch simple eyes using embroidery floss or cut out small felt pieces for a pop of fun.
Option 1: Stitching the Eyes
- Make a knot at the end of your floss and poke the needle through from the back of the ladybug body to the front where you want the eye to sit.
- For each eye, secure it with a knot stitch by pulling the thread tight, looping the floss, and pulling it through. Repeat for the second eye, ensuring they’re securely stitched onto the body.
Step 2: Adding Antenna and Legs
Tie a knot in the end for your embroidery thread. Figure out where you want your antenna on the head and pull your need through the felt there, so that the knot you just tied is on the inside part of your lady bug pattern. Cut the strand a little bit out from the lady bugs head, making the antenna as long as you want it to be.
Repeat that process with the second antenna, then get your second body piece, the one that will go on the bottom of your ladybug and create all six legs the same way.
Step 3: Add The Spots
Attach the black felt spots to the ladybug’s back using a single knot stitch for each spot, then attach the wings to the back of the top lady bug piece with another single knot stitch at the top corner of each wing.
Step 4: Start Sewing the Body
Take the top and bottom pieces of the ladybug’s body and them together, then, starting at the back bottom of one of the wing tie a stitch sewing together to the two black body pieces of felt, but not the wing. Start sewing around the edge of your lady bug using a blanket stitch, and being careful not to catch any of your legs or wings in your stitches.
How to Blanket Stitch:
- Insert the needle through both pieces of fabric, then pause before pulling it all the way through.
- Wrap the end of the thread around the needle, then pull the needle fully through while keeping the thread taut.
- Push your needle down a little further along the edge and repeat the process, ensuring your stitches are evenly spaced.
Sew the body around the side of the wing, over the face, and back around the other side until you reach the back part of the second wing.
Step 5: Add Stuffing
Leave a small opening at the back of the ladybug to add your stuffing. Use small pieces of stuffing for a plush look. If you need help getting it into the head area, use the back of a pencil or a similar tool to push it in. When you’re satisfied with how fluffy it is, finish sewing the opening closed with a blanket stitch, tying a secure knot at the end.
And There You Go!
You’ve created your very own cuddly felt ladybug! This fun and simple project helps kids learn basic sewing skills while allowing for creativity and imagination. Enjoy showing off your little bug friend and happy sewing! ❤️
