DIY Felt Froggy Chair Pin/Brooch: A New Horizons Crafter's Dream

Step into the whimsical world of crafting with this adorable DIY Felt Froggy Chair Pin/Brooch! Inspired by the charming aesthetic of Animal Crossing: New Horizons, this project offers a delightful blend of cuteness and practicality. Perfect for adding a touch of playful personality to your favorite bag, jacket, or even your hat, this little froggy perched on his miniature chair is sure to bring a smile to your face and spark conversation wherever you go. The vibrant felt material lends itself beautifully to this design, requiring minimal sewing skills and readily available materials.

This charming pin is surprisingly easy to create, even for beginners. Following the simple, step-by-step instructions below, you'll be crafting your own delightful felt froggy in no time. Get ready to unleash your inner islander and create a unique accessory that reflects your love for all things cute and crafty, a perfect addition to your New Horizons-inspired collection or simply a delightful handmade treat for yourself.

Preparation and Safety Guidelines

Tools Needed
  • Felts (blue, red, light green, dark green)
  • Matching color threads
  • Templates
  • Scissors (preferably fabric scissors)
  • Pins
  • Drawing tool (e.g., thin bar of soap)
  • Needle
Safety Guidelines
  • Use sharp needles and pins with caution. Adult supervision is required, especially for children.
  • Handle felt and other crafting materials carefully to avoid ingestion, particularly by young children or pets.
  • Ensure the brooch pin is securely attached to prevent accidental detachment and potential injury.

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Prepare Felt Pieces

    • Cut out all the pieces from the template. The video creator made theirs 5 centimeters tall, but you can adjust the size.
    • Trace the templates onto the felt pieces and cut them out.
    Trace the templates onto the felt pieces and cut them out.Trace the templates onto the felt pieces and cut them out.
    Prepare Felt Pieces
  2. Assemble the Chair

    • Sew the small pieces onto the chair using small basic stitches and matching thread colors.
    Sew the small pieces onto the chair using small basic stitches and matching thread colors.
    Assemble the Chair
  3. Add First Backing Layer

    • Cut a piece of felt large enough to cover the entire chair and sew it on as backing. (The video creator recommends black for a cool outline.)
    Cut a piece of felt large enough to cover the entire chair and sew it on as backing. (The video creator recommends black for a cool outline.)
    Add First Backing Layer
  4. Attach Pin

    • Attach the pin to the second backing piece. Make sure to sew the back of the pin to the felt.
    Attach the pin to the second backing piece. Make sure to sew the back of the pin to the felt.
    Attach Pin
  5. Add Second Backing Layer

    • Sew the second backing piece onto the chair. Only sew the second and third layers together; you don't need to go through all three layers.
    Sew the second backing piece onto the chair. Only sew the second and third layers together; you don't need to go through all three layers.
    Add Second Backing Layer
  6. Finish and Trim

    • Trim away excess felt, being careful not to cut the stitches.
    Trim away excess felt, being careful not to cut the stitches.
    Finish and Trim

Read more: DIY Wonky House Brooches: The Fastest & Easiest Method

Tips

  • The video creator used scraps of felt, suggesting resourcefulness.
  • Use a thin bar of soap to trace the templates onto the felt.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Uneven Felt Cutting

Reason: Inaccurate cutting of the felt pieces leads to a lopsided or misshapen froggy chair.
Solution: Use sharp scissors and a pattern for consistent cutting, ensuring all pieces are symmetrical.

2. Incorrect Glue Placement

Reason: Applying glue unevenly or in the wrong areas causes weak bonding and potential detachment of parts.
Solution: Use a small amount of fabric glue carefully applied to the edges and seams to ensure strong adhesion.

3. Insufficient Stuffing

Reason: Under-stuffing leads to a flat and lifeless froggy chair, while over-stuffing makes it bulky and misshapen.
Solution: Fill the froggy chair firmly but avoid over-stuffing; aim for a plump but not excessively full appearance.

FAQs

What kind of felt is best for this project?
A medium-weight felt works best. It's sturdy enough to hold its shape but still easy to sew and manipulate. Avoid very thin felt as it can be fragile.
I don't have a sewing machine, can I still make this?
Absolutely! This project is perfectly suitable for hand-sewing. It might take a little longer, but the results will be just as charming.
What type of pin backing should I use?
You can use either a standard pin backing or a brooch pin backing, depending on your preference and where you plan to wear your froggy chair. Both are readily available at craft stores.