I’m thinking of making this scrapped animal pattern thing a monthly tradition, thoughts?  Like, a new friendly pattern for you each month…

But for now, this stout little platypus is full of color.  His wide beak and quilted tail show his classic style.  With your choice materials, he really will be all yours.

MATERIALS NEEDED

printable pdf pattern
scrap materials of 3 + contrasting fabrics (see pattern pieces for measurements)
two buttons for eyes
matching thread
fiber filling

CUT OUT THE PIECES/ CUTTING LAYOUT

Print out the pattern pieces.  Cut the body and side pieces from your main “duckbill platypus” fabric.  Cut the tail pieces from a contrasting fabric (something that will show the quilting well).  Cut the bill, shield, and flippers from a bright fabric (yellow or orange).

INSTRUCTIONS

1/4″ seam allowance (guiding on the outer edge of the presser foot)

1. Line the two bill pieces with right-sides-together (a) and sew around the edges, leaving a 2″ opening (b).  Turn the bill right side out (c) and topstitch around the outer edge, being sure to sew the opening closed (d).

2. Lay the shield piece in place on the front body piece, lining the flat base with the stitch line indicated on the pattern.  Zigzag around the edges of the shield to secure it in place.

3. Line the center of the bill with the bottom edge of the shield (a) and sew a straight line down the length of the bill (b), reverse stitching at the beginning and end.  Fold the bill in half (c) and top stitch about 1/8″ from the inner edge (d).

4. Match up two flipper pieces with right sides together (a), and sew around the edges, leaving the base open (b).  Do this with both flippers.  Clip the corners (c), turn right side out, and top stitch around the outer edges (d).

5. Pin the flippers to the bottom of the body pointing up, with the raw edges of the flippers lined up with the bottom edge of the body piece, and stitch in place 1/8″ from the edge.

6. Fold the side piece in half with right-sides-together and sew the ends together to create a tube.  Press the seam open (a).   Line the seam from the side piece with the center bottom of the front body piece.  With right sides together, pin them together (b), and sew all the way around (c).

7. Sew the buttons in place for the eyes.

8. Lay the tail pieces with right-sides together and sew around the curved sides, leaving the base open. Turn the tail right side out, and quilt diagonal lines, reverse stitching at the beginning and end of each line.

9. Pin the tail piece to the center bottom of the back body piece, pointing up (a). Sew it in place 1/8″ from the edge (b).

10. Pin the back body piece to the raw edge of the side piece, with right sides together, and the seam centered at the bottom of the back body piece (a). Sew around the edges, leaving a 3″ opening and turn right side out (b).  Stuff the body with fiberfill tightly (c). Stitch the opening closed (d).

Seriously though, people! Isn’t he just the cutest?