Craft Gossip

Independent craft blog since 2007

Instructions for Elliot “Moose” doll by “arsarca” jay smith (Felted)

by

    400x555  moose

I found this pattern on Burda Styles but I can’t find out much about Jay.  Jay said “I unsuccessfully felted an old, holey sweater (unsuccessfully as I think the label lied & the “100% pure virgin wool” label only applied to the wool component of the sweater) and turned it into a very loose interpretation of Elliot Moose. I cut the body out so that the neck was formed of the bottom of the sweater (ie., upside down) and along the side hem of the sweater. The head is an arm– the wrist is actually the inside of the mouth. And then hand-sewed the head to look like a moose. The ears are freehand”.  Make sure yours is wool J

Materials:

Old sweater

Old pillow or batting

small scrap of other material for tongue

two button eyes small amount of embroidery thread for nose

A wonderful, easy-to-make stuffed moose for kids. I used only already-used material, stuff that was destined for the dump, so this was a zero-footprint project! (Thread excluded, though.) Instructions are in the “pattern”. I forgot to mention: sewing up the snout with embroidery thread! I modified an old t-shirt to fit the toy, too. Also not hard stuff…. Please contact me if you need help, though; it’s pretty intuitive stuff but my instructions might confuse!  Ps. NEW! Instructions! Including tongue, which I forgot to mention!

1. Cut pattern. The two body pieces are cut on the seam of the sweater, with what will

be the animal’s neck on the ribbing of the waist of the sweater.

2. Sew wrong sides of body together, invert, and stuff.

3. Cut arm off of sweater. Sew “tongue” into wrong side wrist of sweater, closing off wrist

in the process, preserving good side of sweater for outside of head. (I used the cuff of

an old flannel shirt for the tongue.)

4. Tuck wrist ribbing of sleeve and tongue into sleeve; tack down the back of the mouth

to the underside of the moose’s mouth. Stuff so that the nose becomes elongated

and mooselike.

5. Loosely hand stitch around moose’s nose to preserve the big nose. Sew buttons just

above the line of stitching for eyes. Embroider the nose and cleft.

6. Stitch the little nubbins on the head above the eyes. Fold together the edges of the

back of the head, sew together by hand.

7. Make ears by cutting four teardrop-shaped pieces of sweater. Sew outer edge and

then stuff, sew line into ears. Hand sew to head on a curve so that the ears stand up.

Placement should be in line with nubbins, more or less.

8. Stuff the head into the neck, adding more stuffing if necessary. Hand sew neck ribbing

so that the head stands up and looks nice.

9. I cut down an old t-shirt to fit Elliot.

10.Take a picture and post for everyone to see!

Have you read?

Etsy Feature – Moth Pottery Template for Slab Building

Sometimes clay tools feel more like magic than equipment, and this Moth Pottery Template definitely falls into that category. One moment you’re working with a flat slab, and the next you’re holding a detailed, sculptural moth that looks like it could flutter right off your table.

Why This Template Caught My Eye

This design stands out because it combines structure with artistry. The template gives you the clean, symmetrical base of the moth form, but once you have that shape cut, the real fun begins—adding textures, underglazes, or even metallic accents to bring the wings to life.

It’s ideal for slab-builders who want to go beyond mugs and bowls and dive into more decorative or sculptural projects.

What Makes It Special

  • Unique Subject: How often do you see a pottery moth? It’s an instant conversation starter.

  • Sculptural Yet Simple: The template does the tricky work, leaving you free to decorate.

  • Wall Art or Table Décor: Finished moths look stunning hung on a wall, framed, or displayed on a shelf.

  • Room for Creativity: Paint with bright colors, earthy neutrals, or even metallics for different vibes.

Ideas for Makers

  • Use glossy glazes with shimmering metallic accents for a celestial-style moth.

  • Keep it natural and muted for a woodland-inspired look.

  • Make a series of moths in different colors and sizes for a gallery wall effect.

  • Turn smaller versions into pendants or ornaments.

Why Makers Will Love It

Templates like this are inspiring because they bridge the gap between functional pottery and decorative art. It’s not just about making something useful—it’s about making something memorable. And let’s be honest, it’s the kind of piece guests will immediately comment on when they spot it in your home.

You can grab it here: Moth Pottery Template for Slab Building on Etsy.

This spotlight is part of my Etsy Feature series, where I highlight clay templates and tools that push creativity beyond the basics. If you’re ready for a project that feels both bold and whimsical, this moth template will absolutely deliver.

Crochet Pattern – Adorable Fluttering Moth Sprite Doll [Crochet]

DIY Moth Embroidery Pattern And Kit [Needle Work]