Spring Snakes – DIY

I have two boys and for us spring isn’t filled with cute bunnies and fluffy chicks. Nope for my boys spring means snakes, bugs, frogs and other creepy crawly creatures they love. So I made them simple, patchwork spring snakes that are cute enough that a little girl could love them too! Read on for the DIY How To… 

All you need are scraps of fabric, scissors, fabric marker, ruler, poly-fil stuffing, needle and thread, ribbon or rick rack and your sewing machine! I used a set of cute Michael Miller fabric I got from Sky Reve Fabrics. (love that shop!)

 

First cut out 2 sets of strips of scrap fabric 3in wide and of varying heights. The heights need to add up to about 20in. I cut some of mine too wide at first and had to go back and recut. You can lay the fabric on top of each other and cut both sets at the same time.

Next lay a ruler diagonally from the outside edge of one end to the middle of the other. Trace along the ruler with a disappearing ink fabric marker and then cut along that line. 

Repeat on the other side so that you have a long skinny triangle when the pieces are laid together.

Then cut out a 3.5 or 4in square for the head and cut off one corner so it can attach to the body.

Now it is time to sew them all together! Starting with the head, place right sides together with the next strip and sew about a 1/4in from the edge. Then place the next strip along the bottom of that strip, right sides together and repeat. Once you have all strips attached down to the tail repeat with the second set of strips. Then iron your seams flat (sorry I don’t have a lot of pics for this part, but it’s just simple quilting) 

Then cut a couple inches of rick rack or ribbon. I melted the end  a bit with a candle lighter so it wouldn’t unravel. 

Pin the rick rack up against the right side of the snake head, pointing in from his nose. Then pin the two sides of the snake right sides together.

Sew all the way around the snake, leaving a gap on one side of his head. It is easiest if you turn the corners and just leave a straight little gap.

Now turn that bad boy right side out!

Here he is before he was stuffed…

Stuff a section (or two if they are small) and then sew across the seam where the two strips meet. You won’t see the stitching and segmenting the snake will make him able to bend and flop and cuddle better. Continue until head is stuffed.

 
Almost finished! Just close the gap on the head with a slip stitch. Then your snake just needs eyes. I made two snakes and sewed buttons on one and french knots on the other. 

Your spring snakes are ready to meet the kiddos! Have Fun!