can I make a spider soft toy?

[MamaChocoholic]

My 2yo dd is obsessed with incy wincy spider (and bugs in general). As her twin brother is getting a Fireman Sam soft toy for Christmas, I wanted to get her a spider soft toy, to lessen jealousy issues, but I can't find any nice ones. I would like something about 12", so big enough to cuddle, colourful so my dp's spider phobia isn't triggered, and good enough quality that it will withstand dd's pulling, sucking and gnawing. Any chance I can make something? Have a sewing machine, can sew straight lines, but christmas stocking is my most advanced crafting so far.

Can any kind soul tell me where to start?

www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=171530016320541&set=o.144476545621212&type=1&relevant_count=1&ref=nf

I am useless at such things but have one of these from my friends fb page (if this link works!)

The spidder from woolly and Tig on CBeebies is very lovely and would be great for a 2 year old. Not sure if they are selling them officially but I've seen handmade ones for sale on ebay.

do you have one SKY? Is it robust to the attentions of a 2 year old do you think? Looks great!

No official Wooly toys (I have searched), but thanks for unofficial link!

You could try an octopus soft toy as some of them look suspiciously like spiders.

I'd probably try to make something similar to Woolly from Woolly & Tig. I'd go for 3 colours of felt for the legs as it's still soft, but you don't have to deal with the pile on fake fur in a small area. I'd make the head and top half of the body in bright fake fur, and the tummy probably in felt again.

3 big strips of felt, sewn together on the long side, then cut across and sewn into tubes. Close one end, turn in hemside in, and stuff. Do 8 times for legs. One circle of felt for the tummy, and 2 erm, eye-shaped(?) pieces for the body out of fake fur. You'd want to be able to sew the fur bits together so they make a dome that can be sewn onto the felt. Alternatively you can make a flatter body by using 2 circles sewn together. Either way, attach the legs as you sew the body. 2 smaller circles for the head. Sew it all right side in leaving a small gap so you can turn it right side out and stuff it. Then attach the head to the body. Sew on felt details for face.

SKY, your friends one looks really good. £15 is pretty good for the time involved to make your own. Mama, I made my daughter a Tallulah elephant by doing something very similar to what I've said above. More than 2 years later and it is still going strong.

Mmm, that's a good detailed plan MrsM. I'd love to give it a go but, realistically, seeing how much work is involved, the £15 FB one is looking quite attractive!

I don't blame you, I think £15 is a steal, and it looks great!

Yes I do have one and my littles ones love it, very well made x

ok, I'm ordering!