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A DIY secret notes monkey is a handmade plush toy with a pocket for little messages, drawings, crayons, or other small treasures. The pocket adds an interactive feature to a soft toy and makes this sewing project a thoughtful gift for children or couples. Follow the steps below to make one using the plush monkey pattern, fabric, felt, embroidery, and stuffing.
How to Make a DIY Secret Notes Monkey
Before you begin, print and assemble the plush monkey pattern, then prepare the fabric pieces. Check that the pattern pieces are taped together neatly so the shapes line up when you cut them out.
Plush monkey pattern: Use the pattern provided with the project to cut out the required fabric pieces.
Prepare the face, ears, and pocket
- Cut the pieces. Print the pattern, tape the sections together, and cut out the fabric pieces needed for the monkey.
- Embroider the face. Place a piece of felt in an embroidery hoop and stitch the monkey’s face. The felt will be trimmed later, so it does not need to be cut to its final size yet.
- Sew the ears. Place the ear pieces with their right sides facing inward and stitch them together. Leave the bottom of each ear open so you can turn it right-side out.
- Trim and prepare the pocket. Cut the embroidered felt to fit the monkey’s front; the example pocket is about 3 3/4 inches across. Fold and iron the edges of the pocket fabric square for a neat finish.
- Attach the front details. Use a sewing machine to sew the face and pocket onto the top body piece. Position the pocket so it is easy to reach and leave its upper edge open.
Sew and stuff the plush toy
- Join the body pieces. Place the main fabric pieces with their wrong sides facing outward. Pin the ears in position, then sew around the monkey’s edges, leaving the bottom open.
- Turn and fill. Turn the monkey right-side out and add stuffing. A chopstick can help guide stuffing into the narrow tail; use it gently to avoid pushing through the fabric.
- Close the opening. Hand-sew the bottom closed once the toy is stuffed. Keeping the opening generous while filling can make this step easier.
Ideas for Using the Pocket
The finished pocket can hold folded notes, small drawings, crayons, or other lightweight items that fit comfortably. It can also turn the monkey into a keepsake for sharing affectionate messages. For young children, choose pocket contents that are suitable for their age and supervise play with small objects.
This pocketed plush makes a playful handmade gift for children and can also serve as a little love-note keeper for couples.
Conclusion
This DIY secret notes monkey combines a simple stuffed-animal shape with a useful pocket for messages and small treasures. Take care to secure the seams, leave the pocket opening clear, and close the stuffing gap neatly for a finished toy that is ready to give.
Project notes by Katie.
