How to Design Shirts for Stuffed Animals

Children love stuffed animals, especially whenever they can dress them up in cool clothing.  This helps to make the stuffed animal a little more human and fun.  Fortunately, it is easy to make shirts for your child’s favorite stuffed animal.

• Sketch the design for the front and back of a shirt on a piece of paper.  Think about the stuffed animal that you are designing this shirt for and how you feel about it so that these things can be expressed in your design.


• Don’t make the shirt too complicated or colorful unless you want it to be the main focus.  Your goal is to simply add some style, not completely change its look.  Therefore, a minimal design with a message or cartoon character will work best.


• Try to create something that is funny or lighthearted.  You could also design a sports shirt for your favorite team or with your child's name on it.  This is a great way personalize the stuffed animal but you do need to be aware of copyright laws here.


• Use soft fabric to make your design a reality.  Cotton works especially well but nylon is more appropriate for athletic shirts.


• Allow your child to offer up suggestions on your designs.  Their opinion can serve as a great guide.

Share your designs with other stuffed animal lovers.  Make sure to look for styles that really stand out to you so that you will be able to design some of them yourself in the future.