Penguin sewing pattern from Simplicity for the Cricut Maker

This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Cricut. The opinions and text are all mine.

My kids have been waiting with bated breath for this post to publish because they can’t wait to play with the sweet penguin sewing pattern I sewed up! Simplicity 8069 in paper format, and originally designed by DIY Fluffies, this pudgy penguin is super huggable and faster to sew than I would have guessed.

Penguin sewing pattern from Simplicity for the Cricut Maker

Part of the reason it was so fast to sew is because I didn’t cut out any of the pieces! Simplicity Patterns are well known to anyone who sews and now they’ve partnered with Cricut to bring their patterns into the Cricut Maker library. Instead of cutting the tissue paper, laying it out, cutting the fabric, you just download it and click a button to end up with perfectly cut and marked pattern pieces that are ready to sew. You can read my full review of the Maker machine here!

Penguin sewing pattern from Simplicity for the Cricut Maker

I was a little skeptical at first if it would actually save me time since you have to load the fabric on to the mats, but it was definitely quicker than printing out a PDF pattern and taping it together, and the pieces were more precise than anything that I’ve cut by hand. I think using the Maker to cut pieces would be especially useful for anyone who sews to sell at craft shows or on Etsy; the machine cuts the fabric while you can work on something else!

Penguin sewing pattern from Simplicity for the Cricut Maker

There is a large selection of Simplicity patterns preloaded in Design Space that you can buy now, with more on the way. Of course I jumped at the chance to sew up a stuffie (my favorite!) and I love how it turned out.

Penguin sewing pattern from Simplicity for the Cricut Maker

Each project has a difficulty rating and estimated time to complete; I found the 2-3 hours and advanced label to be true! The pattern looks deceptively simple but the curves are pretty tricky to ease into each other, even with the 100% precise pieces, and sewing the small nose and feet definitely takes patience and experience. When I sewed my second penguin it was closer to an hour and a half since I already knew what I was doing.

Penguin sewing pattern from Simplicity for the Cricut Maker

Aren’t they sweet? My kids were so excited to finally play with these penguins, they had all sorts of fun with them.

If you’d like to make your own but aren’t sure where to start, I have a picture tutorial and a little video showing you how easy it is to sew this penguin sewing pattern with your Cricut Maker.

Pin this penguin sewing pattern for later, here:

See the video here:

Penguin sewing pattern

Supplies

Cricut fabric bundle -Riley Blake Designs brand
Cricut Maker machine*
Black felt scrap
Pink 12″ Cricut cutting mat
Simplicity penguin pattern from design space
Washable fabric pen
Poly-fill or other stuffings
Seam ripper or crochet needle (for poking out corners and guiding fabric through the machine)
Hand sewing needle
Hemostats – optional but I love using these for stuffing, they make it super easy
Sewing machine
Sharp scissors with a small tip, like these
Warm water & a rag

Steps

Penguin sewing pattern from Simplicity for the Cricut Maker

Step 1- Buy your pattern in Design Space! It automatically pulls up. If you plan on washing your finished stuffie, I suggest prewashing your fabric now!

Step 2- The instructions are in a PDF file at the bottom of the listing. Here it also tells you what size fabric to cut out and how to lay the grain, minimizing fabric waste.

Every seam I sewed, I followed their recommendations to press open, and clip. This helps it lay nicely.

Step 3- The directions are similar to those of a paper pattern; they expect you to read the general directions and apply them as needed throughout. Lucky for you, I took more detailed instructions if you are new to a pattern like this! I appreciated that they color coded the pieces on top of the Maker numbering them.

Step Four- Insert your fabric marking pen and the rotary blade. Click ‘Make it’ and it will walk you through each cutting sheet, make sure to select whatever fabric you’re using and use the pink fabric mats.

Step Five- You stitch pieces 1 & 3 of the head fronts together, right sides together and matching marks.

Step Six- Stitch the eyes to the marked circles. I hand sewed it!

Step Seven- Stitch center front seam of front, matching seams.

Step Eight- Make two wings- put right sides together and sew, leaving edge with dots open. Turn right side out and stuff lightly. Repeat for the feet and nose as well.

Step Nine- On the front, right side, pin wings and feet on, using the markings as a guide. Baste (sew just over the seam, with a loose thread).

Step Ten- Stitch center back seam of back, matching small dots. With right sides together, stitch back to front, matching dots. Trim seams and clip curves.

Step Eleven- With right sides together, pin bottom to lower edge while matching dots. Stitch, leaning an opening large enough for turning. Trim seams and clip curves.

Step Thirteen- Turn right side out and use hot water and a rag to remove any visible marking pen marks. It’s easier to scrub on when something isn’t stuffed.