LETTERING DELIGHTS
01. I’m Stuffed sloth
A cutting file becomes a soft friend
A photo-led guide for Cricut and Silhouette users.
Fabric body + iron-on details + sewn limbs.
02. The project at a glance
Three parts to prepare
A plain fabric body, front and back.
Black iron-on face and belly details.
Two arms and two legs, sewn separately.
03. Supplies
A small sewing project
Body fabric and contrasting limb fabric
Fabric-compatible iron-on / heat-transfer vinyl
Fiberfill, thread, needle and sewing machine
Paper, scissors, pins or clips and a heat tool
04. Size and a working copy
Keep all parts in proportion
Duplicate the original cutting file.
Choose the body size before separating layers.
Keep a complete reference copy off to one side.
05. The black detail layer
The fabric becomes the background
Keep the eye patches, nose, mouth and belly marks.
Keep the eye openings clear.
Remove the solid pale body background from the iron-on cut.
06. The same goal in either app
Preserve the detail arrangement
Separate the layers and inspect the result.
Use subtraction only when the file needs it.
Keep the finished black details in their original positions.
07. The body pattern
A separate outline for fabric
Isolate the plain body shape without limbs.
Remove face details and internal cut lines from this pattern.
Use the original body outline as the sewing line.
08. Seam allowance
An even border around the body
Add an outward offset around the body outline.
Suggested starting allowance: ¼ inch (6 mm).
Cut the outer line and sew along the inner line.
09. The limb patterns
One arm and one leg become matching pairs
Separate one arm and one leg from the silhouette.
Duplicate and mirror to make left and right shapes.
Leave each attachment end open for sewing.
10. Room for the seams
Four finished limbs need eight fabric pieces
Add the same seam allowance to the limb patterns.
Cut four arm pieces and four leg pieces.
Match each pair with right sides together.
11. The iron-on cut
Check the material before cutting
Test-cut a small scrap first.
For standard carrier-backed HTV, check Mirror is on.
Weed away the unwanted material and eye openings.
12. The body front
Press the details while the fabric is flat
Center the iron-on inside the body sewing line.
Keep the seam allowance free of vinyl.
Press and peel as the material manufacturer directs.
13. The sewn limbs
Suggested assembly method
Sew each limb pair around the sides and tip.
Leave its attachment end open.
Clip curves, turn right side out and lightly stuff.
Suggested sewing sequence
14. The body seam
Limbs point inward before sewing
Place limbs on the right side of the body front.
Align their open ends with the body’s raw edge.
Add the back, right sides together, and sew.
Suggested sewing sequence
15. The finishing stitches
A soft sloth, ready for a hug
Turn through the opening and gently shape the seams.
Add fiberfill a little at a time.
Close the gap with a ladder stitch.
Suggested sewing sequence
16. Before the final fabric cut
A quick paper check saves fabric
Do the face and body still match in size?
Does every fabric pattern include seam allowance?
Do the limbs fit the body and enter its seams?
Does the cut preview show only the intended details?
