handmade felt whale shark

Whale, hello there!

Whale sharks are part of the shark family, the largest in fact, but are actually quite friendly as they behave a bit more like whales. Aside from their size, they’re known for their unique spots which you will be creating by sewing plenty of french knots on your felt whale shark. This is a good opportunity to practice those pesky french knots and get comfortable. 

Skill level: Beginner-friendly

Stitches used: Backstitching, double-running stitch, straight stitches, and french knots.

Crafting tips: If it proves too daunting to make the french knots for your felt whale shark, you can carefully paint the whale shark’s trademark spots instead after sewing.

New to crafting felt animal stuffies and want to learn more? Take our mini course, 8 Easy Steps to Create Any Felt Stuffie.

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How to Make a Felt Whale Shark

  1. Gather your craft tools and materials. Then download the pattern on the right hand side at the top of this post.
  2. Cut out felt according to pattern using a cutting machine or scissors.
  3. Match up both of the body pieces and pin in place. Blanket stitch along the top edge, starting at the head, using 2 strands of matching blue floss. Sew around the tail and knot off your floss at the underside of the tail.
  4. Flatten out the top seam on the head so that it matches up with the edges of the underside and pin in place. Start to blanket stitch the underside to the side of the whale shark, starting just behind a flipper and using 2 strands of matching floss. Stop for now when you get to the other fin.

Full tutorial available for members to download on the right hand side at the top of this post.

felt whale shark tutorial by Lia Griffith
hand-sewn felt whale shark

handmade felt whale shark

DIY felt whale shark stuffie

felt whale sharkfelt whale shark

Explore More

Love this project? Browse of our felt stuffies for more patterns and tutorials. Or check out the rest of the July collection!

 Tools


 Materials