Make Your Own Mouse — Sewing Pattern Step by Step

Our step-by-step sewing pattern makes it easy to create your own Sam or Julia. Whether you've been sewing for years or you're picking up a needle for the first time, this digital download gives you everything you need — full-size pattern pieces, clear instructions, and helpful tips to guide you through every stitch.

The pattern is designed so that each mouse you make will have its own personality. Same pattern, different result every time. That's the beauty of handmade — and it's exactly how Karina works too.

Step by Step

Step 1: Print the Pattern

Download and print the pattern pieces at 100% scale — don't let your printer resize them. Cut out the paper pieces and lay them on your fabric. The pattern includes pieces for the body, head, ears, and arms. Take a moment to look at how they all fit together before you start cutting.

Step 2: Cut the Fabric Pieces

Pin the pattern pieces to your fabric and carefully cut around them. You'll need two body pieces, two head pieces, four ear pieces, and four arm pieces. Leave a small seam allowance around each piece — about half a centimetre is plenty at this scale.

Step 3: Sew the Body

Place two body pieces together, right sides facing in, and sew around the edges with small, even stitches. Leave an opening at the bottom so you can turn the body right-side out and stuff it later. Take your time with the curves — small stitches make smoother shapes.

Step 4: Stuff the Body

Turn the body right-side out through the opening. Add small amounts of stuffing at a time, pushing it gently into the head, arms, and body. Don't overstuff — you want the mouse to be soft and slightly squishy, not rock-hard. The amount of stuffing you use will determine the shape, so add a bit, squeeze, and adjust as you go.

Step 5: Shape the Head

The head is the most important part to get right. Add a bit more stuffing to give it a nice round shape, then use your fingers to gently mould the nose area into a slight point. When you're happy with the shape, stitch the opening closed with small, hidden stitches.

Step 6: Embroider the Face

Using embroidery thread, add two small eyes — simple French knots or tiny straight stitches work well. The placement of the eyes changes everything: eyes set low and close together give a sweet, shy look. Eyes set higher and further apart create a more alert expression. Add a small nose stitch and thread whiskers through the snout area.

Step 7: Add the Ears

Sew the ear pieces together in pairs, turn them right-side out, and fold each one slightly at the base to give it a natural cup shape. Stitch them onto the head, angling them however feels right. Ears that point forward look curious. Ears that sit to the sides look calm. Play around until you find the personality you want.

Want to Try More?

Now that your mouse has a body, it's time to think about clothes. Our digital knitting pattern includes patterns for tiny sweaters, scarves, and hats — perfect for dressing your new mouse.

For inspiration, watch Karina's behind-the-scenes videos where she shows how she makes her mice: part one (the body), part two (the clothes), and part three (the details).