DIY Saint Squishies Tutorial: Faith-Inspired Sewing for Catholic Homes
Looking for a fun, meaningful, and easy sewing project that brings Catholic faith into your everyday family life? Our DIY Saint Squishies are the perfect solution! Whether you’re a seasoned crafter or brand new to sewing, these adorable cut-and-sew saint stuffies are a delightful way to teach children about the saints, decorate your domestic church, and enjoy hands-on, faith-filled creativity together. In this tutorial, we’ll walk you through making your own Saint Squishies using our exclusive Catholic Saint fabric panels from The Little Rose Shop.
Inspired by our mission to bring faith into everyday life, this project turns family time into an opportunity for prayer, conversation about the saints, and building memories rooted in Catholic tradition. Plus, these DIY saint plushies make meaningful gifts for baptisms, feast days, Easter baskets, or as cozy companions for little ones. Let’s dive in!
Supplies Needed
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Catholic Saint DIY Cut & Sew Fabric Panel from The Little Rose Shop (choose your favorite saints!)
- *These are all available on spoonflower.com and each panel consists of 2 Saints when you purchase a fabric quarter! We recommend using cotton, but you are able to choose from other fabric types, just be mindful of the different fabric quarter measurements if you stray away from cotton!
- Coordinating thread (all-purpose cotton or polyester)
- Polyester fiberfill stuffing
- Sharp fabric scissors or rotary cutter
- Pins or sewing clips
- Sewing machine (or needle for hand sewing)
- Turning tool or chopstick (optional, for stuffing)
Why These Supplies? We recommend our Catholic Saint DIY fabric panels because they’re designed exclusively for easy, faith-inspired sewing. The saint images are original artwork, beautifully printed on soft, durable fabric—perfect for gentle play and frequent snuggles. Polyester fiberfill gives your squishies a cuddly, resilient texture, although you can also substitute the polyfil for beads to make it more weighted or even rice to make it into a hot rice pack.
How-To: Make Your Own DIY Saint Squishies
This step-by-step tutorial will guide you through making a Saint Squishy from start to finish. Each step includes practical tips and ideas for bringing prayer and faith into your crafting time. Get your kids involved for a fun, memorable family project!
Step 1: Cut Out Your Saint Pieces
Carefully cut around the printed outlines of each saint figure on the fabric panel. Your panel comes with both a front and a back for each saint, be sure to match them up. Use sharp fabric scissors for clean edges. Family faith tip: As you cut, invite your children to say the name of the saint and share one fun fact or virtue you admire about them.
Step 2: Pin or Clip the Fabric Right Sides Together
Place the saint front and back pieces with the right sides facing each other (the printed sides should be touching). Pin or clip all around the edges to keep them aligned. Prayerful pause: Say a quick prayer, such as “Saint [Name], pray for us!” as you prepare each squishy. It’s a sweet way to invoke their intercession.
Step 3: Sew Around the Edge (Leave a Gap!)
Using a 1/4-1/2inch seam allowance, sew around the edge of the saint, leaving a 2-inch gap along the side or bottom for turning and stuffing. If you’re sewing with kids, slow down and encourage them—it doesn’t have to be perfect! Beginner tip: Go slow around any curves, and backstitch at the start and end for extra durability.
Step 4: Trim and Turn
Trim any excess fabric or corners close to the seam (be careful not to snip the stitches!). Turn the squishy right side out through the opening—use a chopstick or pencil to help push out small corners and arms. Faith reflection: As you work, talk about how the saints are our “helpers” in getting to heaven, just as you’re helping your project take shape.
Step 5: Stuff Your Saint Squishy
Gently fill the squishy with polyester fiberfill, making sure to reach all the corners for a nice, plump finish. Don’t overstuff—leave it soft for little hands to squeeze. Family activity: Ask your kids what prayer intention they’d like this saint to help with as they stuff their squishy. You might be surprised by their thoughtful responses!
Step 6: Sew the Opening Closed
Fold in the raw edges of the opening and pin or clip in place. Use a ladder stitch (for hand sewing) or a close machine stitch to neatly close the gap. Double-check for any loose threads and trim. Completion prayer: Once finished, say a simple “thank you” prayer as a family for the opportunity to craft and grow in faith together.
Step 7: Enjoy and Display!
Your DIY Saint Squishy is ready! Use it for play, prayer corners, feast day baskets, or to comfort little ones at bedtime. Consider gifting one to a godchild, friend, or teacher. Every squishy is a soft reminder that the saints are friends who walk with us daily.
FAQs About DIY Saint Squishies
What Catholic Saints do you have available as DIY Saint Squishies?
We have dozens of options! Each Saint fabric panel comes in pairs so you are able to get 2 Squishies out of 1 fabric quarter.
How do I care for my fabric Saint Squishy?
We recommend spot cleaning with a damp cloth and mild soap. If machine washing is needed, use a gentle cycle and air dry. Our saint fabric panels are made to last through plenty of hugs and adventures!
Can I adapt this project for different ages or skill levels?
Absolutely! For young children, precut the pieces and let them help with stuffing or saying prayers. Older kids and teens can sew by hand or machine. You can even add a ribbon loop for hanging or a rattle insert for babies.
What’s the spiritual significance of using saints in play?
Incorporating saint plushies into daily life helps children form relationships with holy friends in heaven. These tangible reminders foster conversations about virtues, prayer, and Catholic traditions—making faith accessible and joyful.
Help! My squishy looks a little wonky. Any troubleshooting tips?
Handmade means every squishy is unique! If your edges aren’t perfect, embrace the charm. If seams come loose, simply resew or add a decorative patch. The goal is faith-filled fun, not perfection.
Where can I find more Catholic fabric projects or inspiration?
Visit our Fabric collection page for more patterns, ideas, and tutorials. Check our blog for projects like prayer pillowcases, liturgical banners, and more DIY Catholic home décor!
More Catholic Sewing Projects
- Shop Catholic Saint DIY Fabric Panels
- Explore All The Little Rose Shop Fabric
- More Catholic Sewing Tutorials
- Shop Bestselling Faith-Inspired Gifts
Conclusion
DIY Saint Squishies are more than just a sewing project—they’re a creative way to weave faith, prayer, and learning into your family’s daily rhythm. Each stitch is a chance to slow down, reflect on the saints, and celebrate our beautiful Catholic traditions together. Whether you’re crafting with little ones, giving a handmade gift, or simply looking for an intentional way to bring faith into your home, our saint squishies are a joyful, hands-on option.
Ready to get started? Visit our fabric collection to choose your favorite saints and find everything you need for your next faith-inspired sewing adventure!
The Little Rose Shop is a Catholic online gift shop providing books and gifts for the Catholic family to bring faith into everyday life. Additionally, The Little Rose Shop makes their original catholic artwork available for other catholic creatives to use for Catholic fabric projects and crafts, or Catholic home decor via wallpaper. Learn more about The Little Rose Shop Fabric at: https://thelittleroseshop.com/pages/fabric