Wanna DIY a last-minute birthday gift for a little one that is comfy and huggable? Follow these instructions to learn how to fold towels into a CUTE elephant softie for toddlers without sewing or cutting the towel. Unlike the butterfly plushie I taught you last time, it will require two square towels, preferably the microcloth towels, and has little googly eyes. You can also embroider the mouth if you are comfortable with making it a permanent plushie.
Two towels also help us make a more defined elephant shape, so we shall be able to make the trunk, ears, legs, and body without cutting. Our idea will be to make the leg rolls and the rest of the body from two separate towels.
So, you see, this ends up as an irresistible baby elephant plushie that you can also turn back into towels in case of emergency usage. This is a traditional plushie model, but the one I am showing is the BEST version of it. The microcloth is also welcoming to the soft skin of the little ones, so be sure to make one!
Plushie Model: Variation of a traditional towel folding
Time: 15 Minutes
Uses of this Butterfly Plushie
- Travel Comfort: Because it is made of a towel and two elastic bands, a great travel “toy” for kids that can be easily disassembled if a towel is needed in an emergency.
- Snuggler: Best and safest plushie a kid can hold while sleeping!
Elephant from Towel Part 1: Step-by-Step Instructions
These are the fold-by-fold photo instructions to guide you on how to make this elephant plushie in detail:
Recommended Materials
- Two 30 cm by 30 cm square towels (Microfibre towels are the best and they also come in a wide range of colors. The fabric “grips” itself, helping the rolls stay tight.)
- Small Rubber Bands: You will need about 6–8 bands. Clear elastic bands are a great pick.
- Fabric Scissors (optional): Only if you plan to trim any loose threads or custom-cut felt accessories.
- Googly eyes or small black beads can be glued or pinned.
1. Foundation Fold
Let your square microfiber towel lie flat on your table. Place it in a diamond position, so one corner points toward you.
Using both hands, pinch the bottom corner and gather the fabric toward the center so the inner part meets at the top and the edges at the bottom.
2. Make the “Tail.”
Use a small, clear, or light orange rubber band to tie off that bottom corner.
Aim for a small, firm, rounded nub. Make sure the band is tight so the “tail” doesn’t lose its shape during the later steps. You might need at least three wraps.
3. Form the “First Ear.”
Move to the opposite (top) corner. Pinch and gather it exactly as you did with the tail.
Wrap another rubber band around this pinch. This will make the 2nd ear of your elephant.
4. Center Gathering & Folding
The Meet-Up: Pick up both the corners. Fold the diamond in half so that the two rubber bands meet in the middle.
Secure these two tied corners together with a single rubber band.
5. Rolling the Body
Open the left flap of the towel and fold both edges in the centre horizontal line.
Take the top and bottom hinges and roll them tightly inward toward the center line. You should now have a long two rolls here. This will make the body of the elephant.
6. Final Shaping
Take the entire rolled section and fold it toward the right corner. Wrap a rubber band around the middle of this entire fold.
Part 2: Step-by-Step Instructions
1. The “Scroll” Fold
Lay a second, separate square towel flat.
Fold the left and right edges toward the center, but stop before they meet. Leave about one-third of the towel’s surface open and flat in the middle.
Starting from the top and bottom folded edges, roll both sides tightly toward the horizontal center line.
Once they meet in the middle (resembling a scroll), tie a rubber band around the exact center of this double roll.
2. Merging the Pieces
Take the “Head/Ear” piece you finished in Step 1. Place it directly on top of the center-tie of your new double-rolled towel, such that the body is perpendicular to the roll.
Be sure that the head piece is oriented so the ears are pointing “up” and the “tail” is positioned toward the back.
Feels Difficult?
3. Making the Legs
Take the left and right ends of the double roll. Fold them upward (perpendicular to the body) in opposite directions to make the legs.
Wrap a rubber band around each of these folds where they meet the main body.
Proportion Check: Before you put the final rubber bands on the legs, tug the fabric slightly to be sure the left and right legs are the same length.
Now attach the googly eyes!
And that’s how you can make an elephant plushie out of towels for you and the kids.
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About "Talha"
Hey, I’m Talha, the Crafter on Craftstive.com. I love to share guides on folding cute origami models and paper crafts, and I am always ready to inspire your next craft project with my weekly craft discussions.