Imagine a little flock of hens sitting by the window, waiting to tell their stories. Each one has its own personality, the curious hen, the shy hen, the proud rooster.
Sewing them feels like creating a miniature farm where fabric turns into feathers and stitches become life.
Bonus, these hens aren’t just toys; they’re companions for storytelling and décor pieces with a soul.
Materials Needed
- Fabric scraps (cotton or linen in contrasting prints) (10”×12” pieces per hen)
- Small felt sheets (red for comb, yellow for beak, white/black for details)
- Polyester stuffing (50-70g per hen)
- Embroidery thread or fabric paint for eyes
- Black cord or shoelaces (6-8” each)
- Wooden beads
- Paper template (hen body approx. 8” tall)
- Scissors, sewing needle, pins, and sewing machine
Step-by-step Guide
Step 1: Trace and cut out two hen body shapes from your chosen fabric. You prepare smaller felt pieces for the comb and beak.
Step 2: Place the body pieces right sides together, sandwiching the comb and beak between the layers at the top. Pin in place.
Step 3: Sew around the edges, leaving the bottom open. Then turn right side out and press gently with an iron.
Step 4: Stuff the hen firmly, shaping the body so it stands upright. Next, add extra filling at the neck to give it definition.
Step 5: Cut two lengths of cord for legs, knot wooden beads at the ends to form feet. Then insert them into the bottom opening before closing with stitches.
Step 6: Add eyes with embroidery thread, fabric paint, or tiny felt dots. Stitch or glue on a contrasting fabric patch to mimic wings or decorative markings.
Step 7: Adjust your flock, make a rooster with a taller comb, hens in patterned aprons, or even a whole set for a shelf display.
Tips:
I once made these as Easter decorations, and my favorite part was mixing bold colors for the wings and tails.
They became a talking piece on the dining table, and kids loved pretending the hens were real. For extra stability, you can place small pebbles inside the base before stuffing to give them weight.