Remember the thrill of galloping with an old-fashioned hobby horse? These mini versions capture that joy in a pocket-sized way.
Imagine a child guiding their tiny horse across tabletops, or gifting these as party favors that spark instant smiles.
Specially, each one carries personality with different manes, bridles, and fabric shades like a playful stable waiting to trot off into stories.
Materials Needed
- Fabric scraps (linen, cotton, or canvas) (5”×7” pieces per horse)
- Polyester stuffing (10g per head)
- Wooden skewers or dowels – 8-10” long, 0.25” thick
- Yarn for mane – 8-10 strands, 3” each
- Embroidery thread or black beads
- Twine or cord
- Scissors & sewing needle (or sewing machine)
- Hot glue gun (optional)
- Starched felt (optiona)
- Paper template (horse head, approx. 4” tall)
Step-by-step Guide
Step 1: Draw a simple horse head shape on paper (about 4” tall), then cut two pieces of fabric using this template.
Step 2: Place the fabric pieces right sides together and stitch around the edges, leaving the bottom open. Turn it right side out.
Step 3: Lightly stuff the horse head, focusing on shaping the snout and cheeks.
Step 4: Insert the wooden skewer or dowel into the bottom opening, pushing it gently into the filling.
Next, stitch or glue the fabric tightly around the stick to hold it in place.
Step 5: For the mane, knot short yarn strands together, then stitch or glue them along the neck and head. You can trim to desired length.
Step 6: Add eyes with small stitches or beads, and fold tiny triangles of fabric or felt for ears. Then attach them securely.
Step 7: Tie twine or cord around the horse’s muzzle and head to create simple reins.
Tips:
When I tried these, I made a whole set in pastel shades like pink, blue, and beige for a child’s birthday.
They worked beautifully as both play toys and cake table decorations. To make sturdier versions, use slightly thicker fabric like canvas.