Make a fluffy emoji plushie - World Emoji Day

What can I substitute if I don't have felt, a fabric marker, or polyester stuffing?

Use craft foam or colored paper for the eyes and mouth instead of felt, a pencil or tailor’s chalk to trace the paper circle onto the folded fabric in place of a fabric marker, and clean cotton balls or scrap fabric pieces to fill the plush through the 3 cm gap instead of polyester stuffing.

My fabric circles moved while cutting or sewing—how do I stop that and fix lumpy stuffing?

Pin or clip the paper template and folded fabric before tracing and cutting, use straight pins to hold the two circles while you sew around the edge leaving the 3 cm gap, and push stuffing into tight spots with a chopstick after you turn the plush right side out to smooth lumps.

How should I change the project for younger children or older kids?

For younger children, pre-cut the paper template and felt pieces and use fabric glue for 'Attach the felt pieces' and to close the edge with adult help instead of sewing, while older kids can hand-sew or use a sewing machine for the 'Sew around the edge' step and add embroidered details to the felt decorations.

What are some ways to personalize or enhance the emoji plushie?

Before sewing the final seam to close the 3 cm gap, tuck in a short ribbon or keychain loop, add fabric paint or sequins to the felt decorations, or embroider a name on the back fabric circle for a personalized finish.