I wanted a Marshal plush to add to my own collection so came up with this pattern and wrote it down as I went along to share with other fans out there. He's around 7" tall.
For his face and detail, I used the needle felting technique. I will show how I did it but if it isn't something you're interested in, there are other options you can do like cutting and sewing felt/fabric pieces, embroidery and using buttons or doll eyes for example. Be creative!!Supplies used
US 1 / 2.75mm hook
Tapestry needle
Stitch marker (optional but recommended)
Worsen 4 yarn
Red Heart brand: soft white, white, buff
Mandala Ombre brand: mantra (for the shirt, any blue or color you want will work)
Stuffing (I used polyfil)
Scissors
Felting materials (Optional)
Barbed Felting needle (gage don't matter)
Wired pet brush
Yarn or pre-made fibers: black, white, beige, light gray, light purples, mustard, light yellow, pink
Guide
MR: magic ring
inc: Increase
sc: single crochet
inv dec: invisible decrease
ch: chain
CC: color change
‐---------‐------
Head and body (one piece)
With soft white, MR 6
Round 1: *inc* entire round (12)
2. *inc, sc* (18)
3. *inc, sc 2* (24)
4-13. *sc* (24)
14. *inv dec* entire round (12)
15. *inc* entire round (24)
16. *inc, sc 3* (30)
17. *inc, sc 4* (36)
18. *inc, sc 5* (42)
19. *inc, sc 6* (48)
20-27. *sc*
28. *inv dec, sc 6* (42)
29. *inv dec, sc 5* (36)
30. *inv dec, sc 4* (30)
31. *inv dec, sc 3* (24)
Start stuffing
32. *inv dec, sc 2* (18)
33. *inv dec, sc* (12)
34. *inv dec* (6)
Finish stuffing
Secure and cut a long tail and attach to a tapestry needle. Sew around the open hole and pull to seal. Weave in loose tails.
Shirt
With blue yarn ch 24
Row 1-2: *sc* ch1 at the end (23)
3. Inc, sc 21, inc, ch1 (25)
4. Inc, sc 23, inc, ch1 (27)
5. Inc, sc 25, inc, ch1 (29)
6. Inc, sc 27, inc, ch1 (31)
7-9. *sc* ch1 (31)
Save blue long tail for sewing later
10. CC to white *sc in back stitch* ch1 (31)
11. *sc* (31)
Secure and weave in white tail.
Arms (make 2)
With buff, MR 8
1-2. *sc* (8)
3. CC to white *sc* (8)
4-6. *sc* (8)
Secure and save long tail for sewing
Feet (make 2)
With buff, MR 8
1. *sc* (8)
2. CC to soft white *sc* (8)
3-4. *sc* (8)
Secure and leave long tail for sewing
Ears (make 2)
With soft white, MR 6
1. *inc* (12)
2. *inc, sc* (18)
3-4: *sc* (18)
5. *inv dec* (9)
Leave long tail for sewing and flatten piece.
Top of Tail
MR 6
1. *inc* (12)
2. *inc, sc* (18)
3. *inc, sc 2* (24)
4. *inc, sc 3* (30)
5. *inc, sc 4* (36)
6. *sc* (36)
7-8. *sc* (36)
9. *inv dec, sc 4* (30)
8. *inv dec, sc 3* (24)
7. *inv dec, sc 2* (18)
Stuff
8. *inv dec, sc* (12)
9. *inv dec* (6)
Cut long tail and attach to tapestry needle, sew into the remaining 6 stitches and pull to secure shut. Weave in tail
Bottom of Tail
MR 6
1. *inc* (12)
2-3 sc (12)
4. *inv dec* (6)
5. *sc* (6)
Secure and leave long tail for sewing.
Sew tail pieces together like this:
Wrap shirt around his body. With the long tail end of the blue, stitch the end pieces together.
Attach his tail to the bottom backside of his body. I ended up stitching the top of his tail to the back of his head to help keep it up. This is how all your pieces should roughly look like now:
*His arm pattern was altered last minute because they were too long so the correct ones are not pictured. This pattern has the improved version and is shown in the finished photo of him.*
Sew on his arms onto his sides, ears on spaced evenly on the center of the top of his head and sew feet on the bottom. It is your choice if you want him to be sitting or standing.
Below is how I created his face detail. This part is optional:
If you are planning on making this for a child or know it will be handled alot, I do not recommend using this method as it can easily frizz or fall apart after play. I'd recommend taking felt sheets, cutting them to the shapes needed then sewing them on. My Marshal was made for display purposes only.
Needlefelting, is something anyone can pick up. The felting needle tangles loose fibers as you stab into them giving you the ability to make shapes and designs. It must be a felting needle, regular sewing needles will not work. Most craft stores carry them or you can find them through retailers online like Amazon or etsy at $5-$10 (US) for a starter set.
Now, if you're already a fellow felter and have some wool fibers, that will work but since I am a yarn hoarder and like to save a few bucks, I am going to show you how I make my own fibers. All you need is a wired pet brush, yarn color of your choice and a little patience.
I'm out of white fibers so that's what I'll be making here.
Take the yarn (I'm using Worsen 4 Red Heart brand in white) and wrap layers around your hand but not too tight. I do about 20 wraps.
Cut the string attached to the skein. Now, cut the middle of the ring and hold one of the ends of the loose yarn. Making a bunch of loose strings.
I don't recommend doing this part on tables you can scratch so it's best to use a cutting board or something to protect your surfaces. I used an old cheap plastic folder. Careful not to scratch your hand!
Take the yarn and hold the ends tightly by wrapping one side on your finger to secure it. Straighten out the yarn strands, then start slowly and gently brushing out the ends. As it starts to get fluffy, start working your way up.
See this fuzz stuck in the brush? This is what we want! Since Marshal is small, you won't need alot and with this stuff, a little goes a long way.
Yup, that's it! Keep repeating with needed colors until you've got enough. Store your fibers in a plastic bag or jar.
Now, stare at his head and imagine that sweet smug face. Finding photos online for a reference helps me a lot. When I felt details, I use very light layers and work my way up. I feel more in control this way. If you make a mistake, you can easily rip it off without damaging the doll and start again. Don't glop on a bunch of fibers at once, you will be at risk of making it look too thick and uneven. Take your time. Keep stabbing lightly and adding layers until you get the look you desire.
For his eyes, I used black, white and light gray fibers
Ear detail I used light purple and dark purple blend.
Hair and tail I used, some mustard, yellow and beige
Cheeks I used light pink
Don't forget the swirl on his tail! I used a mustard and beige blend :)
Thank you for checking out my pattern! This can be altered to make other squirrel villagers as well!! Enjoy!!
*This is fan art of a character from Animal Crossing licensed by Nintendo. I do not have the rights to sell their merchandise. This was made for personal use only.*
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