Sewing Pattern Release: Hugh Manatee

This is a long time in the making. I’m happy to share with Craft Buds readers that my Hugh Manatee stuffed animal pattern is now available for purchase! The pattern first appeared in a sewing compilation book, and it is now available as a PDF pattern with full-size printable template and step-by-step color photos.

Get the Hugh Manatee pattern on Etsy

One of my goals with this pattern was to create a truly inexpensive handmade gift that kids will love. By using coupons at Jo-Ann fabrics, I was able to pick up all of the supplies for two manatees including blizzard fleece and stuffing for just $6, for a cost of $3 per manatee.

And from what I’ve heard, kids really do love them! Here’s what some of my pattern testers had to say:

Jenn made this super-cute blue manatee, and said, “He would have been a super quick project had I had all of my supplies together!”

Alyssa made a boy and girl manatee, and I am obsessed with her heart eyes, bow and tutu! She said: “My kids love them, they haven’t let them go since I finished them.”

Stephanie of Swoodson Says added her own spin with these cute glasses! “It was very satisfying to have a quick easy sew!” she said.

I can’t get enough of Lisa‘s polka dot version! I really want to snuggle this guy.

Speaking of polka dots, check out the pair of manatees Missy made from polka dot fleece! She said, “I found the pattern to be very easy to follow. This was a fun project, and my granddaughter picked out the fabric. I managed to get both of them out of 1 yard of fabric.”

How about a mini manatee? Jamie made this awesome 9″ long mini Hugh by downsizing the pattern. “I did follow the pattern throughout and I had no troubles at all! It was well-written and easy to read and follow,” she said. “I have only made a handful of items using patterns so I sometimes struggle with following, but this pattern was very clear.”

Holy cute! Bethany made this adorable snow-colored manatee, which her daughter affectionately named “Poofy.” She said: “I already had a friend ask me to make two of them for her bosses new twin granddaughters.”

Don’t be afraid to go wild and personalize your manatees, like Kimberly did. Someone is ready to party! She said, “This was a fun, quick sew and my grands will love it.”

Caroline made her Hugh Manatee in a pretty, winter-themed fleece. This would make a great holiday gift idea! “As a newbie, I was able to put Hugh together with the snippets of time that my 4- and 2-year-old allow. Maybe 1.5 hrs total,” she says.

How adorable is this lakeside buddy sewn by Jess? Hugh definitely wants to be in the water.

Note: If you substitute fleece for another fabric like quilting cotton, take note that you may end up with some extra wrinkles around the body and tail, which is A-okay since he’s a manatee! The top pattern piece is purposefully larger than the bottom, which is why a material with some stretch works nicely to give Hugh the desired fullness.