Minicraft Soft Toy Kit Review

Hi all

This is a soft toy kit from Minicraft. I bought it from ebay for £5.99.

I've seen these kits around for a few years now and finally decided to take the plunge and try one out. I picked the bat kit for a couple of reasons. The first is I've written a children's book about a bat and this little guy looks just like my main character Dingbat. So much so that I just couldn't resist him. The second is because he looks so cute. As regular blog followers know, I have a huge soft spot for all things cute.

Anyway, the kit is pre-cut and comes with instructions on how to put it together. The only things that you need to supply are the stuffing and a needle and thread.

It's nice and easy to sew although it is a little fiddly around the face, ears and nose section. Once the body is stitched together and while it is still inside-out, the eyes are fitted. I must admit I struggled with the eyes as I haven't used proper toy eyes before. I had no idea which way round the little washers go onto the eye stems and the instructions don't say. Fingers crossed I got them the right way round.

It didn't take long to complete, just a couple of hours one evening.

It's a great little kit for a quick finish but does have a teensy negative. I was a little disappointed with the fur as it sheds easily. The fur falls out in chunks leaving bare patches. It is a cheap quality fabric which lets the kit down. Although the bare patches can be covered up by gently brushing the remaining fur over, it does mean that it would be totally unsuitable as a toy for a young child.

Having said that though, I'm happy with the finished bat. If you are looking for something quick and easy and fun to stitch then this kit fits the bill.

And he still looks cute.

Bye for now

Olly

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