How to Reinforce a Microbead Plush

Written By: Oscar Olivares

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Difficulty

Moderate

Steps

Time Required

45 minutes

Introduction

In this repair, we will be reinforcing a microbead plush by creating a bag for the microbeads. Using this repair, we can extend the duration of items a loved one has given or keep these items in near-perfect condition. Before starting this repair, you should have a spool of a thread in the plush's color to make any repairs unnoticeable. This repair will take a while and can get messy; for example, when flipping the plush casing, use an area that is easy to clean.

Tools

Step 1

Look for seams in the microbead plush that you can tear to remove its contents.
Using a seam ripper, make a hole the size of your thumb.
You can enlarge the hole if needed.
Make sure that you follow the seam when you make the hole.

Step 2

Dump out the contents of the plush into a large container using that hole you made.
Make sure not to let the plush touch the beads. They will stick to the plush.

Step 3

Flip the plush inside out using the hole you made.
Be wary that some micro-beads may still be stuck to the inside of the fabric.

Step 4

Fold the inside-out casing in half.
Place it on a piece of fabric folded into fourths. The loose ends of the fabric should be facing you.
Trace the outline of the casing with a marker.

Step 5

Use scissors to cut out the outline of the plush.
You may use safety pins on the inside of the outline so the fabric doesn't slip.
You can use the casing as a guide if you're unsure with your outline.

Step 6

Measure about 20 times the length of the plush in thread.
Push the thread through the eye of the needle until both sides of the needle have an equal amount of thread.
Check out Repairing a Stuffed Teddy if you're unsure how to thread a needle.
Create a small loop using the loose ends, leaving about 2 centimeters to wrap around the base of the loop. Push the excess through the loop to create a knot.

Step 7

Unfold the material keeping both outline sheets together.
This will create a bag for the microbeads to go in.
After unfolding, use a different color marker to note where the hole made in step one is on your plush.
Do not close this hole as this is the refilling point.
Start stitching along the edge of the outlines, weaving the needle every centimeter to close any gaps.

Step 8

Stuff the bag into the plush, leaving the openings together.
Sew the edges of the openings onto the plush to prevent the bag from slipping when refilling.
Insert the funnel in the opening and begin refiling the plush.
Refill the plush slowly using a cup to avoid spilling the microbeads over the plush.