Elf on the Shelf Sleeping Bag Tutorial

Elf on the Shelf Sleeping Bag Tutorial

Do you have an elf that visits your house every holiday season? It can be so time consuming coming up with great ideas for things to do with the elf. Today I have a fun accessory that you can make to keep your elf entertained for one night at least! Here is an elf on the shelf sleeping bag tutorial.

Elf on the Shelf Sleeping Bag Tutorial

Supplies: Click the title to be taken to the supply that I used.

Poly fill – you just need a small amount. It doesn’t take much.

Fabric – I used a combination of Moda 12 Days of Christmas and Moda Jingle

9″ Zipper

Elf on the Shelf – Need an elf?

Instructions:

Cut two pieces of lining and two pieces of outside fabric and two pieces of lining fabric. Each piece should measure 9.5″ by 4.5″. Full disclosure this creates a sleeping bag that isn’t quite tall enough for the elf. I had to bend the elves legs under to get them to fit. But they are flexible so it works. You could make the fabric longer and buy a longer zipper if you want to make sure the elf will fit.

Line up your pieces in this order. The top piece right side out, the inside piece right side down the second inside piece right side up under the first inside piece and the bottom piece right side out on the very bottom. Using scissors or a rotary cutter round the edges. Use one side as a template to ensure that the corners are the same.

Now grab your zipper. Take the top piece of fabric and line it up so that the zipper is facing down on the fabric and the pull goes down towards the bottom. Using scissors cut the zipper every 1/4″ (don’t cut too far in just a smidge.) This will make sure that it curves easily when you sew it on. Pin the zipper in place, as pictured below.

Once you have sewed the zipper on using your zipper foot you will grab the first inside piece of fabric. Line it up over the same side of the zipper you just attached, face down.

Pin this piece in place and then turn it over and sew along the first seam you created. Then turn the whole piece out and top stitch just inside the fabric where it meets the zipper.

Now repeat the process on the other side. Place the zipper face down on the remaining outer piece and sew it in place.

Then add the inside piece on the other side of the zipper. Lastly top stitch the two in place. Now Turn the piece inside out again. Pin the two inside pieces together along the edge. Pin the two outside piece together along the edge. Leave the top edges open.

Once you have sewed the sides together turn the whole piece out. Press the raw edges under and pin them together.

Sew the top edge together about halfway. Then add some stuffing into the bag. Use your discretion, I didn’t use a ton I just wanted enough to make it a little puffy. Then finish sewing the top closed.

That is it! Finished!! Did you know they made the elves in all these colors? How fun!

You can use some extra stuffing and fabric to create a small pillow. Just place two small rectangles together right sides facing in. Then sew around 3 and a half of the sides. Turn it out, stuff it, and close up the open edge.