![Easy-Sew Animal Belt Buddies](https://www.handmadecharlotte.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/Mollie_AnimalBeltBuddies1.jpg)
I’m in a cute animal obsession right now, and I’m not sure it’s temporary. Who can resist cute animals, right? These colorful felt creatures are simple to make, and can be worn as a belt accessory or removed for some simple animal play. (Think portable entertainment!)
![Easy-Sew Animal Belt Buckles](https://www.handmadecharlotte.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/Mollie_AnimalBeltBuddies2.jpg)
What You Need
- Belt Buddies Printable Template
- Felt (I recommend wool or wool blend for longer lasting animal friends!)
- Embroidery floss
- Belt or 1-inch Wide Belting + 2 D-rings
- Scissors
- Needle
How-To
Step 1
Print provided templates, then use them to trace the animal shapes of our choice onto your favorite colored felts. Cut out a front and a back for each animal (the same shape twice). The squirrel and the cat have a separate back piece with a tail, but all the other animals are the same for both sides.
Step 2
Embroider faces onto the animals with 3 strands of embroidery floss. I used french knots for the eyes, back stitch for the nose, and a scallop stitch for the smile.
Step 3
Fold the back piece in half and cut two slits into the felt. The slits should be a little over one inch in length, so make the cuts about 5/8-inch.
Step 4
Hold the front and back pieces together and with 3 strands of floss, use a running stitch around the edges.
Step 5
Now it’s time to grab your belt! If you’re making your own belt (it’s really easy!), cut a piece of belting that is long enough to wrap around your child’s waist, then add 8 inches.
At one end, fold the end over twice and stitch it down with embroidery floss. Take the other end and fold it over twice with the two D-rings in the fold, then stitch it down, as before.
Step 6
Slide your animal buddies onto the belt through the slits.
Step 7
For the little mouse, you can add a tail made from embroidery floss before you stitch the layers together. Tie a knot in one end of your floss, then bring the floss through the felt and tie another knot very close to the felt. Tie a third knot about two inches from the first, then trim excess thread.
![Easy-Sew Animal Belt Buckles](https://www.handmadecharlotte.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/Mollie_AnimalBeltBuddies12.jpg)
![Easy-Sew Animal Belt Buckles](https://www.handmadecharlotte.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/Mollie_AnimalBeltBuddies13.jpg)
Your belt buddies are ready to ride! They’re sure to make friends wherever they go and will be by your little one’s side on all their biggest adventures!
![Easy-Sew Animal Belt Buckles](https://www.handmadecharlotte.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/Mollie_AnimalBeltBuddies.jpg)
Happy crafting!