Free Sewing Pattern: Animal Cell Softie

Alexander, my 12yo, came home a couple of weeks ago with his first Science project of the year. He had to make a 3 D animal or plant cell model and it could not be made out of food, due to an ant problem with last year's projects. He was really disappointed because he wanted to make it out of food; he really likes to bake. I suggested that we make a softie cell model together or he could make a clay and/or styrofoam one. I was pretty excited about making a cell pillow and he caught my enthusiasm.
I knew he could not make the pattern or do the sewing, so I wrote an email to his teacher to make sure that it was okay that I made those parts. He said that would be fine! So off we went. I made the pattern based on a picture sent home for him to label and define. 

While I was drawing everything out Alexander was labeling and defining his cell parts. (I put his key he typed up on here for you as well. Please remember it was written by a 12yo and could have much more information about the different parts of an animal cell that he has yet to learn.) Certain numbers were skipped because they were specific to the plant cell on the other half of the page.

Alexander had to cut out everything. It was a new experience for him and 3 hours into it, he said, "I wish I was doing a styrofoam ball!" (And I laughed. What a cruel mom!) It did take him a long time to do. So, if you have younger children they may not have the patience for this project without more help. After he was done he laid his cell out as he wanted it and I pinned it down to sew. Afterwards, Blythe spent the next day playing with it. (Durability. Check!)

Materials:

Craft felt 1/2 sheet (8.5”x11”) in

Dark Purple, Light Purple, Light Green, Medium Blue, Grey, Light Blue, Gold, Orange, Pink, Dark Pink, Tan, Dark Blue, White, Black

1/4 yard red fleece

1/4 yard of light yellow cotton

1/4 yard of stiff felt like interfacing

at least one light thread and dark thread color

stuffing

sewing machine, needle, scissors, printer, paper

I had Alexander complete step 6. I thought it would be good for him to sew a bit too. 

When it was all done he loved it. I asked him if it was worth the hours he had spent cutting it all out and he said, "Definitely!" So, I consider this project a success. I wish I had taken a final picture of it. He pinned labels on each of the pieces and put his label sheet in a page protector that he hung from the loop. It looked sharp. He came home proud of his project and presentation!

Here is my pattern double click below and it will take you to the pdf:

I hope this will be a fun and educational project for you to make too!

Have a wonderful day!

Shared at these Party Places & "Wow us Wednesday."