Sew Your Own Betta Fish Plushie With This Free Printable Pattern

Love betta fish and want a fun sewing project? I’ve made a simple sewing pattern you can print and use at home.

This soft, handmade betta fish is beginner-friendly and only takes a few materials. You can use felt or cotton, add a bit of stuffing, and have a cute fish ready in an afternoon.

The full-size pattern is free to download and comes with step-by-step instructions. Great for gifts, decor, or just for fun.

What You’ll Need (Materials List)

You don’t need fancy stuff for this project. Just grab these basics:

• Felt or cotton fabric – Use two colors if you want a fancy tail and body combo
• Thread – Pick colors that match your fabric
• Scissors – Sharp ones work best for clean edges
• Needle or sewing machine – Either one will do fine
• Stuffing – Polyester fiberfill or any soft stuffing
• Pins or clips – To hold the pieces together while sewing
• Pencil or fabric chalk – For tracing the pattern
• Safety eyes or black thread – For giving your fish some personality

Tip: Felt is easier to sew and doesn’t fray, so it’s perfect if this is your first time sewing a plushie.

Free Betta Fish Sewing Pattern

Step-by-Step Sewing Instructions

Step 1: Cut the Pattern Pieces

Print the pattern and cut out each shape. Trace them onto your fabric and cut carefully. You’ll need:

• 2 body pieces
• 1 tail fin (on fold)
• 1 top fin
• 1 bottom fin
• 2 pectoral fins

Get the full scoop on Betta—check out this must-read article! 5 Easy DIY Betta Fish Toys Ideas You Can Make at Home

Step 2: Sew the Fins First

Take the tail, top, and bottom fins. Put two layers together (right sides touching if you’re not using felt), and sew around the edges.

Leave a small opening. Turn them right side out and stuff lightly if you want a puffed look.

Sew the openings closed.

Step 3: Attach the Fins to One Body Piece

Lay one body piece flat (right side up). Pin or sew the finished fins in place—tail at the back, top and bottom along the spine and belly.

Leave the pectoral fins for later.

Step 4: Sew the Body Together

Place the second body piece on top (right sides together). Make sure the fins are tucked inside so they don’t get caught weird.

Sew around the fish, leaving a gap at the belly for turning.

Step 5: Turn and Stuff

Turn your fish right side out. Use your fingers or a pencil to push out the curves. Stuff it gently but fully.

Step 6: Finish It Up

Sew the gap closed with small stitches. Hand-sew the pectoral fins on both sides. Add safety eyes or stitch little black dots for eyes.

Optional Custom Touches

Want to make your fish extra special? Try one of these fun tweaks:

• Add shimmer – Use shiny or satin fabric for the fins to give that real betta glow
• Try embroidery – Stitch some thin lines on the fins to mimic real fin details
• Make it a keychain – Sew in a loop at the top and add a keyring
• Use wild colors – Betta fish come in all kinds of colors—go bold with your fabric
• Turn it into a mobile – Make a few small ones and hang them over a baby crib or your workspace

No rules here—just play around and make it yours!