Print the eagle pattern template and cut the pieces out. The template includes: 2 body pieces (brown); 3 tail feathers (white); 2 big eye circles (green); 2 small eye circles (black); 1 beak (yellow); 4 legs (front and back for each leg – yellow); 1 crown feather (white); 1 head (white); 2 wing patterns (brown) Use a fabric marker or pencil to trace around the pattern pieces onto the felt, and cut with scissors. Alternatively pin the paper pieces to the felt and cut the pattern.

Before sewing, layer the pieces as follows: Place the wings on the sides of one of the body pieces; Place the two feet together (twice); Place the eye pieces (green, then black) and the beak onto the head; Place the tail feathers on the side of the other body piece, and the crown feather at the top.

Prepare needle and thread – try to match the thread to the felt color, so brown for the body, yellow for the beak and feet, white for the head. Stitch the wings to the body; Stitch the fronts and backs of the feet together; Stitch the beak to the head; Use a few stitches to create white highlights in the eyes to attach the green and black layers to the head.

Now place the head at the top of the winged body; and place the sewn feet at the bottom of the other body piece.

Place the front of the eagle onto the back, and stitch everything together – make sure that you stitch through all the different layers – and that you leave an opening to stuff your eagle plush!

Now it’s time to stuff! Use toy stuffing or scrap felt to pad the head and body out, making sure you fill it evenly. Use the end of a pencil to poke into place if you need to.

When your eagle is well and truly stuffed, stitch the opening closed. Tie a knot and draw the needle inside the plush, then back out and cut off extra thread.

And there you go – your patriotic plush is made! A fun craft right?