1. Investigating Existing
CAT 2
Investigating Existing
Products

2. Find and select 3 existing products (plush toys) that you find inspirational. Analyse and annotate (write about) each design, writing in full sentences and in detail. You will need to comment on:
Textiles/fabrics used: e.g. Cotton, Denim, Jersey, Canvas, Calico, Felt, Fleece, Flannelette
Do the textiles used have a pattern?: e.g. Polka Dot, Striped, Geometric, Floral, Checked
Texture of the textiles used: e.g. Rough, Smooth, Soft, Spikey, Scratchy, silky, Furry
Describe colours used: e.g. Angry Red, Pastel pink, Deep Purple, Sunset Orange, Daffodil Yellow
Is the plush toy based on something in particular?: e.g. Cartoon Character, Film Character, Clown, Animal, Food
Why you find the plush toy inspirational, and how it could influence your design ideas: e.g. you may choose a toy because you like the way its mouth has been sewn, and may wish to do something similar on your final plush toy design.
Target Market (what age group of children does the toy suit): e.g. Toddlers, Babies, 5-6 Years
Decorative techniques/embellishment: e.g. Embroidery, Buttons, Beads, Sequins, Applique
Any other features: e.g. zips, hair, glass eyes, clothing, teeth

3. (Embroidery, Applique & Embellishment)
Decorative
Techniques
(Embroidery, Applique & Embellishment)

4. Embroidery Examples Continued…… Embroidery thread used
to create facial features.
Continued……

5. Embroidery thread used to create detailed facial features.
various
decorations.
Embroidery thread used
to create raised lettering.

6. Applique Examples
Fabric pieces sewn on to
other fabric!

7. Can you spot the Embroidery & Applique?

8. Other forms of Embellishment
Sequins
Zips
Glass Eyes
Beads
Buttons

9. Annotated Plush Toy Example:
I have chosen this existing product because I rather like the
idea of creating a large head for a plush toy. I also like the fact that you can interact with this toy by opening
and closing its mouth.
The plush toy has a messy head of hair made from strands of rich brown wool. The individual strands make the hair look more realistic.
Overall, the toy looks like it would be soft to the touch. The fabrics used can be described as a plain skin coloured Jersey, and a plain pastel pink Felt.
The eyes and eyebrows have been embroidered on
using black embroidery thread. This technique
makes the eyes in particular stand out!
The rosy pink cheeks have been attached using the decorative technique Applique, they give the plush toy a more friendly
appearance.
The teeth have been attached
individually to make them appear more life-like.
This plush toy would appeal to most
children! The nose and ears however, could be a possible choking hazard if torn off. Some children may also be put of by the mouth, as it could be viewed as being slightly creepy/scary.

10. IF YOU ARE STRUGGLING TO FIND
IMAGES OF INTERESTING PLUSH TOYS, YOU MAY USE THE IMAGES
ON THE NEXT TWO SLIDES.