Ouch Buddies

“I’m an Ouch Buddy. Whenever you hurt, give me a squeeze, and I’ll take some of the “ouch” away.” Who wouldn’t want a little friend to hold on to when times are tough in the hospital? Ouch Buddies make the perfect companion for our kids. There is minimal sewing required, and they’re so fun to squeeze!

Supplies

• 100% cotton fabric for body and head
• 100% polyester fiberfill stuffing
• Waterproof marker (for face)
• Thread (match to your fabric)
• Yarn or ribbon for the hair

Pattern size
6” x 6 ½” printed cotton fabric piece for the body (bright colors)
6” x 3 ½” solid color cotton fabric for the head

Making the Face

1. Lightly mark the middle mark on the top and side of your fabric.
2. Draw the face with permanent marker, keeping it as centered as possible. Start about 1” from the top so that the eyebrows or eyes aren’t sewn into the seam. Also, keep your mouth 1” from the bottom.

Directions

1. Stitch the head piece to the body by joining the 6” sides. Use a tight stitch and always backstitch so the stitches won’t pop open when the buddy is squeezed.
2. Stitch the hair to the back of the face. Remember to point the hair downward so when your buddy is completed and turned, the hair will be on the outside of the buddy, not the inside. Crew cuts or loops hair the easiest. Yarn pigtails or stand up braids are cute, but time consuming since they required hand stitching after the buddy is stuffed. Please do not use buttons or beads as they could come loose and present a choking hazard.
3. Stitch the ½” side seam making certain the head/body junction seam matches well. Then stitch across the top o the head, again remembering to backstitch.
4. Trim the corner at the head diagonally so when it’s turned, it’s a nice clean corner without excess fabric bunches.
5. Turn the buddy inside out so it’s ready to stuff.
6. Tear your stuffing into nickel or quarter sized pieces so it doesn’t form one large clump after washing. Stuff the corners first. (Chopsticks work well to push stuffing into corners.)
7. Pin the buddy closed at the bottom and hand stitch it shut.
8. Ouch Buddies are best stored in gallon-sized Ziploc bags to keep them germ free.

Important Notes: Always wash your fabric before beginning. Please use scent and dye free detergents and dryer sheets.

• Wash your hands and work area before beginning.
• Please do not work on blankets while wearing perfume or scented lotions or where there are pets, candles burning or smokers.
• Anyone who is coughing, feverish, has a runny nose or has been exposed to a contagious disease should not be involved with the creation of the blankets or visit our House.
• Ronald McDonald House is a non-denominational facility. Please do include any religious references.
• No community restitution or court ordered volunteers can be accepted.

Sincerely,

Lisa Davis
Meals and Activities Coordinator
513-636-2760
ldavis@RMHouse.org