There’s something irresistibly charming about a long, low sausage dog. That stretched-out body, the little legs, the floppy ears — it’s no wonder dachshunds are such favourites. This 60cm long sausage dog softie captures that classic dachshund shape in fabric, making it a lovely project to sew, gift, or keep.
This free sewing pattern is designed to create a generously sized dachshund (sausage dog) soft toy, perfect for cuddling, decorating a child’s room, or turning into a meaningful keepsake using special fabrics. The simple construction makes it beginner-friendly, while the finished result looks polished and thoughtfully handmade.
If you enjoy sewing softies that actually get used — hugged, displayed, or gifted — this sausage dog ticks all the boxes.
Finished Size
- Length: 60 cm (nose to tail)
- Height: approx. 23 cm
- Width when stuffed: approx. 13 cm
This is a long, low-profile dachshund-style softie, staying true to the classic sausage dog proportions.
Materials Needed
- Main fabric: light to medium-weight fabric
(corduroy, quilting cotton, cotton drill, linen blends) - Contrast fabric for ears (optional)
- Toy stuffing (polyester filling)
- Matching sewing thread
- Fabric scissors or rotary cutter
- Pins or clips
- Chopstick or turning tool
- Hand sewing needle for closing
Corduroy works especially well for this project and really suits the dachshund shape.
Pattern Pieces Included
This free sewing pattern includes:
- Sausage dog body side (cut 2, mirrored)
- Body gusset (top and belly strip – cut 1 on fold or cut 2 and join)
- Dachshund ears (cut 4)
- Tail piece (cut 2)
Important: Seam allowance is not included. Add 1 cm seam allowance to all pieces before cutting.
Cutting Instructions
- Print the pattern at 100% / actual size
- Tape pages together so the nose-to-tail measurement equals 60 cm
- Trace pattern pieces onto fabric, adding seam allowance
- Cut carefully, keeping curves smooth
If using directional fabric like corduroy, make sure the nap runs the same direction on both body pieces so your sausage dog looks consistent once sewn.
How to Sew the Sausage Dog (Dachshund) Softie
Step 1: Sew the Ears
- Place ear pieces right sides together
- Sew around the edge, leaving the bottom open
- Turn right side out and press lightly
- Optional: lightly stuff or leave flat for a floppy dachshund-ear look
Step 2: Attach the Ears
- Position ears on one body side at the neck curve
- Baste in place with raw edges aligned
Step 3: Join the Body Sides
- Place body pieces right sides together
- Sew only the nose and tail tips together
- Leave the rest open to insert the gusset
Step 4: Attach the Gusset
- Pin gusset starting at the nose
- Ease carefully around the curves of the dachshund body
- Clip curves where needed for smooth seams
- Leave a 7–8 cm opening along the belly for stuffing
Step 5: Turn and Stuff
- Turn the sausage dog right side out
- Stuff firmly, focusing on:
- Neck
- Chest
- Hips
- Stuff legs evenly using a chopstick
- Slightly under-stuff the belly so the dachshund keeps a relaxed, floppy shape
Step 6: Close the Opening
- Hand stitch the belly opening closed using a ladder stitch
Eyes and Nose Options
- Safety eyes (best for decorative use)
- Hand-embroidered eyes for a softer, keepsake dachshund
- Felt or embroidered nose
For memory or child-friendly sausage dogs, embroidery is the safest and most timeless option.
Fabric Ideas That Suit a Sausage Dog
- Neutral corduroy for a modern dachshund softie
- Men’s shirts, baby clothes, or pyjamas for memory dogs
- Patchwork body with a solid gusset
- Seasonal fabrics for gifts or nursery décor
The long, simple sausage dog shape makes this pattern especially forgiving when mixing fabrics.
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