Designing and Making Your Own Soft Toy

Elena Ilyasova is a toy maker and pattern designer based in Oxford, England. Raised in a family of creatives, she learned to sew, knit, and crochet from a young age, making her first soft toy when she was just seven, and hasn’t stopped since. Her career took off when she started sharing the stuffed toys she had made for her own children on social media, which quickly led to a stream of orders and the creation of her brand Efi Little Things.

Through her brand, she makes soft toy patterns for companies and individuals. Her designs are inspired by the woodland creatures that populated traditional tales. The aim of her work is to support both small businesses and craft lovers in keeping this tradition alive while promoting sustainable, handmade items over mass-produced toys. When she’s not creating her own designs, she shares her knowledge with others through online classes and tutorials.