And we’re back!! No excuses for the prolonged absence. Let’s just get stuck back into it!
Check out this excellent time-lapse video on the process of making a plush toy by Love and Sandwich. Nothing solves the mystery of bringing a plush toy to life like seeing it in action. Enjoy!
I received an email a few weeks ago from Ginny who wanted some guidance on sewing up fleece for softies. Fleece is a fairly inexpensive material, comes in many different colours, is stretchy and flexible, and has a soft/fluffy texture well-suited for softie-making.
I have used sherpa fleece, polar fleece, chenille fleece and terry fleece (amongst others) to make many softies for kids. Here are a few examples: Shmerpi, Springbean, Bunnito, Doddi-Bears. However, sewing it up can be a real challenge - some machines ‘eat up‘ the fleece and/or stretch it out disproportionately.
I pointed Ginny to an excellent step-by-step guide on Burda Style on how to sew fleece.
The How-To addresses sewing up a garment but all of the tips can also apply to softie-making, particularly how to transfer the pattern pieces; suitable machine needle, thread, and stitch; and finishing.
Go here: How to Sew Fleece Fabric by Burda Style
Make a Comment ( None so far )Well, that title up there says it all! Mochimochi has written a very good article on attaching/making eyes for your softies.
{image credit: Mochimochi}
Her article provides the steps on how she attaches plastic safety eyes to a softie; how she sew eyes on using yarn; and her method for embroidering eyes using stranded cotton. The great thing about this article - besides the fantastic accompanying pictures - is that she also notes the pros and cons for each option.
She uses a knitted softie to illustrate the different methods but these same techniques apply to any softie really, whether knitted, crocheted or sewn. The only real difference is when attaching plastic safety eyes to a sewn softie - in my experience it is a good idea to make small slits where the eyes should be and then stitch a small circle or square around them (smaller than the size of the actual eye so that it can’t be seen when the eye is attached) to prevent them from tearing open. Also for sewn toys, you would attach the eyes before stuffing the softie rather than after stuffing as mentioned by Mochimochi for knitted toys.
Read it all here: Eye, Eye: A Tutorial by Mochimochi
Another good article that you might also find helpful in regards to attaching plastic safety eyes for your softies (as many brands of safety eyes that you buy from the craft shop do not include instructions):
>> How to Attach Safety Eyes to Toys by eHow
Make a Comment ( 1 so far )Seriously this little guy by Nina Cuneo is IRRESISTABLE!
{image credit: Nina Cuneo}
Now, you don’t actually get the actual pattern for him but you do get detailed steps and excellent accompanying images on how he was put together.
{image credit: Nina Cuneo}
Again, this tutorial has many tips in each step of the process and will be very helpful for those who want to start making softies with the right-sides on the inside during assembly. This tutorial is definitely one to bookmark and read from beginning to end.
Find it here: Stuffed Felt Monster Tutorial by Nina Cuneo
Make a Comment ( 1 so far )Rhelynn of Knit Owl is a very experienced softie-maker. Her creations are endearingly sweet and charming and her blog provides fantastic insights into the process of softie-making. If you’re interested in designing your own softies, make sure you read through her article on the importance of prototyping your designs.
{image credit: KnitOwl}
Turning 2D drawings into 3D softies can be a tricky process and requires the ability to visualise the drawing as the sum of different component/shapes/panels. This article provides clear steps to guide you through the process.
Find her article here: Designing Your Own Toys by Knit Owl
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