Tip #6 Notes on Stuffing by Mimi Kirchner

Posted Wednesday 8 October 2008 and filed under: Stuffing, Tips-n-Tricks
Tags: ,doll, filling, polyester, scraps, softie, Stuffing, tip, wool

Expert doll-maker Mimi Kirchner shares her thoughts and experiences on the different types of stuffing she has used for her dolls: polyester, wool, recycled wool and wool scraps.

{image credit: Mimi Kirchner}

This provides some good insights on choosing the right stuffing for your softie project if you are confused as to what stuffing may be most suitable.

Read it here: Notes on Stuffing by Mimi Kirchner

Tip #5 How to hand sew Felt by Futuregirl

Posted Wednesday 8 October 2008 and filed under: Sewing, Tips-n-Tricks
Tags: ,blanket-stitch, felt, hand sew, Sewing, softie, stitches, tip, tutorial, whip-stitch

One of the obvious things you will notice about softie-making is that felt plays a popular role in being a base material.  Felt is very versatile, comes in a huge amount of colours and has enough flexibility and durability (at least in the good quality felt) to maintain shape and form.

{image credit: Futuregirl}

If you are hand sewing felt pieces together for a softie, it is important to use the right stitch and to sew the stitch correctly. Doing so will avoid having your softie suddenly burst open at the most inappropriate of times e.g. handing it over to the person you made it for, whilst explaining how much effort you put into it and that you think it is the best thing you ever made.

The amazing Futuregirl has posted these excellent step-by-step tutorials (with pictures) on two stitches that are used widely in softie-making:

1) How to hand sew a whip-stitch

2) How to hand sew a blanket-sticth

3) And how to know which of the two stitches to use on a project

So please read the above links, apply them, and hand over your next handsewn softie with a lot more confidence!

Tip #4 Assembling a Stuffed Toy by Nina Cuneo

Posted Wednesday 8 October 2008 and filed under: Sewing, Tips-n-Tricks
Tags: ,assembly, how to, monster, process, Sewing, softie, tip, tutorial

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