Hemostats are my very favorite softie making tool. Also known as surgical forceps, hemostats are a wonderful tool for easily turning softies right side out and for stuffing them firmly. I use my hemostats so much that I've developed a callus on the forefinger of my right hand!
In this short video I demonstrate how I use my hemostats and I show you my hemostat collection, explaining the pros and cons of each pair. As I mention in the video, hemostats are available for free at hospitals (they come in suture kits and are often thrown away so ask a doctor to save a pair for you!) or you can purchase them online through doll and teddy bear-making websites like this one. And for an in-depth explanation of how to turn a softie right side out, here is my post on turning softies from my Elements of Soft Toy Design series.
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Like this tip?
Check out my new book for lots of infomation on designing and sew softies:
Stuffed Animals: From Concept to Construction was published by Lark Crafts in 2013.
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I got forceps after reading your Elements post about stuffing. You are right – they are THE BEST. I use them a ton!!! Thanks for the tip 🙂
oh man. That would make all sorts of things easier. Even for other non-softie sewing!
I love my hemostats! They’re so useful. I’m glad I got a pair when I read one of your posts about them.
Thank you! Very interesting video 🙂
Thank you again for the fabulous hemostat! I have just made a bunch of birds and the hemostat made the stuffing so much less onerous. I don’t know why I didn’t think to use them for turning, but I will try that on the next one.