Editor's Note: This series of posts became a book!
Stuffed Animals: From Concept to Construction was published by Lark Crafts in 2013.
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One of the challenges in designing a soft toy is figuring out how to attach parts like limbs or wings so that the attachment is really strong and won't come apart during play. Here is a method of creating taut, strong, invisible points of attachment by cutting a small hole cut in the piece that will be attached.
This technique took me a long time to wrap my head around, but it works well and is perfect for attaching wings to a duck, legs and arms to the underside of a turtle, or hind legs on a crouching animal.
I'm going to sew up a seated dog. First I cut out his side body and the inner and outer leg pieces.
I cut a hole in the side body where the leg will attach and a matching hole on the inner leg.
Now I pin the inner leg to the side body, right sides together, matching up the holes.
Sew around the hole.
Now push the inner leg through the hole.
Keep pushing until it all goes in.
Flip the side body over.
See the leg all pulled through? Now place the outerleg on top of the inner leg, right sides together. Pin it in place.
Stitch the inner leg to the outer leg. No need to leave an opening here, just stitch all the way around.
And now I can finish sewing the dog in the usual manner. The hind legs are pre-attached. When I turn the dog right side out I'll be able to stuff them through the hole. Cool, huh?
A machine-sewn, super strong and invisible attachment for the hind legs!
Have you ever used this technique? Can you think of some creative applications for it? Tell us about it in the comments! I hope you'll give it a try!
That is one nifty technique!
Wow, that’s brilliant! Thanks for sharing, these tips are so inspirational.
Absolutely brilliant. This series on soft toy making has been awesome. Thanks for sharing your knowledge.
Hooley Dooley, that is really cool.
I have used a similar technique to make the hole in a soft, 3D letter g, but mine ended up with an unfinished side.
Now I am itching to find a way to add this to a new toy.
Thank you so much for this wonderful series.
What a cute dog, and what a neat technique. Thank you for sharing your knowledge.
I didn’t have a clue about this technique and can’t wait to use it.
Thanks for the education.
I made my very first stuffies this week (and posted about them today). I’m totally addicted so now I’m going to start following your amazing blog! thanks for sharing these super tips!
i have seen this way of jointing limbs, i used to EAT sewing books as a child, i think i even tried it once, on a rabbit … these days i like button joints, or dixk joints but i can see how effective and easy this is ! xxx
If only I had read this a year ago when I was making a goose for a school auction. (The goosed turned out nice enough, but without wings.)
You are brilliant. Thank you for this series.
Ah…as Gru (Despicable Me) would say….’LIGHTBULB.’
This is absolutely brilliant.
Hi Abby
After reading the link on Jodie’s blog I ordered your book straight away! Two days later it’s in my hands, and I can’t wait to get stuck in! Congratulations on such a fab book – I will be telling my friends and fellow bloggers about it for sure!
Thank you, Kirsty! So good to hear from you.
Keep in touch,
-Abby Glassenberg
Check out my website:
http://www.abbyglassenberg.com
You are great!!
Such a good idea and tutorial
many thanks,
Today I receive your book – I love it!! hope to start the first bird soon:-)
Abby I have used this to make a lined circle in pants for a tail to poke through – and again in a quilt – but NEVER for a limb. This is a concept that will keep me awake at nights . THANKYOU !!!
Hi there! After reading this I just had to try it out–I made a little bunny, you can see it here http://niftykidstuff.typepad.com/nifty/2011/03/bunny.html
Thanks so much for the great tutorial!
CBB
Thank you so much, this helped me alot since I started making my first plush. 😀
My gran showed me that way when I was a litte thing – she bet me two kisses that it would work… A win/win bet!! 😀
~Sonya~
http://www.sagoontesdays.com.au
Oops – typo!
http://www.sagoontuesdays.com.au
Hi Abby! I have a question about this technique..Once you have the one leg finished as shown in the second to last photograph how would you attach the other leg to the other side of the body and the other pattern piece for the body? Do you need to cut a hole in the other body piece and wiggle that one leg through the hole and then sew up the body? I love this series of tips by the way, great to learn from! 🙂 Thanks!
Hi Esme,
Yes, you need to repeat the process entirely with the other leg and side body. Then sew the body pieces together. I hope that helps!
Thankyou so much for this wonderful explanation! I look forward to trying it out!! Thanks again!
This technique is terrific my grand daughter for some reason does not like moving legs on the toys I make her ,so yesterday I tried this method, brilliant and I am doing the same with Bunny’s arms. Thank you fora great tip 🙂
Oh wow! Yay! I have to say that although this technique is confusing at first, it really is the coolest thing once you see how it works.
This technique is brilliant! You just made my day so much easier. Thanks for sharing your knowledge!
Super! I’m so glad you found it helpful.
I just found this while looking for an alternative to button or plastic safety joints. Mind…Blown! Lol! I am salivating over how this technique will take my stuffed toys to another level. Thank you so much!
Awesome!!