Editor's Note: This series of posts became a book! Stuffed Animals: From Concept to Construction was published by Lark Crafts in 2013. +++++ One of the fussiest parts of the softie making process, and the part that can lead to the most frustration, is turning the sewn pieces right side out. This is especially true…
Elements of Soft Toy Design #5: Gussets Part 1
Editor's Note: This series of posts became a book! Stuffed Animals: From Concept to Construction was published by Lark Crafts in 2013. +++++ When I first started this series I asked what topics in soft toy design you would like to explore. The most common answer? Gussets! So let's get started. First, what is a…
Elements of Soft Toy Design #4: Pattern Drafting for a Simple Outline Toy
Editor's Note: This series of posts became a book! Stuffed Animals: From Concept to Construction was published by Lark Crafts in 2013. +++++ I'm so glad that you are as excited as I am to delve into the topic of soft toy design! I find this subject totally absorbing and I am always learning new…
Elements of Soft Toy Design #3: Using Freezer Paper
Editor's Note: This series of posts became a book! Stuffed Animals: From Concept to Construction was published by Lark Crafts in 2013. +++++ Drafting an original softie pattern is a huge topic and we will break it down into many subtopics over the coming weeks. To get started, let's talk about the materials we use…
Elements of Soft Toy Design #2: Openings
Editor's Note: This series of posts became a book! Stuffed Animals: From Concept to Construction was published by Lark Crafts in 2013. +++++ Today let's focus on openings. Most soft toys are sewn right sides together and are then turned right side out before being stuffed. In order to turn a softie, you need to…
Elements of Soft Toy Design #1: Introduction and the Importance of Stitch Length
Editor’s Note: This series of posts became a book! Stuffed Animals: From Concept to Construction was published by Lark Crafts in 2013. +++++ Happy 2011 everyone! I’m excited to sew and blog this year! I am starting a new type of post that I’m hoping to write about regularly. It will be about the elements…