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Carlyle Bear Co. Oct 13, 2011

I have tried and tried and for the life of me I can't figure out how to make my paws (for the feet) wider!

I thought maybe making the foot deeper (hope that makes sense) that it would then five me a wider   foot.  Not so.  Should I make my feet more shallow?

Any help would be appreciated.  I know that you can do a three part foot but I really don't want to do that if I don't have to. 

Tips anyone?

dangerbears Oct 13, 2011

Are you making the paw pads in the width that you want? If the foot circumference matches, that should give you a wide foot, no?

Becky

Carlyle Bear Co. Oct 13, 2011

No it doesn't work out that way when I'm doing it Becky.

The size of the foot determines the size of the paw pad for me.  I wish I could explain it better.  When you go to sew the paw pad in the foot only stretches so far to each side.  Does that make sense?  I don't want a longer paw just a wider one.  It could be a bit longer if it would help though.

I just can't seem to wrap my mind around it.  I wish EBearz University would offer a class on that design aspect.  Maybe a mini class.

Jaina Oct 13, 2011

Its more in the shape of the paw pad. You make the bottom narrow and the top wider if that makes sense? Think of a pear upside down. That way the top of the foot looks wide;  especially compared to the bottom.

Linda Oct 13, 2011

If you design the bottom edge of the foot with a curve instead of straight across you will be able to incorporate a wider foot pad.

dangerbears Oct 13, 2011

I hadn't thought of that, Linda. Thanks for the tip!

Lisa, if the foot won't "stretch" any farther from side to side, it sounds as if the circumference might be too small?

Becky

Gabriele~GJOYfulBears Oct 14, 2011

I agree with Linda it works best if you curve the foot, then the wider foot pad in the foot will balance it out and make it flat when it's finished.

Carlyle Bear Co. Oct 14, 2011

Linda thank you!!  I knew someone would understand what I was asking.   :hug:

I will give it a try on my next bear.  It makes perfect sense!  I don't design my footpads to make my paws - I design the leg with the foot and then insert the footpads.  This may be different from others but it is what I learned from the old teddy bear making books I bought from Alibris years ago and it works for me.  I get nice "equal" feet that way.

Thanks again for the help!

Geralye Oct 14, 2011

If you are widening the footpad, and curving the bottom of the foot out, you may also need to make the foot deeper to allow for spread, depending on how wide you go, otherwise your bear may end up with a very flat foot 

cheers,
G