Skip to main content

Banner Sponsors

Teddy Bear Academy - Online teddy bear making classes
Johnna's Mohair Store - Specializing in hand dyed mohair and alpaca

Michelle Helen Chaska, Minnesota
Posts: 2,897

Hello Teddy Bear Friends: I have read in other thread about people using the technique of "draping" when making patterns. I don't understand this technique very well and wonder how that is done. Here are my questions:

1) What materials do you use in doing this technique? Paper towels, muslin, sticky paper?
2) How do you create a pattern with this method? Meaning where do you begin and create the pattern itself?
3) How do you create darts and what are the best places to put them?


Thank you

rkr4cds Creative Design Studio (RKR4CDS)
suburban Chicago
Posts: 2,044

I used the draping method when clothing bears: Paper toweling can be incredibly strong and flexible but it doesn't bias or go wonky when fitting. I could trim away in tight places (under arms/ around necks/etc), draw on it, pin it to the body...
A lot of my templates for vests, hats bodices, etc,, are of paper toweling, trimmed to even both sides up for balance on all edges and then laminated between 2 sticky-backed sheets for permanent use.

rkr4cds Creative Design Studio (RKR4CDS)
suburban Chicago
Posts: 2,044

Also, on Darting: they don't have to be made in straight angles.

A curved dart, even a 1/2" long dart, will add width/fullness exponentially in that area, over sewing a straight lined one.

Michelle Helen Chaska, Minnesota
Posts: 2,897

Thank you Bobbie.  Paper towels.....I wondered about that. So do you just pin on the paper towels and fold and cut until you get what you are looking for? Do you use just normal pins for mini bears too or is there special pinning notions I need to buy? Oh so many questions.....

Board footer

Powered by FluxBB

Banner Sponsors


Past Time Bears - Artist bears designed and handcrafted by Sue Ann Holcomb
Shelli Makes - Teddy bears & other cheerful things by Shelli Quinn