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Apple Dumpling DesignsI've been looking through some bear making books and playing around with a couple patterns looking for inspiration. I've noticed that not all artists cut their gusset piece in the same nap direction so now I'm curious about why you would choose one over the other.
Do you change directions depending on what look your wanting with a particular bear...or do you always do it the same.
Jenny...we already know your darling bears have a messed up gusset...15 piece head...I still can't fathom it!!!
Shantell
Kim-Bee BearsI always do the same thing from the nose towards the back fo the head, I do the nap towards the back... i hope that makes sense... I would think it would look funky the other way but that is just my opinion from my not-so-much-experience prospective 
Bears-a-Bruin!
I usually cut the gusset out so the nap faces towards the back....but have been known to do it the other way too. It results in a 'fringe' which can look very cute, even on little bears such Bob (above)!
Kim-Bee BearsHelena, Bob is adorable!
Bears-a-Bruin!Thanks Kim :redface: :redface:
I like to do the gusset with the nap forward, so there are bangs puffy over the bears little eyes. A whole different look and fun to do!! 
Kim-Bee BearsMaybe I should try one that way... hmm.... 
ontario, canadayaaa! bangs are cool. but mixing them up is good too. a simple error in pattern piece placement (affectionately know as PPP) on the mohair can result in fabulously cute bears.
Past Time BearsThe very first bear I designed myself had bangs (gusset with the fur going forward) and every bear I've made since (a LOT of bears!) have had bangs . . . that's just one of my Past Time Bear looks. I'm not sure how I would even work with a bear that had the gusset going back! I've worn bangs all of my life to cover a scar on my forehead, so guess I decided my bears needed to reflect my hairstyle!! 
When making realistic bears the nap going forward gives you a male looking bear and the nap going back give you a female looking bear
Hugs
Gail
I do both...Plum puddin' has it cut going forward and William has it cut going back - these guys have the same head and fairly similar fabric - plum's is a little longer and as you can see results in completely different looking bears.
bears by beesley TMHelena and deb what beautifull bears! To reply to the question, we do both depending on the look I am trying to achieve for the bear.
Many Hugs Louise
Back Road BearsMelissa & Helena - adorable bears!
Yes, nap down towards nose for bangs, nap going towards back of head to show off the eyes (and this is the was most patterns seemed to be a number of years ago when I was using other's patterns). You can also do the nap going sideways for another interesting look.
As with most bear making rules...... there are NO RULES!
Our Laura Lynn (how's it going getting ready for the show, Laura?) does many of her bears with the nap going down towards the nose, like Sue Ann does. Very cute look!! I love it and just tried it with a couple of bears.... I was very happy with the look!
It's 4.50 am and we are getting sorted for the Leeds show...so I have be quick!!
I started by chopping the gusset into 2 pieces but hated the way it parted on the 'crown' that's when I decided to make a direction in the pile, like human hair has. Hence the patched gusset...then I started on the sides...again to give movement in the nap...it just changes the shape. Then I started insetting extra pieces, patching them into the head. I now got to the point where anymore pieces would be ridiculous...but you never know. At least one UK maker uses more then me. I don't do this on every bear as it would be stupid...and because I like variation.
One thing though...you do need to firmly double stitch each piece in...and more imporatnt than that trim the seams properly..otherwise you'll be aware of the seams...which would look dreadful.
I know I am teaching my Grannie to suck eggs here but also it works best on straight piles...but do it on curly/wavy piles too...I use my GHDs on the bits I want straight!!!!
This picture is not very good...very old...but it's a nice little fringe.
Posts: 2,203I am Lost! :redface: The only time I've heard of a gusset is the one the seamstress put in my wedding dress because I got to fat to fit into it right before the wedding. I dont understand putting a gusset on a bear oo where one would do this! Jenn
Baird'sBears Beautiful bears and fantastic information!!
I've got a lot to learn . . .
Eileen
Delartful BearsHi Jenn,
Ooh, the gusset they are talking about is in the head... There's usually three peices to a head, the two side peices and then the middle bit, called the gussset. (That's unless you are clever like our Jenny of course!)
People also use gussets for big feet and tummies.
Hope this helps?
Danni
Upstate New YorkI usually have fur heading toward the back. I have cut the gusset pattern in half though, added 1/4" seam allowance and turned the front half around to make bangs.
LuxembearsI like to mix things up too, depending on what mohair or fur type I am using. I agree with many of you too, in that it depends what look you are going for.
This bear, Kenai, has the nap going foprward so It goes a bit into his eyes.
My Polar Pete, has the nap going back.
This next bear is made from red fox fur. The nap almost always needs to go backwards when working with real fur..unless the fur is very short, like mink.
Alpaca, (real fur) Rajah also has the nap going back. If it went forward it would cover her eyes...I guess it could always be trimmed.
You could even make the nap going sideways...giving the bear a side part. 
Jellybelly BearsJudi your bears are sooo beautiful 
just had to say lol
hug sarah
Country BearsOoooh Sarah they are aren't they, mind you yours are lovely too ;)
I've never really thought about gusset nap, have changed my ears around (makes them look older) but never the gusset, mmmmm food for thought....................
When you say 'bangs', do you mean 'fringe'?????? 
ie, The bit on your forehead??
Sorry, language difference!!!! Sounds funny to us, just wanted to check!!
LuxembearsClare, I was born in Derbyshire , Spondon, to be exact March 3, 1965. We immigrated to the USA Oct 18 1965. I was 7 months old. Even though I grew up in the states, I was raised by very English parents. I always called them fringe too. People used to look at me funny.
Past Time BearsYes, Clare . . . bangs and fringe mean the same thing, I think!
Back Road BearsIt's 4.50 am and we are getting sorted for the Leeds show...so I have be quick!!
I know I am teaching my Grannie to suck eggs here but also it works best on straight piles...but do it on curly/wavy piles too...I use my GHDs on the bits I want straight!!!!
Jenny,
Hope the Leeds show was a success.
Love the grannie sucking eggs phrase. Never heard that!
What are GHDs???? :/
Daphne
Our Laura Lynn (how's it going getting ready for the show, Laura?) does many of her bears with the nap going down towards the nose, like Sue Ann does. Very cute look!! I love it and just tried it with a couple of bears.... I was very happy with the look!
HI Daphne! Yep, not on the computer as much right now... and yes, I also almost always have the nap on the gusset "reversed" to give the bear bangs... or "fringe" Speaking of which... I need to get MY hair cut before the show as MY bangs have really grown out!
