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lulu Jun 25, 2009

Hi Everyone!
Does anyone have any secrets they could share for turning wee little bear parts?  (specifically for bears 3 inches and under) I did these fairly easily a few years ago but am having some problems lately      - overworked looking bear arms by the time I've got them turned.  I realize this seems to indicate the problem might be my increasing age :0)  but maybe I've forgotten a trick or two.  I'm hoping it's the later!
Any ideas would be greatly appreciated!
Thanks in advance!
Louisa   

Carolynn Jun 25, 2009

Hi Louisa.

I use a hemostat and on orange stick.(like you use for doing your nails) BUT, check your pattern. I have found that if the "wrist" is too small it is a struggle, you know the but where you put the paw pad in.

bearyfun732 Jun 25, 2009

hi louisa, i use my needle and take hold of the inner fabric while pulling it out at the same time. this works good for me, because those other tools are hard to get a hold of!

lulu Jun 26, 2009

Thanks so much for the tips!!!  The orange stick and needle assistance are great ideas
I also had a thought while weeding the garden this evening... what if I just left a much larger opening than normal?
Mattress stitching would work just as easily on a  partially sewn arm as it does on one with just a small opening.
Plus it's a bit of a fun challenge to see how perfect I can get the closing to look ;0)  Will try it tonight and let you know how it works out!
Hugs,  Louisa

Laurie Jun 26, 2009

I made a tiny elephant a few weeks ago and didn't know if I would be able to turn the trunk so I part sewed it and turned it and then finished it off with ladder stitch.It was easier than trying to turn such a tiny piece of material.
Laurie :hug:

Clarebear Jun 26, 2009

Another way of turning them is to thread some strong thread witha good long 'tail' on it.  Tie a big knot in the end and use the thread to turn it.

elle Jul 12, 2009

Hi Louisa 

I use the same method as Laura.  For tiny bears, I only sew up what I know I can turn on the inside.  This leaves a large opening, as you mentioned. Then I turn the piece, stuff the ends, and use a ladder stitch (same as mattress stitch, I think) to close the opening.  I stuff the rest of the piece as I sew, so the stuffing will stay in.  I have made 2 1/2" mohair bears using this method. 

Hugs,

Ellen

susiray Jul 13, 2009

Hi Louisa
i use the hemostat on my teeny tiny bears and leave a good size opening, when i put the hemostats in i poke the fabirc into the opening of the hemostats so i have a good amount to pull, and maybe on the turning to move the stats again. when i first started i used to catch the fabric and mark the fabric....hope that makes sense
bearhugs
susan

tuppies teddies Jul 14, 2009

Hope I can explain easily how I do it......

I leave the top open on the arms and legs...then I use my blunt nose pliers to grab a little of the fabric and turn it out...this can take awhile, and I just work and work it around until it is all turned,
I do sometimes use a chopstick to push the remainder out so the foot and pawpads are all nice and sharp along the edges...

Seraphim Aug 1, 2009

I use to be a figurative artist and make very tiny fingers out of fabric for my dolls. In that time I found a set of tools called turning tubes that I still use for my bears and they are fabulous! You might want to try those or make a set for yourself. I find them to be a real life saver!

EvaJ Aug 1, 2009

I use wooden dowels for turning all my bears from small to large.  You can buy a package of different sizes in the craft store.  Sand them smooth and round off one end and they will work for turning and stuffing.