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Apple Dumpling DesignsI'm not particularly having any problems in this area not that I haven't on occassion felt the need to redo a limb 
Do you have any secrets you use to close up the seams after stuffing to ensure that you have a smooth seam area?
Just thought it might be interesting to see what others do.
Thanks
Wild Thyme OriginalsHey there Shantell! To close seams, I use a ladder stitch... not too big, not too small, not too tight, not too loose.... just a matter of practice to get it so that it's just right with no stitches showing, no gathery little dimples from pulling too tight..... and since I've already trimmed the fur from the seam allowence... no extra fur on the outside. Took me forever, it seems, to get nice seams in the closing areas! Are there other ways to do it!?
Beary truly yours,
Kim Basta
Wild thyme Originals
Debonaire BearsI do it pretty much like you do, Kim. I use bonded nylon thread, which seems to be very strong but I have broken it a couple times.
I made a bear out of denim once and I was very unhappy with my closings. My stitches showed quite badly on that material, and they don't on mohair.
Hi Shantell!
Like Kim I also use the ladder stitch. I use upholstery thread - doubled. What helps me to get that fabric to fold down nicely into the seam is that right before and while I pull the seam closed - I also press down on the seam with either a big fat needle or my small cotter pin turner. I also do not try to close the entire seam at once. I take about 6 stitches, then close, take a few more, close... as I may need to add a little more stuffing I find as I close. Hope that makes sense!
Edited to add: Before I've even turned my pieces I do add some strength to the seam openings by using Aleene's Stop Fraying to the seam openings. It's a bit thick and sticky (so finish ALL machine sewing before using it!!) but I find it really helps to add some strength to the seam openings.
Wild Thyme OriginalsLaura Lynn... I also press down to get the fabric to turn under nicely... only I use an old Bloomingdale's credit card! Nevr bought anything with it!!!! 
And now that Bloomies card is actually an integral part of my bear making tools!
Beary truly yours,
Kim Basta
Wild Thyme Originals
And now that Bloomies card is actually an integral part of my bear making tools! :lol:
Oh Kim that's hillarious! And maybe a better tool than I'm using... have to try that 
Wild Thyme OriginalsI'm sure that it accomplishes the exact same thing as your tools, BUT..... Tell the husband that only a Bloomingdales (or some other large department store card) will work. And that the more the card is used at the store (read: "broken in") the better it will function as a "seam roller." 
Just kidding... as I said, I never used mine... not sure it was ever even activated.... it matters not!
Beary truly yours,
Kim Basta
Wild Thyme Originals
Apple Dumpling DesignsKim & Laura Lynn...I do that too...pressing down on the seam...but have yet to use any "tools." I also do the same as Laura Lynn and take a few stitches then gently pull closed and add stuffing as I go if needed.
Just thought it would be interesting to see what others do. I have yet to try trimming my seam allowances...big chicken here afraid I'll trim too deep but I might try trimming JUST the closing area to get rid of the extra fur.
Thanks!!!
Kim-Bee BearsThis is the part of bearmaking I dread is closing seams! BLEECH! I always have the seams open until I actually sell the bear LMAO in very few circumstances they are already sewn up prior LOL dont ask me why, I dunno 
These tips will come in handy I find that longer pile my seams are fine but with short pile, I get antsy that they arent as nice... they are getting much better than they were...
Flying Fur StudiosI have to admit that this is one part of bearmaking that has always worked for me.
I also use a ladder stitch, pulling tight after about 6 stitches. I also stuff as I close and use fray check to make it stiff. I find it works fine, and I can't ever really tell where I've closed up my bear.
I use either regular thread doubled up, or matching upolstery thread.
I still like closing seams, better than sewing on ears...............
Kim-Bee BearsI use to dread sewing on ears but since I got my curved needles (about 2 weeks ago) it is SOOO much easier now!
Winneybears and FriendsI always trim fur off the openings and fray check. I then use 2 strands of waxed artificial thread...because it never slips and it never breaks.
I stitch on one side then go exactly across to the other side and make a stitch ... use my left thumb to push down a little on the seam... then pull the thread smoothly thru until both sides close . No need to pull any harder than this AT ANY TIME to close...
I keep the stitch sets 1/4" apart and 1/8" on tiny bears. After stitching a few sets I use the small needle nose pliers and stuff up under the already stitched seam , this works great as I go along so there are no empty spaces.
The waxed thread will hold all these stitches even if you let go of your thread to stuff...but just to be sure you have not stuffed it open at the end of your last stitches...pull on the thread a little before you start stitching again.
I found that this kind of thread works better when closing real fur bears as I think other threads tend to cut the pelts ...because you have to keep pulling on the thread to re-tighten the stitches every so often " a sawing action " on real pelts. I also got tired of doing all that work and finding later that I had either bumpy seams or open seam holes so you could see the stuffing...( stitches pulled open somehow) .
Another thing I picked up by doing the work on REAL FUR BEARS is I do not finish off at the end of the seam....I go under the seam back about a half inch then out right in the middle of the seam BETWEEN 2 stitches then make 2 knots then back in that same "hole " to bury it then out anywhere. Works for me.... Winney
I use ladder stitch in the same way most of you have already described, a few small stitches at a time and pressing them into the seam space before pulling tight, to turn the edges under neatly. I always trim every seam prior to starting work ... it's a laborious job, but I think well worth the effort. Winney, I like your method of finishing off - very neat.
The best tool for the job I find, is a curved upholstery needle. I use it for closing seams and stitching on ears and couldn't manage without it!
I have seen patterns where there is an extra flap of material where you close. Does anyone do this with their patterns?
Jane
Cleathero CreationsI'm curious about that too. haven't quite figured out how it works properly :redface: To me it would just get in the wqay and cause more bulk.
Before getting to closing of the seams, make sure that the two seams that must be closed are the same length, and match,sometimes what can happen is that when you have sewn the two sides together the fabric has slipped slightly and then the seams do not match.They look like they match, especially when you have stuffed the limb, you trim, fray check, tuck, and ladder stitch and then instead of the perfect flat seam, you get a wonky seam. 
With my bears, I tack the pieces together, using an overcast stictch, then either hand stitch or machine sew depending on size , fabric, or area I am working on. This tends to hold the two pieces together.
Often when working with your project it is not the end piece causing the problem but the very start where the problem has begun.
Lynette
Cleathero CreationsMy bears usually look like some sort of mutant echidna when I start as I pin everything and use lots of them. I start a pin at either end and one in the middle then work back from there.
Lots of pins, lots and lots pins.
I have seen patterns where there is an extra flap of material where you close. Does anyone do this with their patterns?
Jane,
I don't personally do this (my bears are too small) but a friend of mine does it and her bears are absolutely perfectly finished (she invariably wins bear of show at any show she enters). I'n not sure of her exact process though.
One thing I will say, if you are doing small bears, make sure your seam allowance where you ladderstitch isn't too small - having a little bit extra fabric helps it all tuck in nicely and disappear.
Oh, and if you can find the really fine artificial sinew that splits into three strands (not the thick gummy stuff) you can close the tiniest (and biggest) f bears with it with perfect results. Your stitching completely disappears.
Winneybears and FriendsPaula...I will have to try that curved needle..may work better for me...
Melissa.... I have tried both waxy types of thread...The one that is the stickiest is artificial sinew I got at Tandy Leather supply..its a maple color , very loaded with wax but I love it for pulling in the eyes,,but I don't use any more then 2 strands or it wont get thru the poly stuffing especially if the stuffing is a cottony type that packs down harder. I think you can buy it at Michaels too.
The other waxy thread I also got at Tandys or Huffs Leather Supply ( one doesn't have stores any more ) but also found it at Michaels too... I think its a waxed linen thread, on a spool, comes in white, brown, black....I split that for 2 strands too.. ... Winney
My bears usually look like some sort of mutant echidna
HAHAHA!
I think echidnas are really cute. Maybe I'll make one!
Flying Fur StudiosOkay Erin, I'll send you my heads and ears to sew, and I'll close up your seams.
If only we were neighbours............
Cleathero CreationsI can't find a decent curved needle they are all so thick and I would really prefer something finer. i have hunted high and low anyone is Australia know where i can get one?
