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Apple Dumpling DesignsI pulled out some of my "used" mohair pieces thinking that I'd make a smaller bear or mix & match and make another panda (I can't believe I just said that) and I realized that I don't always lay my templates out so I make the best use of my fabric. I never noticed that before today.
So how do you go about laying it all out so you make the best use of your expensive mohair? Is there a secret...like legs, arms, gusset...in any particular order. I realize everyone's pieces are different which will make a difference but just thought it would be interesting to see how others lay out their templates.
My ultimate goal is to have nothing but cat toy pieces left. 
Thanks!!
BEAR ME SHOOTKAShantell, I'm very good at laying the patterns out. 
I can sew 11" bear and 5 inch bear out of 1/8 m piece of mohair. :dance:
I lay patterns out very close to each pattern piecies and keep All scraps. 
Some of it I use for my dolls, etc.. 
I think it all depends on patterns. Fat fancy bent knee bears take way much more room then traditional bear..you know that already... :hug:
Julia
Past Time BearsMaking smaller bears and/or patch bears is a great way to use up larger pieces and I do it all the time. I do try to fit my pattern pieces on the fur so that I use the least possible fabric. It's hard not to waste some, though, when you have bent leg/arm pieces . . . so you just try to fit them sort of like a jigsaw puzzle. Try laying out all your pieces in different ways before you start tracing.
Back Road BearsAll I have to add is that I lay my pattern pieces out with edges JUST touching where ever possible. Just not overlapping. I trace my ears last, tucking them in where ever there is a space.
You could trying having a pattern piece on paper for every piece you need to cut (2 inner arms, 2 outer arms, 4 legs, etc.) and practice laying them out to best conserve material. Eventually you might find a layout that works for a majority of your patterns.
Oh, I also find that one piece legs and one piece arms seem to equal more wasted material as well as the bent limbs. Maybe that's just me????
Oh, oh, one more thing..... I use the ultra fine sharpies to trace. The fatter ones equal fatter lines which can add up to another inch or so of wasted material once all is said and done.
Kim-Bee BearsI do like Daphne does... I save ears and paw pads for last and sneak them in between other pieces... I havent ever really had a problem with squeezing them all into a good puzzle....
Apple Dumpling DesignsI hadn't thought about the one-piece arm and legs taking up more space. I designed my arms and legs in one piece...partly because I didn't know better and it just seemed easy at the time. Perhaps I'll try separating them and see what happens. I too use a fine marker...and place them as close as possible, etc. I just think I've not been consistent in laying them out the same. I didn't realize this until today when I noticed that some of my left overs were larger pieces than others that I made from the same pattern.
Maybe I'll try some arrangements on butcher paper (same measurements as my mohair pieces)...
Thank for your comments...much appreciated.
I like my legs to be 1 piece legs.... but am finding that I'm using 2 piece arms more often as I get better use of my mohair doing it that way.
BEAR ME SHOOTKAI like one piece leg patterns.. I found they take LESS space...maybe it's just me.. 
but 1 piece arm takes more space
Back Road BearsSo, Julia and Laura,
When you leave an opening in the leg is it at the top or the middle of the front or where? I always find that on bears 12" or smaller I have a hard time closing the seam and getting my needle in when I'm near the foot. But if I leave the top open it's never a smooth seam once I'm done closing. What am I doing wrong?
BEAR ME SHOOTKADaphne, I know what you mean!!! When I use 1 pattern piece on legs I leave the seam open in the middle of the front. It's really difficult to sew if I leave open in further down in the front.. I don't stuff much in the joint area so it's not very difficult if I leave opening on top.
Once, I fogot to leave the opening (ok..not once, I do it very often 
) and I turned out the leg and sew the foot pad on with the ladder stitch. Works perfect!! But don't forget to put the joint inside first.. and stuffing.
Winneybears and FriendsI do like Daphne..... When I have designed a new bear pattern I trace every part onto butcher paper to see exactly what is the best placement...and lay on the biggest tallest piece first. Often this determines how much fabric yardage one bear will require...say like 1/3 yd...however if I plan well and buy 1 yd I may be able to get 4 bears instead of 3...so its worth the time.
Another thing ...if I am using fabric I already have or its left over...I will try to fit those pieces with edges together or....if I am going to have a scrap then make it a big one I can use later.....Winney
