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Shelli Retired Help Advisor, Banner SponsorJan 20, 2006

Well, I finally up and did it; trimmed the fur from the head pattern seam allowance, prior to stitching.  After reading over and over here on the forum that so many people use this method to both (a) make brush out easier post-sewing, and (b) avoid the dreaded "roostertailing" that can happen at seam joins... I figured, why not give it a try?

I stitched up three heads yesterday, including one with VERY matted, curly mohair that had been through the wash a few times and would have been nearly IMPOSSIBLE to pull from one side to the other... and the results were terrific!

I used a handheld, battery operated moustache trimmer for the job, for anyone who's wondering.

I was very afraid to try this, assuming I would be the one bearmaker in all the world who would over-trim the seam allowance and end up with bald seam lines.  But no; it actually worked a treat.

If you haven't done this yet, give it a shot.  It takes, maybe, a minute to do each piece in this way.

Thanks to those who posted previously on this, for the great pointer! 

Deb Jan 20, 2006

That's on my list of things to try.  I was thinking of basting just ever so slightly 1/4" on the edges, and trimming to that, then whipping out the basting.  What did you use for a guide Shelli?

Shelli Retired Help Advisor, Banner SponsorJan 20, 2006

What did you use for a guide Shelli?

Two eyes.

<laughing here>

I under-trimmed just to be sure I didn't screw it all up, and then I probably slightly over-sewed just past 1/4 inch.  Next time I'll probably still undertrim, but I'll stick to a more precise 1/4 inch seam allowance, because I did have the tiniest bit of mohair poking thru the backside which I had to pull thru.

I tried trimming two ways:

1.)  With the trimmer blade PARALLEL to the fabric edge.  This required me to make many small movements toward where the stitching line would be. 

2.)  With the trimmer PERPENDICULAR to the fabric edge.  This was much quicker and easier -- in fact, too easy, as I could see myself ripping thru a trim job far too fast to maintain accuracy.  I watched carefully to be sure that I was only trimming <1/4" as I pulled the trimmer toward me, along the fabric edge, with <1/4" of the trimmer blade overlapping onto the fabric.

In both cases, you do need -- especially with the longer piles -- to push the mohair out of the way in perpetuity, so you can see what you're doing.  I don't recommend doing it "blind" without this pushing action.  I tried that in one section, as an experiment... and slightly overtrimmed.

   

shantell Jan 20, 2006

Funny you should bring this up.  I cut out a bear last night and was just contemplating doing this myself.   :)

I was thinking of marking my trimmers blade at the 1/4" mark to help as a guide.

Winney Jan 20, 2006

I found by using the electric trimmer instead of hand trimming with scissors I save A LOT of time..probably 45 min. on each larger bear... say a 16" bear.....I always use the elec. trimmers on real fur seams..and soon follow along with the small vacume....works great !  Winney

Bonnie Jan 20, 2006

I was thinking of marking my trimmers blade at the 1/4" mark to help as a guide.

I did this with mine and it works great as long as you keep the cut mohair brushed away. (Which you need to do anyway.)

Shelli Retired Help Advisor, Banner SponsorJan 20, 2006

Oh, you mean like with a felt pen, right on the trimmer, or something?  I couldn't figure out what you meant at first.  You mean, literally, a mark.. like with a pen, or nail polish?

Deb Jan 20, 2006

Shelli ~

I think Bonnie and Shantell are talking about making a mark on the trimmers.  I was talking about a mark on the pieces.  I know it's an extra step, but I'm gonna try the basting method first.  My stigmatism is so awful, I really think it's best I don't use the two eyes method.

Daphne Jan 20, 2006

Shelli,

Sharpie.... I used a sharpie and marked on my trimmers the 1/4 inch mark, well, just a titch under.
Yeah, I have to go over that line once in a while as it fades but it works like a charm.

Daphne

Shelli Retired Help Advisor, Banner SponsorJan 20, 2006

My stigmatism is so awful, I really think it's best I don't use the two eyes method.

HA!  I understand completely, funny lady.  I was hesitant myself... even after having LASIK several years ago.  My astigmatism was the major part of my horrid correction, too.

Thanks for clarifying, Deb. ;)

By the way... I always -- and I do mean always -- mark certain pattern pieces, like the ears (one side only) and the muzzle and the pads (both hand and foot), at the 1/4" seam allowance point.  I do it visually, without using a ruler... but I simply can't sew a consistent, even seam allowance in those very important areas otherwise.  So marking a line isn't a bad idea.

I use a white gel pen on dark fabric, and a Micron pen at 05 or 08 tip width for light ones.  Hope this helps!

Shelli Retired Help Advisor, Banner SponsorJan 20, 2006

Shelli,

Sharpie.... I used a sharpie and marked on my trimmers the 1/4 inch mark, well, just a titch under.
Yeah, I have to go over that line once in a while as it fades but it works like a charm.

Daphne

Whew!  Got it.  Thanks for the explanation, Daph.  :hug:

Deb Jan 20, 2006

Sharpie.... I used a sharpie and marked on my trimmers the 1/4 inch mark, well, just a titch under.  Yeah, I have to go over that line once in a while as it fades but it works like a charm.

Hmm ... so now I'm rethinking my basting idea.  Could save a whole lot of time.  Thanks Daphne.

Daphne Jan 20, 2006

It really does make things easier, doesn't it??

We'd had a chat about trimming seams, as Shelli mentioned, and someone had said something about using beard trimmers. I tried it and will never go back to scissor trimming! I bought my hubby new trimmers for Christmas so I could have his old ones. 

shantell Jan 20, 2006

Sharpie.... I used a sharpie and marked on my trimmers the 1/4 inch mark, well, just a titch under.
Yeah, I have to go over that line once in a while as it fades but it works like a charm.

Yep.....that's what I meant.

DebbieD Jan 21, 2006

Hmmmmm....now there's an idea!  Hubby's got a mustache trimmer..... I wonder if he'd notice if I 'borrowed' it to trim my seam allowances??     It takes ages with the scissors.

carsoncreations Jan 21, 2006

Trimming the seams has saved me lots of time and probably prevented carpal tunnel by having to hold the fur so tight while trying to comb it out of the seams, especially a thick, longer fur.

I trim all the seams and after a couple of bears, you will be able to "eyeball" the correct amount of seam allowance.  I lay the piece flat on the table holding it with my left hand, hold the clippers parallel to the seam with my right hand and move the clippers along the seam, making sure to pull the fur back away from the seam so I can see where I'm going.   

I push the clippers away from me and then when that edge of the clippers gets dull, I clip toward myself and use the other side of the clippers.  I also make sure to oil the clippers and wipe the excess off so it doesn't get on the mohair.   Amazing how easily it cuts when the blades are lubricated.  After clipping a couple of  bears, I take the clippers apart and clean out the excess fur that gets lodged inside the clippers. 

Works for me!

Hugs,

Wanda

Daphne Jan 21, 2006

Debbie,
Clean it really good and make sure you put it back to the same setting he had it on! Trust me!

Hubby went to trim his gotee one morning (after I'd been secretly using his trimmer and put it back) and didn't check to be sure it was at the right setting so as not to trim it too short and....... Yup.... you guessed it.... I soon heard "Honey, did you use my trimmers again?"  Uh-oh!!    Worst part it, he doesn't look so good without his gotee so I was reminded of my error for a couple of weeks until it grew back!  :doh:

Sandi.S. Jan 21, 2006

Hee hee...that's funny, Daphne!

I'm so glad I revisited this thread. I'm working on a mohair bear right now and I trimmed the seams first but with little scissors. And that took forever and was not fun at all.

So, I thought of using Daniel's clippers or trimmers, but was a little nervous about screwing up my mohair.

Now, comes the "duh" moment.
   
    Daphne wrote:

    Sharpie.... I used a sharpie and marked on my trimmers the 1/4 inch mark, well, just a titch under.
    Yeah, I have to go over that line once in a while as it fades but it works like a charm.

Now, why in the world could I not think of that on my own? Thank you, Daphne.

Now I need to go cut out another pattern so I can try the trimmers.

Although, against the advice in previous posts...when I'm all done, I am not going to clean it out or return it to it's proper setting... heehee, this is gonna be fun!

matilda Jan 21, 2006

I have a feeling it was Jenny that mentioned the she uses moustache trimmers. That was months ago. I Had to hunt for a week but finally found the nice batteried operated set. AND I havent looked back. They make my seems so easy. It takes next to no time to get the job done. I use them also to trim the spots I wish to needle felt on. I've not made a mistake with them either.

Brilliant idea aye?  :clap:  :clap:  :clap: To the one who gave us the idea! :clap:  :clap:

jenny Jan 21, 2006

Hi Matilda...I wasn't me...I use scissors I am afraid (or at least my mum does ...she cut's out and trims up for me!!!!!!)....I might try one though

kbonsall Jan 21, 2006

Do you ladies that trim your seams use a sewing machine or would someone that hand sews and pushes the mohair out as I go benefit from this too??

Deb Jan 21, 2006

Do you ladies that trim your seams use a sewing machine or would someone that hand sews and pushes the mohair out as I go benefit from this too??

Test on a scrap piece and see!   

jenny Jan 21, 2006

I use a sewing machine, but my understanding is that if the seam goes together nice and flat..ie minus the pile...it makes the seams more invisible therefore neater...and easier to sew whichever way you choose to sew them....

DebbieD Jan 21, 2006

KimI handsew (as God help me when the sewing machine and I get together    :twisted: ), and I've found it makes a world of difference!  Your hands won't get as tired pushing and holding the hair away, and you get a much tighter seam having that excess hair gone.  Just be sure to shave a little less than the seam allowance, so you don't end up with a bald spot....even then, you could just go back over that spot, and sew a greater seam allowance to make it fuzzier    I think experimenting is most of the fun!

Daphne I was actually afraid of that!     So I was thinking of just getting my own trimmer.  Actually, I might break down and buy my Andis clippers all over again with some decent blades.  My old ones were sold with the grooming shop years ago, as I couldn't hold them anyway     And I miss them ever so....

Laura Lynn Banner SponsorJan 21, 2006

Answering before reading the rest of the posts here....

But once I tried this technique I'll never do another bear without trimming the seams!!!!

I also use a battery operated moustache trimmer and "eyeball" it.  It really doesn't take all that much time with the trimmer.  I trim ALL my seam allowances and have noticed a big difference!