Soft and cuddly toys, which can often be made from the scraps of leftover yarns you have on hand, make very special gifts for friends and family.
Batting, small pieces of plastic foam and fiberfill can all be used to stuff toys.
Choose a washable stuffing and yarn for a toy which will need frequent washing. A baby's toy should be stuffed with something quite soft and pliable; toys for older children can be stuffed more firmly.
Stuffing the various pieces correctly will ensure a perfect shape.
Simple tubular shapes are easily stuffed by inserting small pieces of stuffing into the lower end and working upward until the shape has been completely filled. Knead and mold the shape while stuffing so that the stuffing is evenly distributed throughout.
If the toy is made from several different pieces, start by stuffing the outer points. Take small pieces of stuffing and start with the end, using a small piece of dowel or a small stick to push the stuffing firmly into the lowest point. Continue to stuff the outer sections first, working toward the center. Use small pieces of stuffing each time so that it is evenly distributed.
To strengthen a narrow piece, use a pipe cleaner that has been bound with cotton tape. Twist the pipe cleaner to form a loop at each end.
Wrap stuffing around the pipe cleaner, and bind once more, catching the tape with a few stitches to hold in place. Now insert the "strengthener" into the piece, pushing extra stuffing down each side if necessary.
Some of the most effective toys can be made using simple shapes. With the addition of ears, legs and different faces, a number of different creatures can be made from one basic shape. The "sausage" shape is extremely versatile. All you need to begin is a long strip worked firmly in single crochet. These instructions will tell you how to make a toy snail and turtle. If needed, insert a small amount of stuffing into the tubular shape while stitching the seam to give the best shape.
Make sure that the center seam is sewn firmly and neatly together on the underside of the basic shape so that it will not be seen once thd toy has been completed.
Use a "sausage" to make a snail's shell by rolling it up from one end, making sure that there are no creases in the crochet.
Hold the spiral in place by catching two sections at intervals with small even stitches. Always sew seams as firmly as possible so that the toys do not fall apart as soon as they are used. If necessary, use a stronger thread than the one used to make the main fabric.
Use small stitches to hold the shell in position on the main body. Sew on heads, ears, arms, etc., in the same way, making the seam as invisible as possible.
Try to use the coil horizontally instead of vertically; combine it with a tube and embroidery to make a simple turtle and enjoy!
There is a wealth of information to be found at http://learningeasycrochet.com.
Not only is there information, but it supplies encouragement as well.
When you get stuck, as we all do sometimes, leave a question in the comment box and you will get an answer within 24 hours.
When you sign up for a membership, you will receive a crochet pattern of your choice along with the help you may need to complete that project!
In the members area, you will shown "how to" and much more along with tips and tricks to speed up your progress.
Batting, small pieces of plastic foam and fiberfill can all be used to stuff toys.
Choose a washable stuffing and yarn for a toy which will need frequent washing. A baby's toy should be stuffed with something quite soft and pliable; toys for older children can be stuffed more firmly.
Stuffing the various pieces correctly will ensure a perfect shape.
Simple tubular shapes are easily stuffed by inserting small pieces of stuffing into the lower end and working upward until the shape has been completely filled. Knead and mold the shape while stuffing so that the stuffing is evenly distributed throughout.
If the toy is made from several different pieces, start by stuffing the outer points. Take small pieces of stuffing and start with the end, using a small piece of dowel or a small stick to push the stuffing firmly into the lowest point. Continue to stuff the outer sections first, working toward the center. Use small pieces of stuffing each time so that it is evenly distributed.
To strengthen a narrow piece, use a pipe cleaner that has been bound with cotton tape. Twist the pipe cleaner to form a loop at each end.
Wrap stuffing around the pipe cleaner, and bind once more, catching the tape with a few stitches to hold in place. Now insert the "strengthener" into the piece, pushing extra stuffing down each side if necessary.
Some of the most effective toys can be made using simple shapes. With the addition of ears, legs and different faces, a number of different creatures can be made from one basic shape. The "sausage" shape is extremely versatile. All you need to begin is a long strip worked firmly in single crochet. These instructions will tell you how to make a toy snail and turtle. If needed, insert a small amount of stuffing into the tubular shape while stitching the seam to give the best shape.
Make sure that the center seam is sewn firmly and neatly together on the underside of the basic shape so that it will not be seen once thd toy has been completed.
Use a "sausage" to make a snail's shell by rolling it up from one end, making sure that there are no creases in the crochet.
Hold the spiral in place by catching two sections at intervals with small even stitches. Always sew seams as firmly as possible so that the toys do not fall apart as soon as they are used. If necessary, use a stronger thread than the one used to make the main fabric.
Use small stitches to hold the shell in position on the main body. Sew on heads, ears, arms, etc., in the same way, making the seam as invisible as possible.
Try to use the coil horizontally instead of vertically; combine it with a tube and embroidery to make a simple turtle and enjoy!
There is a wealth of information to be found at http://learningeasycrochet.com.
Not only is there information, but it supplies encouragement as well.
When you get stuck, as we all do sometimes, leave a question in the comment box and you will get an answer within 24 hours.
When you sign up for a membership, you will receive a crochet pattern of your choice along with the help you may need to complete that project!
In the members area, you will shown "how to" and much more along with tips and tricks to speed up your progress.
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