Pulling Toes

[bookishbear]

Hi Everyone (again!)
I decided to experiment with pulling toes and am using the pattern from the Australian Bear Creations Magazine Vol 13 No 5 called Butternut. I had read a couple of how to articles, even practiced on a sock to figure out the right stuffing so I thought I was prepared.... But no.

I discovered that no matter how much I stuff the foot it wrinkles when I try and pull the toes. I have tried using a Perle and a super strong thread to see if that would help, but again with no luck.
I experimented with starting the toe stitches 9mm onto the main foot area to see if that would help, but no.. :6022:
I finally gave up worried that I'd end up tearing the fabric...

I am using a fuzzy type of toe fabric that has a firmly woven backing so I am wondering if that is the problem, it almost feels papery to the touch. Or if my starting stitches are not big enough.

Does anyone have any advice? Thank you in advance
Nicola

[Geralye]

I've only pulled toes a couple of times, so I'm no expert.

I found that having the whole foot fairly softly stuffed worked best. After pulling the toes I got some wrinkles, but then becuase the leg wasn't stuffed, I was able to ram some more in, which seemed to remove most of the wrinkles.

cheers,
G

[bookishbear]

Thanks! I'll give it another go and stuff the leg and see what happens. I was wondering if I could stick the doll needle and try and hook some of the stuffing into the toe area....

[Judi Russell]

To stuff the toes without creases; Ultrasuede is best, just stuff the feet first, not too hard, more give than usual. Using a long doll needle with Extra Strong Polyester thread a similar colour to the foot, make a hole in the top of the foot with a ball pointed awl so that you can pull the knot inside and hide it. Mark out with pins where you want the toes to be, on the edge of the foot and on the sole of the foot, usually four are enough. Bring your needle out through the sole at the first marker, then in again at the toe marker, work your way around the foot pulling the thread tight as you go, you should not have any creases if the foot has been well stuffed. To finish, lose the thread as you would when finishing a seam. If this is as clear as mud! send me your address and I will send you a diagram and instructions. :)

[bookishbear]

Hi Judi
Thanks, I think that I understand, how far on the top of the foot (the furry bit) should I bring the stitch - should it be the same length on the top of the foot as it is on the paw pad?
I have a feeling that the fabric of the pad could be hindering matters, I was only using it to use it up because I am not that keen working with it and thought that with a practice bear it wouldn't matter - famous last words there ;)
Nicola
P.S, I bought some 12mm Sparse Mohair from you at the beginning of the month and the Pewter colour is absolutely beautiful

[simplyvera]

To stuff the toes without creases; Ultrasuede is best, just stuff the feet first, not too hard, more give than usual. Using a long doll needle with Extra Strong Polyester thread a similar colour to the foot, make a hole in the top of the foot with a ball pointed awl so that you can pull the knot inside and hide it. Mark out with pins where you want the toes to be, on the edge of the foot and on the sole of the foot, usually four are enough. Bring your needle out through the sole at the first marker, then in again at the toe marker, work your way around the foot pulling the thread tight as you go, you should not have any creases if the foot has been well stuffed. To finish, lose the thread as you would when finishing a seam. If this is as clear as mud! send me your address and I will send you a diagram and instructions. :)
I would soooo love to have you send me the diagram & instructions for pulled toeseys. You wouldn't believe how many feet I've thrown away!! How do I let you have my address?

[PollyKay]

'Ouch'! That was my first thought when I read the title of this thread.
I've never 'pulled toes' (great description btw) on my bears in the past. Maybe I'll try it this time round.