DIY Network

How to Stuff Toys, Dolls and Stuffed Animals From "DIY Crafts" episode DIC-138

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Figure A< < Figure B

Donna Wilder of Fairfield Processing shares useful advice for stuffing toys, dolls and other cuddly creatures with various types of batting.

1. Always select the highest-quality fiber fill available. Each brand is quite different, and a more expensive fiber fill will often go further and cost less in the long run.

2. Prepare the area to be filled by removing loose threads and trimming excess fabric from seams and corners. Clip inward curves, and notch outward curves.

3. Have stuffing aids ready. Try using a wooden spoon, the eraser end of an unsharpened pencil, a T-pin or a commercial stuffing tool (figure A).

4. When stuffing, select the amounts of fiber fill in relation to the area to be stuffed. Use small amounts for arms and fingers, larger amounts for heads and bodies.

5. Keep fiber fill fluffy. Do not compress it into a ball. Many fluffy layers will yield a smooth result.

6. Work the fiber fill into the project with your fingers, then push it firmly into position with a stuffing aid. Smooth each added amount of fiber fill by gently compressing it with your hands from the outside. In larger areas carefully move the fiber fill into place by massaging the outside of the project.

7. To manipulate the fiber fill tightly into corners, insert a straight pin or a T-pin through the project, and work the fiber fill into position (figure B).

8. For projects that require flexibility, follow the steps above without packing the fiber fill too firmly in order to keep it fluffy.

9. When stitching the opening closed, work the fiber fill loosely to the edge and begin stitching the seam. Shift the fiber fill under the stitched seam to create a smooth finish.

10. To add weight to arms, legs and bottom for a posed appearance, use a weighted stuffing material such as Poly-PelletsB.. Avoid rice or birdseed, which attract insects and promote mold growth.

11. To turn fabric arms and legs right side out, place a piece of PVC pipe inside the limb. Push the eraser end of a pencil against the fabric from the outside of the limb into the center of the PVC pipe, and the fabric will push through the pipe on the inside.

12. Once the arm is turned right side out, use PVC pipe to get stuffing into it. Put the PVC pipe inside the arm, place a small amount of stuffing inside the pipe, and push it through with the eraser end of a pencil. Pull the pipe out.

13. When stuffing small doll fingers, place polyester fiber fill on the end of a piece of wire, and turn the wire several times, wrapping the filling around it. Push the fiber fill end of the wire into the doll finger. From the outside of the finger, pinch the fabric at the base of the finger, and slide the wire out. The fiber fill will be left in place.

14. To stuff large items, start with a handful of fiber fill and stuff it into the end of the item. From the outside, massage the fiber fill until it's smooth. Put another handful into the item, pushing it firmly against the first handful, and smooth the fiber fill together.