Help a Newbie Fix Her Sewing?

Well, I'm pretty new to sewing and so far I've been attempting plushes and keychains and such... but I'm encountering the same problem with everything I do. I assume it is because I don't really know different stitches and such... but whenever I flip my projects to stuff them you can see the stitching all the way around. On some it looks totally cute but on others it looks messy... also, is there some kind of trick to sewing up that last bit after you stuff?

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4 replies since 23rd December 2010 • Last reply 23rd December 2010

Reply #1:

When I make plushies and whatnot I don't stitch them inside out and flip to stuff, I stitch them rightside out and use an blanket stitch or a whip stitch, the stitching is then part of the design if you like, especially if you use a contratsing colour. Also sewing this way means you don't need much of a seam allowance, and it clears up the problem of that last little gap after stuffing.
If you have a look at the plushie projects on the site you will see that most are stitched on the outside.
Hope this helpsHappy

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Reply #2:

esp if your using felt..that really makes it easy to sew with.

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Reply #3:

Are you hand sewing your projects or using a machine? If you are using a sewing machine, try varying the stitch length and see if that makes a difference, it could be that the stitches are too long. Also if the thread is quite loose you may have a problem with tension which could result in the messy look you mentioned. Your machine’s manual should tell you how to adjust the tension. If you are hand sewing, or using felt then I'd do as Laurel and PJ suggested and stitch on the outside making the stitching part of the design . Happy

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Reply #4:

Yeah I agree with Craftyfox, whenever that kinda thing happens to me I always check the tension first! Also make sure your using the right weight of thread for the fabric your using, sometimes that can make a difference, and lastly handstich the stuffing hole closed. I dont know how to explain it but theres a little trick that you can do to finish it off so the thread and last knot are hidden inside. I bet if you check out the library here, or googled it you could find a how to or even youtube vid for the stich!

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