Making A Fox Tail Out Of Yarn

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• 

  Step 1

  First of all, I am using Lion Brand Homespun yarn, which is different from your average acrylic yarn. It isn't spun very tight at all, so the fibers are pretty loose. It also has a string wrapping up all of the fibers. Inside is a thick string and a thinner string which needs to be pulled out.

• Step 2

  The first thing to do is make the base. Since I did not change the method, go here.
  http://www.cutoutandkeep.net/projects/fox-tailout-of-yarn

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  Step 3

  Ok, now to my yarn process. First, I wrap the yarn eight times around my fingers. I either open them wider or hold them closer, depending on how long I need the "fur" to be.

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  Step 4

  Next, snip the yarn at the bottom.

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  Step 5

  Now to get the first set of strings off! I am using a teasing comb, but anything of the sort (long, thin, pokey) will do. I just thread them onto the bar. I always make sure to count all eight of them!

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  Step 6

  Push your finger firmly onto to strings on the bar and pull them out, while still holding the yarn still. It may or may not come off easy and the yarn may go in weird directions, but that is okay.

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  Step 7

  Next, we have to locate the inner strings. I find them by running the tip of my poker across the strand of yarn. It's pretty thick and hard to miss. When I get a feel for it's location, I just kind of dissect the yarn and thread it on the bar. Make sure to get all eight! Then, pull them out just like in the previous step.

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  Step 8

  Not all of those strings are garbage! Get three of them and line them up.

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  Step 9

  Lay your yarn across and tie it in a knot. Actually, tie many of knots in it. Flip it over and tie some more. Tie until you feel it is secure.

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  Step 10

  Now to brush it out. I use my comb first. Start at the bottom and work your way up. It doesn't take very long and lots of fluff comes out. I go over it with the fine bristled brush to make it smoother and get more loose fluff out.

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  Step 11

  OPTIONAL:
  Next I blow dry it, straighten it, then blow dry it again. Perhaps I could skip the first blow dry, but it calms it down a bit to straighten it. Straightening it makes it pretty smooth but also gives it weird crimpy-wavy marks, which is why I blow dry again. It's well worth the time.

  On the other hand, not giving it any heat gives it a cool, natural texture, which is what I did with the red tail.

• Step 12

  Now I sew the piece on. I actually do every step in bulk. I'll cut many pieces of eight-sections of yarn, then I'll pull off all of the first strings, then so on and such. I like to keep it all in rolled up pillow cases, like a pillow case yarn sandwich. It takes about 4 "tufts" to go around the base, so I keep it pretty organised.

  Anyway, I save it all up then sew on a bunch of pieces at a time.
  I sew it by putting the needle and string through the hole from the knotted-on-yarn string, then putting it through the base, and repeating that little process at least once per tuft.

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  Step 13

  It takes quite a but of time, but the biggest challenge (for me) is motivation. I always do it sitting in a recliner (The arm is where I do my work!) watching Law & Order: SVU.

  The product is well worth the effort!

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Brigit · Baltimore, Maryland, US · 2 projects 23rd November 2015

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Thera Joyce · Chandler, Arizona, US · 57 projects 21st November 2013

OMG! This is so clever!

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Risa.Hanae (JapZilla) · Mt Pleasant, South Carolina, US · 180 projects 5th February 2013

I have started to make one! <<<like a few wks ago. hah! I have been busy, but when it is finally done I will let you know!

AndiSam · 4 projects 7th February 2013

Awesome!

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lady hawk 13th December 2012

this is awesome. im going to try this for my monster doll hair. thanks!

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