WIRING: Stove pipe wire or similar types work fine. Coat hanger wire is too thick and hard to bend. Always bend wire ends up and in to prevent them from working through. Wraps wires with adhesive tape or string. Dabs of cement on the wire will hold string in place (Figure 1). Insert wires straight and bend the completed tail, ears and so forth.
Figure 1
BEND ENDS WRAP ENDS ANIMAL LEGS HUMAN LEGS
SHAPING: Toys can be molded by pushing or pulling the stuffing with the fingers. An occasional stitch will help hold the shape. To mold chubby cheeks, make circles of small stitches, pluck the stuffing up in the circles, pull the ends of the thread together and tie off (Figure 2).
Figure 2
MAKING DIMPLES GATHER CHEEKS PULL STITCHES TO SHAPE CHEEKS
Indentations and dimples are made by pulling a few sock threads back into the toy. This is done by pushing a threaded needle through from the back, catching a few sock threads and pushing the needle back again. Pulling on the needle thread pulls the sock threads in. Repeat for the desired indentations and tie off. Figure 3 shows how this is done for eye sockets. For toys with side eyes (bunnies, donkeys, etc.) work from eye to eye. For more natural lip lines, catch several sock threads in shallow arcs over and under the lips and in a straight line between the lips (Figure 4). See Scrappy on [page 17] for ideas on where to put dimples. Use a darning needle to push through the head or body. Lightly pencilled guide lines are helpful.
