Turning small parts.

Mrs Perkins' horns and other small parts can be tricky to turn and I often hear of people having piles of frayed horns after attempting again and again to turn the little fiddly pieces.  I actually find it quite easy to turn the horns with just the use of a wooden skewer, but this has come with practice and re-use.  This trick that I am about to show you is fool proof and so quick, some of you will give big sighs of relief, I am sure!Firstly, the sewing foundations need to be right to get the desired result.  With all small and fiddly bits you would be sewing on the traced line as this gives you much greater control as you work with a larger piece of fabric. We recommend that you always use a small stitch of 1 - 1.5 when sewing any parts that are to be stuffed.  It is also a big help to always use polyester thread for softies due to the added strength.  Cotton thread will break easily and may not be able to handle the strain of firm stuffing.

Once you have sewn your small shape, cut it out approx 1/8" outside the sewn line.

The next step is to grab yourself a drinking straw.  I suggest getting one that is a little sturdier that your "bulk pack" variety. The ones that you get from fast food stores or a re-usable plastic straw would be perfect.

Take your horn between your two fingers and twist the fabric against itself to open it up.

And then slide the horn over the end of your straw.

Now you need to get your second tool (an essential tool for softie making!!) which is a standard wooden skewer - the type you find in your supermarket for skewering meat.  Making sure that you are using the flat end of your skewer, push the sewn end of the horn into the straw opening.

Keep pushing the horn into and through the straw so that it is turning the horn right side out.

Continue pushing the horn through to the other end of the straw....

And Voila!!!  A perfect turned horn - without the sweat and tears!!!

And while you are equipped with your wooden skewer, it is the perfect tool to stuff your horn as well!

Comments

[SandyN]

Melly,

Thank you!!! Your tutorials are going to be a great help.

Sandy N

[Tanya Holt]

Thanks Melly, I didn't know that about poly thread. I have been through several bit of fabric for blossoms antennas!!

[naomi]

ahh, well thats a bit clever! Will definitely remember this tip, thanks for sharing!

[DianeY]

Using the straw to open it up first is genious!! I always end up with a part that won't turn on itself.

[Karen]

I didn't think that I needed help with turning small parts, I usually manage with tweezers... but that's an AWESOME way! Now I need to go find a good straw for my sewing kit and add it to my array of skewers and chopping sticks! Thanks so much

[Selina]

That is so clever.

[Lucy Locket-Pocket]

Absolutely brilliant Melly - thank you so much! If you could have heard the swearing when I was trying to turn the antennae on Lottie and Little Lady you would know how much I appreciate this tip!!!

Lucy xxx

[tracey dawkins]

thanks for an excellent tutorial, LOVE the idea of tricks and tips tuesday but i do feel as though i'm cheating as its still monday here!!

[Cherry]

Wow that is sooo clever!

[jojoebi.blogspot.com]

genius!

[Katie B]

This is life-changing! Thanks :)

[Stephanie]

Now I want to make Mrs. Perkins. I have a giraffe love working since I was young! Nifty tip.

[Amy (badskirt)]

I'd like to add a tip of something I used instead of a skewer when I made Mrs Perkins in the past.

We bought an extra bamboo sushi rolling mat and snipped one end of free. I can pulled out a stick when I need it and the rest stay tied together neatly.

The sushi mats have no sharp ends, so I don't have to worry about accidentally using the pointy end and stabbing my fabric.

Loving tip tuesday! Thanks!

[Brenda]

A cuticle (orange) stick makes a great alternative to the skewer. It has a nice defined point, but is not so sharp that it will puncture the fabric, and is stronger than a skewer so withstands lots of poking and prodding.

[Andi]

You are pure genius!!

[Claire - Matching Pegs]

Instead of the drinking straw, I have always used the old, empty barrel from a twist-up-crayon. It is a similar size to the drinking straw, but sturdier.

I also use the wrong end of a fairly fine paintbrush, which is slightly pointed, but not enough to break through the fabric.

Great pictures Melly. I hope your horse comes in ;-)

[Maree @ Farmyardcrafts]

Oh Melly... my husband will love you! He's the one I always make turn the "little pieces" cause he can do them better than I can. A straw?! I wouldn't have thought of that. Thank you for sharing your tricks and tips! I'll be off to steal some straws from my local take away establishment... !! Mr Farmyard's life will now be loads easier... !!

[tessa.chaplin@fusion.com.au]

WOW - a straw? With all the wonders of modern technology, who would have thought the versatility of a little old straw!

THANKS HEAPS Melly x

[Debbie@Snuggleb Toys]

Awesome I always struggle with the little bits, now no more, thanks Melly

[sue]

Thank you Mel, that is an excellent tip. I would never have thought of that. I await the next tip with eager anticipation.

[Sarah Lou]

Oh wow perfect! Just what i needed!

[Jackie]

Just fabulous! Who would have ever thought you could use a straw and a skewer? Wait, you did!!

[Beth]

Great tip!!

[Krista - Poppyprint]

I did have a terrible time with Mrs. Perkins horns and I vowed next time to sew a piece of floss into the tip curve so I could pull it down through the rest of the horn to turn it. I think I'll do the straw trick instead, to avoid having to snip out little flossie threads on the right side! Thanks!

[twitter.com/OllieLev]

What a net trick! Thank you, hopefully I will have less trouble from now on!