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The Sew What’s New Archive
This archived content is from Mary Wilkins’ sewing and
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From: katie_burke
Date: 02-06-2007, 10:35 AM (1 of 13)
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Help! I am in the process of making my daughter a doll using a Raggedy Pants pattern. It calls for me to sew on the arms and legs using crochet thread and a doll needle, which I am doing; however, it is tough to convince the needle and the thread to pull through the fabric, since the thread is "bulky." My fingers are raw from rubbing on the needle as I am trying to force it through the hole. I bought some thimbles, which really don't help because the problem is not getting the needle through the fabric, but the thread itself. What do you ladies use? I am wondering about those rubber finger things that my dad used to wear on the tips of his fingers when he worked at the post office. Is there anything better than that? Thanks! Katie :o) |
User: katie_burke
Member since: 08-22-2006 Total posts: 45 |
From: lizzybugsmommy
Date: 02-06-2007, 10:42 AM (2 of 13)
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Try some of those gloves with the grip stuff on it. I may help with the pulling of the needle.
Catherine
http://www.photoworks.com/share/shareSignin.jsp?shareCode=A0E42A2C202&cp=ems_shr_a lb_pml&cb=PW Husbands gone fishing..... I've gone fabric shopping |
User: lizzybugsmommy
Member since: 05-20-2006 Total posts: 207 |
From: Pudge99
Date: 02-06-2007, 11:22 AM (3 of 13)
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I was gonna say the same thing. Grip gloves. You could also use pliers to pull it through if you do not have any grip gloves handy.
Gina
Pictures of my successes and failures Pfaff 2040 Janome Mylock 134D Singer Futura CE-100 w/ Autopunch Husqvarna Viking 3D Sketch |
User: Pudge99
Member since: 10-30-2001 Total posts: 1375 |
From: katie_burke
Date: 02-06-2007, 12:43 PM (4 of 13)
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Ahhh... gloves! Now why didn't I think of that? I don't have any gripper gloves, but I did manage to round up a pair of ladies garden gloves. They are form fitting to my hands and are made partly of something that feels somewhat rubbery, so they worked like a charm! Thanks for saving my finger tips! Katie :o) |
User: katie_burke
Member since: 08-22-2006 Total posts: 45 |
From: material_pakrat
Date: 02-07-2007, 03:59 PM (5 of 13)
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Ohhhhhh - which pattern did you decide on??? I dont use crochet thread when sewing on dolls arms or legs. Even with my daughter dragging hers around, I have found that you just dont need it. I just use the gutterman hand quilting thread, and use two strands. The had quilting thread is a bit thicker than normal, but you can also use normal thread, and double it, or even use four strands. After you have made the pattern once, you will probably find that you can actually set the arms into the seams when you initially sew the body my machine. Dont forget to put up some pics when you have finished. Cant wait to see them. Cheers, Soph.
I'm happiest when I am sewing! |
User: material_pakrat
Member since: 12-13-2006 Total posts: 220 |
From: katie_burke
Date: 02-08-2007, 06:53 PM (6 of 13)
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Ohhhhhh - which pattern did you decide on??? I dont use crochet thread when sewing on dolls arms or legs. Even with my daughter dragging hers around, I have found that you just dont need it. I just use the gutterman hand quilting thread, and use two strands. The had quilting thread is a bit thicker than normal, but you can also use normal thread, and double it, or even use four strands. After you have made the pattern once, you will probably find that you can actually set the arms into the seams when you initially sew the body my machine. Dont forget to put up some pics when you have finished. Cant wait to see them. Glad to know that I don't HAVE to use the crochet thread. It has definitely been a challenge - both to my fingertips and my patience. I haven't used my machine on this doll. I did hand stitching. My machine was jamming and my DD was breathing down my neck, so no time to figure out what was wrong with it. Of course, once I started the hand stitching, I kept with it. I have everything completed with the exception of the hair and the dress/bloomers. Probably get to those this weekend. I am a newbie, so I am taking my time so that I don't have to do it twice. LOL! I chose the Daisy Annie pattern for our first project. When I (finally) get it finished, I will be VERY happy to show it off! Thanks for your input and reassurances. I appreciate it! |
User: katie_burke
Member since: 08-22-2006 Total posts: 45 |
From: jenny-o
Date: 02-08-2007, 08:51 PM (7 of 13)
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I don't know how thick crochet thread is but I always use upholstery thread whenever I sew teddybears. It is easy to use (not bulky at all and very smooth) and so strong there is no way an arm, leg, or ear would come off. Jen |
User: jenny-o
Member since: 08-28-2005 Total posts: 132 |
From: katie_burke
Date: 02-09-2007, 05:57 AM (8 of 13)
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I don't know how thick crochet thread is but I always use upholstery thread whenever I sew teddybears. It is easy to use (not bulky at all and very smooth) and so strong there is no way an arm, leg, or ear would come off. Jen Now that I am thinking about it, maybe I am using the wrong thing? Crochet thread is yarn, right?? Katie 
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User: katie_burke
Member since: 08-22-2006 Total posts: 45 |
From: material_pakrat
Date: 02-11-2007, 03:46 AM (9 of 13)
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LOL. When it comes down to it, it doesn't really matter what thread you use, as long as you put enough stitches in it to make it difficult for kids to rip her arms or legs off. 
Cheers, Soph.
I'm happiest when I am sewing! |
User: material_pakrat
Member since: 12-13-2006 Total posts: 220 |
From: katie_burke
Date: 02-13-2007, 08:28 AM (10 of 13)
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Thanks all! My project still sits unfinished. DD and I have both been sick. She tested positive for flu yesterday. Will be sure to get the pictures posted as soon as I (finally) get it finished! Katie |
User: katie_burke
Member since: 08-22-2006 Total posts: 45 |
From: Patty22
Date: 02-15-2007, 11:11 AM (11 of 13)
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I was thinking about this, and although I have never made dolls in this method, what you were talking about reminded me of when I was trying to tie a quilt years ago and having problems. The solution was making sure you had a needle that was really big with a large eye. This way it would make room for the thread (yarn/whatever) to be pulled through. Once I found a really big eyed needle I could put the pliers (I was using to pull the needle through )away for good. Patty
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User: Patty22
Member since: 03-29-2006 Total posts: 1194 |
From: katie_burke
Date: 02-15-2007, 11:17 AM (12 of 13)
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I was thinking about this, and although I have never made dolls in this method, what you were talking about reminded me of when I was trying to tie a quilt years ago and having problems. The solution was making sure you had a needle that was really big with a large eye. This way it would make room for the thread (yarn/whatever) to be pulled through. Once I found a really big eyed needle I could put the pliers (I was using to pull the needle through )away for good. Hi, Patty! I am using a "doll needle." I bought a pack of them and they have a pretty good-sized eye. I might try finding a pack of larger eyed needles for next time. It had gotten to the point where my fingers were so sore that I don't think it would have mattered if I had literally drilled a hole first. LOL! The gloves are working great and I hope to get my doll finished this weekend. DD is still sick with the flu, so haven't had time to work on it. All she lacks is her hair and her dress. Thanks for the info! Katie 
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User: katie_burke
Member since: 08-22-2006 Total posts: 45 |
From: Patty22
Date: 02-15-2007, 02:47 PM (13 of 13)
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Katie...... Be sure and post some pictures of the doll for everyone to see when you're finished. We just love ohhhing and ahhhing over all the wonderful things everyone makes here... Patty
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User: Patty22
Member since: 03-29-2006 Total posts: 1194 |
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