Freebie Friday - Tools of the Trade

If only I had known that these simple tools would have made life so much easier when I first started doll making.  So if you are at all serious about making dolls or softies, you should definitely have these tools:

1.  Turning Tubes

 

Some people have success turning doll fingers with tiny haemostats, but I can't live without finger turning tubes. 

Here's how you use them:

To turn the fingers, slip the brass tube from the set of turning tubes that is the right size for the finger, right to the end of the finger.  Take the small brass rod and press it against the end of the tube that is inside the finger.  Push the rod against the seam.  While maintaining pressure on the tube with the rod, gently roll the finger up and over the small rod. Repeat for each finger and thumb.  With your haemostats, reach inside the hand, grab the fingers and turn the rest of the hand.  Repeat for the other hand.

2.  Haemostats (I often see them spelled hemostats in the States)

Often also called forceps or artery claps, this tool was originally intended for medical purposes, but are great for turning larger bits of the doll right-side out.

How to use them:

Reach in the body part, grasp the inside with the haemostats and pull through the opening.

3.  Stuffing forks

Lots of people make their own stuffing tools but I think Barbara Willis' stuffing forks can't be beat especially for stuffing tiny fingers.

 

Here's how you use them:

To stuff the fingers, take a very small wisp of stuffing and hold it in your hand.  Using the small stuffing fork, twirl the fork over the stuffing until it forms a small Q-tip-like (cotton bud-like) shape. Stuff this into the palm side of the finger, under the wire.  Barbara shares her stuffing tips here.

4.  John James Darners No 7 needles

These needles are perfect for needle sculpting dolls as they are relatively long but slender so they don't create big holes in the fabric as you sculpt.

5.  Open Toe Sewing Machine Foot

The open toe foot allow you to clearly see your traced lines when sewing tiny doll parts.  It will make your life so much easier.

None of these simple tools are very expensive, but they can ease frustration and improve the quality of your dolls.  Invest in your art.

Comments

[julie]

Hi just want to say thank you for all your lovely tips and tutorials - I have just started trying to make dolls and found the information enlightening and very useful. It is a fasinating hobby and one I am getting totally absorbed in.