Tutorials – Fred-I-Bear

GETTING THE PERFECT NOSE

The real secret behind the perfect nose is a solid, symmetrical muzzle.
So before, you even start working on the embroidery,

it is important that you make sure that the muzzle is firm, giving you a nice surface to work on.

Stuffing is more an exercise in shaping than in just jamming in as much filler as you can.

Your stuffed head should be symmetrical, firm and have a well shaped,
solid muzzle, with no bumps, along the top of the muzzle.

If you are not happy with the appearance of the bear at this stage,
rather take out the filler and re stuff.

Choose a suitable template for your bear’s head.
Cut out the template and clear away the mohair from the bear’s head

where you will be placing the template

Make sure that the template matches the seams of the bears head.
Use the glue to hold the template into position.

Use the masking tape to tape down the surrounding mohair
so that it does not get in the way when you embroider the nose.

Cut a piece of perle thread that is nice and long. 60 inches should give you a good start.
Do not tie a knot in your thread.

Using the glue stick lay a very thin layer of glue onto the template.
Now start laying down your first stitch, from the left side of the nose,

allowing the glue to hold the thread in position. Pull the thread taught, but not tight.
Lay the second stitch beside the first one.

There should not be any space between your stitches, but they should not crowd each other.

The second key to embroidering a perfect nose
is to keep an even tension on the stitches.

Once you have laid down 3 stitches on this side of the nose move over to the other side
of the nose and lay down 3 stitches on this side.

By doing the edges first you will help yourself have a nose that is symmetrical on both sides.

Examine every stitch. If one is out of place, unthread your needle and pull it out.

Then carry on. It might sound silly, but remember it is easier to pull one stitch out,
than to have to re do a whole nose !!!!!!!!!!!.

By now, some of the glue might have dried out, apply a little more by using a needle to spread it out.

I normally do two layers, using my first layer as the guide.

Remember practice makes perfect.