Hemostats are my very favorite softie making tool. Also known as surgical forceps, hemostats are a wonderful tool for easily turning softies right side out and for stuffing them firmly. I use my hemostats so much that I've developed a callus on the forefinger of my right hand!
In this short video I demonstrate how I use my hemostats and I show you my hemostat collection, explaining the pros and cons of each pair. As I mention in the video, hemostats are available for free at hospitals (they come in suture kits and are often thrown away so ask a doctor to save a pair for you!) or you can purchase them online through doll and teddy bear-making websites like this one. And for an in-depth explanation of how to turn a softie right side out, here is my post on turning softies from my Elements of Soft Toy Design series.
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Like this tip?
Check out my new book for lots of infomation on designing and sew softies:
Stuffed Animals: From Concept to Construction was published by Lark Crafts in 2013.
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