Stuffing Alternatives?

[MacroMama]

Hello!
I'm making some crochet play food and I was wondering what people use to stuff them with instead of polyester stuffing?

I've been using shredded old socks, but with my apple where I have to pull threads through the whole thing, that obviously will not work.

Does anyone out there use something different?

Thanks so much!

[SophieAnn]

Sorry, I was coming here to suggest old socks.

I don't have any other ideas. Why can't it work for the apple? Can you not get a needle & thread through a ball of socks?

[MacroMama]

The problem is that it's not thread I'm pulling through, but yarn. And yarn doesn't like going through old socks. Perhaps I'll try to cut the socks tinier and see if that helps if no one else has any other ideas.

Thanks anyway!

[zech13_9_goforgold]

Yarn scraps. Stuff you don't like anymore, colors you're tired of. Just wrap them around your hand a bunch of times (like you're making a pompom). Cut the yarn in half and then half again to make lots of little pieces. It works really well.

Please post pictures of your play food.

[karen ann]

I've been using cotton balls (real cotton ones). I think some places have organic wool fill, but I'm allergic to lanolin and wool so I can't use that.

[MacroMama]

Originally Posted by karen ann

I've been using cotton balls (real cotton ones). I think some places have organic wool fill, but I'm allergic to lanolin and wool so I can't use that.

Brilliant!

As soon as I read your post, I ran out (much to my DH's bewilderment) and got some. I'll let y'all know how they work out for me.

Thanks for all the suggestions. The one using old yarn also sounded good and some skeins definitely came to mind....

I will definitely post some photos once I have a good collection...

Thanks again!

[DeerMother]

I sometimes use sweater scraps from recycled longies.

[MamaWolfe]

You can get bamboo stuffing, but I don't think it washes well. I love the cotton ball idea, please let us know how it works! And if it's washable.

[karen ann]

With the cotton balls, if you want the FO smooshier, sort of stretch them out to make them puffier. I've been doing mostly Amigurumi animals so I like them to be really dense and non-squishy. But the new one I'm working on I want a bit more hug-worthy and pulling the cotton ball fibers a bit and not overstuffing seems to be working (I have the torso and 2 legs done and so far so good.)

[jerri]

Bamboo stuffing is now at our local craft store. Or shreded wool sweaters is what I like to use. Someone once suggested to me to use dryer lint, but I've not tried it.

[Salihah]

I love the cotton ball idea! Creative!!

[MacroMama]

Well, I used the cotton balls, but I overstuffed them so it was pretty difficult to pull the threads through. In fact, I had to ask my DH for assistance.

I don't think I'll be making more apples. I want to make a few more fruits and veggies and then I'll post some photos in a couple of weeks.

[Dreamy]

I used this to stuff some crochet balls I made a while back:

EcoCraft Fiberfill

It's made from lactic acid derived from corn!

* 100% Nature-based
* Easy Care
* Breathable
* Natural resilience
* Hypoallergenic
* Washable
* Superior Softness
* Safe for the planet and your family

Unfortunately I bought it at Walmart

[caiesmommy]

Originally Posted by Dreamy

I used this to stuff some crochet balls I made a while back:

EcoCraft Fiberfill

It's made from lactic acid derived from corn!

* 100% Nature-based
* Easy Care
* Breathable
* Natural resilience
* Hypoallergenic
* Washable
* Superior Softness
* Safe for the planet and your family

Unfortunately I bought it at Walmart

LOL I totally cracked up when I read this! I hadn't been to walmart in AGES and ran in to get some binding and all the fabric was clearing out, they we're starting to get rid of crafts! Is this just mine, canadian or all walmarts...it really doesn't matter since I never go, But it sometimes is the easiest place to go.

[Dreamy]

Originally Posted by caiesmommy

LOL I totally cracked up when I read this! I hadn't been to walmart in AGES and ran in to get some binding and all the fabric was clearing out, they we're starting to get rid of crafts! Is this just mine, canadian or all walmarts...it really doesn't matter since I never go, But it sometimes is the easiest place to go.

They weren't clearing anything when I went this Tuesday. They'd better not either, they have a great price on the sewing machine I want!