what kind of thread do I use? [for felt toys]

[prophetmother]

I've got tons of felt but need to know what to sew it up with. Oh, and if anyone can tell me the best kind of stitching to use, that would be helpful too. I'm a newbie to all of this and can sew a bit so the more basic the instructions, the better. :

I'm looking at things like this and this. Is that embroidery thread? What kind of needle do you need?

Also, any advice on making this? Should I be posting in "how to" instead?

Thanks mamas!

[Miss Information]

Yes, that's embroidery thread. You buy the 6-strand kind and only use 2 or 3 strands (I use three). Usually you will use a whip stitch or a blanket stitch. If you google whip stitch tutorial or blanket stitch tutorial, you should be able to find instructions for them.

To do the mail, you could use a regular small invitation size envelope for a template - unfold it and use it as a pattern. Then just whip stitch the seams back up (do the ones in the middle before you fold the sides back up) - or you can do a simple fold over - fold the bottom 2/3 (approximately) and then sew the sides, then fold the top 1/3, making a bit of an overlap with the bottom 2/3 (practice on a piece of paper so you can get the idea before you stitch - you may need to trim a bit of the bottom in order to get an overlap). You could stitch on a bit of velcro (the sew on kind) to sew the flap shut. You could make a piece of mail to fit the envelope.

As far as the mailbox, well, that's a little more complicated and I don't know if I could even do it myself. You can always make a mailbox out of a cardboard box and paint it with acrylic paint. That would be easier.

This is one of the projects that I had wanted to do, but probably won't get done in time for Xmas.

[operamommy]

I think the mailbox is do-able. I'd start by making patterns out of paper and pinning them together. First I'd do a rectangle for the bottom, and then draw/cut out another longer/bigger rectangle to arch over for the top. After pinning the two together, I'd get a rough measurement of how tall/wide you need the back and front door to be - doesn't have to be perfect. Sketch it, cut it out, pin it...if it's not right, adjust it to be bigger or smaller. For the door, you'll need a piece the same size as the back, but only whipstitch or blanket stitch it on the bottom. I'd add a piece of velcro to the top of the mailbox and the top of the door so that it can open and shut.

Clear as mud?

[tinasquirrel]

I'd think the mailbox was two layers of felt with some stiff interfacing in the middle. It seems to hold it's shape really well. The package looks pretty easy (and so cute!). That looks like it is two pieces of felt and quilted up in lines. The envelopes are probably the easiest part of it all. The set in the store actually looks like it's predominantly postcard-like pieces of mail which would be even easier than an envelope. I couldn't tell from the picture, but it would be really cute if the flag flipped up.

Also, you asked about a needle? I just use a hand sewing needle. I think they make needles especially for embroidery as well. I use three strands of embroidery floss usually when I make felt food. And I use a blanket stitch around the edges.

Here's a really cute tutorial for felt cupcakes:
http://hoogliart.wordpress.com/2007/...cake-tutorial/

Here's another cute cookie idea. She did a border of of another strip cut with pinking shears, which I think looks really cute. And used french knots instead of beads (good for younger kids).
http://www.craftster.org/forum/index.php?topic=187212.0

And here's a tutorial for using whip stitch and blanket stitch on felt:
http://www.futuregirl.com/craft_blog...-sew-felt.html

I had planned on making my 3yo DS felt play food for Christmas but I haven't even started! I have all of my supplies though. So hopefully, I can get it done. I want to make a sandwich, some cookies and a pizza, hopefully. I'd love to make the cupcakes too.

[ilikethedesert]

I didn't read the PP, but bet you got your answers!

For all my felt projects, I use cotton embroidery thread. They do make wool, as well, but I havent' used it.

The blanket stitch is my favorite. I couldn't explain how to do it, but there are tutorials all over that can!

Here's a really nice one:

[Kodachrome]

I love the blanket stitch for edging.

I'm hooked on Linen embroidery floss. Best (more natural) color selection too.

[ilikethedesert]

ooh. linen sounds nice. Where do you find that?

[Tilia]

I'm going to Joann's today to find some thread to blanket stitch some wool playfood. I bought a bunch of wool sweaters at Goodwill yesterday. My DD is getting a Plan Toys kitchen for Christmas and I bought a few wooden food items from Oompa. I am hoping to make some stuff she will recognize this weekend. If I get them done for Christmas, great, if not, she won't know anyway!

Should I use the same color thread for all the food? Or match it to the food? I was thinking about buying natural colors.

[Miss Information]

Originally Posted by Tilia

I'm going to Joann's today to find some thread to blanket stitch some wool playfood. I bought a bunch of wool sweaters at Goodwill yesterday. My DD is getting a Plan Toys kitchen for Christmas and I bought a few wooden food items from Oompa. I am hoping to make some stuff she will recognize this weekend. If I get them done for Christmas, great, if not, she won't know anyway!

Should I use the same color thread for all the food? Or match it to the food? I was thinking about buying natural colors.

I usually try to match the embroidery floss with the felt I'm using for food. Since they are usually only 25 cents a piece (and 20 cents when on sale) you can get a lot of colors for not too much money.