3-D Needle-Felted Puppy

Figure L

15. The ears are flat triangles with fuzzies left on one of the three sides. They must be compressed flat, flipped, and punched on the opposite side. As with any flat shape, this step should be repeated several times to make sure the ears are very firm. Because the ears are small forms that stand away from the base, they need to be strong, even if they are placed close to the head.

16. Attaching the ears: For ears that fold down, check the positioning. Lay one ear on the top of the head with the point toward the back of the head and the fuzzy edge front. Work the fuzzies into the top of the head. Fold the ear forward and tack it in place. For stand-up ears: Check the positioning of the ears. Pinch the ear into a curve and work the fuzzy ends into the back of the head. Make sure to work the fibers inside the ear as well. You can have both ears fold down, both ears standing up, or one up and one down.

17. To attach the small plastic eyes, punch two holes in the head with the metal awl. Place the eyes temporarily to see if they are in the correct position. The eyes can make or break the puppy if they are not positioned properly. They give the personality to your puppy. When you are sure the eyes are placed properly, remove them, place a dab of Tacky glue on the back of each eye, and then replace them to secure permanently.

Figure N

18. To make the tail: The tail is done using a piece of wrapped florist’s wire as a support. Unlike plain wire, the wrapped wire gives the fleece something to grab. Starting at the tip of the wire with a length of fleece fibers, begin to wrap a thin layer of fleece tightly around the wire. Rolling the wire between the fingers of one hand while holding the fibers taunt in the other, work from the tip of the tail to its base, gradually increasing the thickness. Allow an inch of wire to remain uncovered and leave fuzzies for attaching the tail. To hold the wrapped fibers in place use a bit of pump hair spray. Spray a small amount of hairspray onto the tips of your fingertips and roll the tail between them until the fibers are set.

Figure O

19. Attaching the tail: Punch a hole for the tail between the heels of the back feet using the metal awl. Apply glue to the end of the wire left uncovered and insert it into the hole. Punch the remaining fibers into the base shape to secure the tail. You may need to add more fleece to allow for a smooth transition from tail to body. Add a curl if desired. Anchor the tail to the body with a bit of fleece so it cannot be pulled out of the body.

20. Defining the mouth: Embroidery floss is used at the mouth and between the toes for definition. Using the doll needle, thread a length of black embroidery floss about 18 inches long and knot a single strand. Punch the needle through from the back of the head to the bottom point of the black nose. Pull the floss through and give a small tug to pull the knot into the head fibers. Put the point of the needle back into the head just below the nose where the chin meets the nose. Guide the needle to the back right corner of the mouth. Pull the floss through, leaving a small loop under the nose.

21. Guide the needle through the loop and pull the thread tight, closing the loop; make sure the loop under the nose stays centered and vertical. Put the needle through the left corner of the mouth and out the back of the head. Secure the end of the floss by making another small knot near the surface of the head where the floss exited. Re-insert the needle next to the exit hole and out the side of the head. Give a small tug to pull the knot into the head. To clip, pull lightly on the floss and then clip. The end of the floss will disappear into the head. If there is a small dent left where the needle was reinserted, use the end of the felting needle to pull a few strands of fleece over it.

Figure P

22. Defining the toes: Thread and knot another length of floss. Guide the point of the needle from the heel of one of the feet out the bottom of the foot between the first and second toes. Wrap the floss over the top, insert the needle between the first two toes and out the bottom between the second and third toes. Tug lightly and the floss makes a small indentation, defining the toes. Continue over the top, between the second and third toes, out the bottom between the third and fourth toes. Complete the foot by inserting the needle down between the third and fourth toes and out the heel. Knot the string as with the mouth; reinsert the needle in and out the bottom of the foot. Tug to draw in the knot, and clip. Repeat on all the feet.

Figure Q

23. Add a bow for the collar made of string, cord, ribbon, lace or leather. Bells, alphabet letters or other ornaments can be added to the collar for interest. If you want to name your puppy, or give it to a special friend, use alphabet beads on the collar.