To Stuff, or not to Stuff – that is the question

One of the things I struggle with as I learn more about amigurumi and techniques is how much to stuff an item. This is one of those skills that you really can’t be taught

Most designers will say – stuff until the animal is firm; or, make sure the animal is well stuffed. But what is the definition of firmly stuffed?

From what I can see, this various by designer and varies by artist. Most patterns will recommend the crocheter keep their tension relatively tight so that the stitches don’t pull apart when stuffed; or to use a hook one to two sizes less than supported by the yarn to get tighter stitches.

Other designers will say it’s better to lean closer to overstuffed because the fiber fill will redistribute and settle as the toy ages. Part of me wishes I could have a good weight to know that is the perfect filling.

But alas, there often are too many variables for this to be an option. Yarn weight can vary; tension can change; distribution of the stuffing itself can change – so what is good for one stuffed animal isn’t good for another.

I definitely err (most times) on the side of overstuffing. I want my Luvvies to have a good weight to them and be super cuddly. The only problem with this is sometimes the stitches do pull and the stuffing shows through – making the finished product look not quite as professional. The Catch-22 with that is if I don’t stuff to almost the point of overstuffing, when the fiberfill redistributes the Luvvie can droop and look sad…and no one wants a sad plushie.

So what’s the answer?

I don’t know – I’m hoping that you do (lol).

I’ve gotten better over the past 18 months with proportion. There used to be a time that I would have stuffed Dobby (above) until his head was three times the size of his body. But, I’ve learned when to stop that urge. So, that’s progress.

I had someone on Instagram recommend to me recently to use pantyhose to put the stuffing in so that the white of the fiberfill doesn’t show through as much. I’m curious about that – I kind of want to try it, but I worry that with as many Luvvies as I make, and with all the various sizes that pantyhose won’t be big enough to help with my situation; but I still want to see what happens.

While I try to determine what the appropriate level of stuffedness is (I think the OED should use that as their new word of the year: Stuffedness) for these cuties, I think there will be variations form project to project. One Pooh might have been on a diet to get out of Rabbit’s entry-hole. Another Pooh might have had a bit too much hunny and looks stuffed to bursting. I have to try to fight with my perfectionist tendencies. My Luvvies are not factory made, mass produced: They are made individually, which is what makes them so special, especially to me.

So, though I may not have the ratio of stuffing to yarn mastered, I’m continually trying to get better. I’m learning new techniques every day, and if there are no two Luvvies that look exactly the same, I have to try to think of it as adding to their appeal.

I guess, in the end, the answer of my question of whether to stuff or not to stuff is to stuff, but only so far.

Hugs and cuddles,

Elisha