Thursday, June 25, 2009

Mannequin Tutorial



I am someone that is forever looking for a head-and-neck mannequins for the hats, scarves, and neckwarmers I make. I've not been real happy with what I've been able to come up with so far. Until today!

I was happily crocheting a neckwarmer, and my mind started wandering (this happens often). An idea suddenly hit me for a head and neck manniquin. I have no idea if this idea already exists, so if someone else has come up with this I certainly
did not set out to copy your idea. I just had to fill a need I had. :-)

I have a stash of empty coffee cans and jars. You never know when you are going to need one of them for a craft project, or for storage. Anywho....here is my tutorial. If you make one of these PLEASE share. I'd love to see your version!

Head-and-Neck Manniquin Tutorial
Materials:
- 34.5 oz coffee can and lid
- 1 19.50"W X 7.25"L piece of jersey knit fabric / fold in half to measure 9.75" X 7.25" (neck part)
- 2 23"W X 7"L pieces of non-stretch fabric (head part)
- poly stuffing. I didn't gauge how much it took, but it does depend on your desire for a loosely stuffed or fully stuffed head.
- matching thread
- hand-sewing needle
- clear packing tape (optional)

Note: I used 1/2" seam throughout except for when I attached the head piece to the neck piece...then I used 1/4" seam. No reason in particular, but I wanted to note it.


This is the neck (can) cover that is cut on a fold.


I know this pattern shows "notches" cut out on either side, but ignore those. Cut out these two pcs as if the paper goes all the way to both sides.

Sew part A to part A, and part B to part B.

Basically, what you end up with is an extra long hat.
Next, stuff the head part until it's like you want, and then slip it onto the coffee can. The botton (neck) part will ride up on the can, so you are going to have to secure it down by handstitching the bottom.


I added a piece of clear packing tape over the threads to help hold them in place, and prevent them from catching on something accidentally.

3 comments:

EclecticGypsy said...

Very clever!!! This might be a good idea to use as asimutated neck for my beadwork! I also I just wanted to thank you thinking that the necklace I made was good enough to give to your mom for mother's day. You have no idea how much of a compliment that is, especially since my mom died when I was 4 yrs old. I mentioned your website in my latest blog post too if you care to take a look. Take care. Brenda

Anonymous said...

Excellent. I too keep trying to figure something out. This past week I did a Bulk Coffee Creamer Can. :) Funny to see this post at about the same time.

I like how you added a top to the can so the hat can be more shaped because my pics were flat on top.

Megan/Brassy Apple said...

Be sure to pop over to my blog and add your static link to the trash to treasure reveal day post! Mister LInky is waiting for you..... :)