I second Shawn's suggestion for cutting the longer knapped fabric.  In the fabric stores alot of times they actually tear the fabric to keep it from shedding anymore than it has to.  That, of course, only works when you want a straight line.  But the idea is to cut in such a way as to reduce the liberation of the knap.

Regarding hands - Alot of builders, myself included, like to build the hands large in proportion to the puppet.  IMO this gives the puppet more expressiveness when gesturing.

@Shawn: That's a good tip, I will keep that in mind when I start using fur!!! The back side is probably smooth(er) right?

@Jon: Funny you should say that, I had missing something, but couldn't tell what it was. I will give the next one bigger hands and fingers, because I don't believe it's the face

@Everyone: I'm of to some friends now to party So a happy new year to everyone, and make it a good night!

The hands were too small on my first puppets.  It wasn't until I had built two or three that I read some where that bigger hands are better.  I tried it out and it works.