ok heres something i think we all want to know, what is the best combination of technique and material for hiding the seams in fleece? i used the ladder stitch with that superstrong nylon string, or as joann fabrics called it "invisible" string. is nylon even worth it or should i use a fabric string to make the seam less noticeable? because the nylon is less flexible there is a bumpy/zigzaggy look to the seams and it bugs me. but maaaaaybe it could be hidden if I use a denser fleece; besides that im not even sure if the ladder stitch IS the best, after all the henson stitch is real and i wish i could learn it. idk what do you guys think?

Hand sewing is the best way to assure the best seams. I think it gives you better control than machine sewing. The type fleece you use plays a big part in hidden seam. Antron hides seams well while polar fleece will still have a visible seam. I use a wired cat brush to fluff up the nap on the polar fleece while the Antron just needs a little grooming.

Billy D.

Here is a good you tube video from another post.

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https://youtu.be/AMNLsnwTRqk

:D that's darkranth! he's awesome, I use the same stitch so i guess im good to go!
Oh trust me billy, i do believe hand sewing is the best way to go and its the only option for most of the puppet's body, and im sad to say that i cant find anything better than polar fleece at the moment, but ive practiced with it before and ive done farly well at covering up the thread and the split between the two pieces, though im still unsure about my method, i think ill do better if i just practice with what i have some more

I'm sad to say that I cant find anything better than polar fleece at the moment,

Have you tried the Antron Fleece.................... it is the best fleece to use. I recommend you try it. Matt a member here at P&S sells it.
https://www.puppet-mart.com/

Billy D.

Billy did you see how the chap on the vid eliminated the center seam? That's a really good idea. I will be getting my hands on some fleece soon, I'm sooo excited to try it out, I've already got 2 orders for puppets and I've barely started making them.  It's all good tho, no pressure. 

If you use a brush to remove the antron in the seams, what happens when you shave the antron? do the seams become very visible again? Hey rosie where are you selling your puppets through? Congrats on getting two orders!!

ok since i only have polar fleece ive been trying to make it look my best, because im not selling my puppets im ok with not going pro and buying antron just yet. here's a pic

the white string shows where the seam is



this is the underside of it, i used the ladder stitch and im quite proud of myself :/

I would be proud of that stitch too. Well done AvenueQrazy.
PS: Love the video Billy nice find mate.

The ladder stitch is great for sewing from the "right side" of the fabric. I really love the baseball stitch as well. This tutorial on Project Puppet goes over a few useful stitches - http://www.projectpuppet.com/Page.bok?template=useful-stitches-tutorial.

I'd use thread the same color as the fabric/fleece instead of the "invisible" thread. This picture - http://www.projectpuppet.com/images/tutorials/arm-rods/Arm-Rod-Tutorial-13.jpg - shows a seam sewn up from the right side using the ladder stitch. The fabric is just regular polar fleece from JoAnn Fabrics. With a little practice you can get regular polar fleece's seams almost as invisible as antron's. The great thing about antron is that you can get "invisible" seams AND you're not restricted color-wise.

As far as the "henson stitch" goes, (although I don't have first hand knowledge) I've heard from folks who do, that it does not exist. Even if it does, you can get such good results with the baseball or ladder stitch, who cares!