Ravens, part 7: Building the body

From designing the pattern, to stitching the pieces together, to filling with stuffing. Continue reading to learn how I made the raven bodies.

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March 27, 2019: I was told that my previous raven was too skinny. So I re-drew the pattern to make a fatter version. It took a few tries, but I think I like the way it looks now.
Here, the raven pattern has been sketched onto freezer paper and stuck to black cotton fabric as a cutting guide.

After cutting, the raven pieces are pinned together for stitching.

​The raven is stitched and ready to be stuffed. Next I'll cut out and stitch the other four ravens.

I stuff the bird with Poly-fil, using a long screwdriver to pack it as tightly as possible.

The stuffing inside these birds is compressed so tightly that they feel almost as solid as a carving. This 20-ounce bag of stuffing is just enough for two ravens.

With these large birds, I like to bury some weights inside the tail portion to help with balance and keep the whole thing from tipping forward. Here I'm using a few glass pebbles from a craft store floral department, but I've also used small bolts, washers and other bits of hardware.

Ravens, Part 1: Finding Inspiration
Ravens, Part 2: Feathers
Ravens, Part 3: Making lace for the head and neck
Ravens, Part 4: Starting on the legs
Ravens, Part 5: Claws
Ravens, Part 6: Legs
​Ravens, Part 7: Building the body
Ravens, Part 8: Beaks
​Ravens, Part 9: Attaching the legs
Ravens, Part 10: The exoskeleton
Ravens, Part 11: Feathers and Lace
Ravens, Part 12: Finally finished!

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