Attaching Fabric Beetles to... Whatever

If you are familiar with my work, you know that my large figures feature a beetle companion. The beetles are made of fabric, leather, beads and wire and I've provided step-by-step instruction both on the blog (see these previous posts) and a YouTube video. The beetles are usually low key in color and texture, and I do try to select one that is complementary to the costume or clothing of a figure. Even though the insects are large, most people don't notice them right away. When they do, it's either delight or shock at the discovery. Thankfully, mostly delight.

If you follow my blog posts, you know my philosophy towards glue - basically, don't use it unless necessary. This embellishment, like most others I use, is sewn into place. The most difficult part of the process is deciding where to place the beetle. I audition locations and decide which is best based on color, texture and other embellishments; usually I prefer an asymmetric placement relative to other items on the costume.

The first step is to thread a sturdy needle with button or upholstery thread. Doubled sewing thread is acceptable (run it over beeswax if using), but this requires more stitches and increases the probability of tangles. I take a few anchoring stitches in the clothing of the doll, making sure to only catch the outer layer and not the lining. I don't worry much about being neat because these stitches will not show. 

The beetles have a body that is lightly stuffed and has a bit of dimension.  I can take a large stitch through the underside and body of the beetle without the stitch showing on the front. It is important to have the thread go across the entire width of the body so that it is held securely on the costume. The legs are beaded wires and nearly always catch and tangle the thread. It helps to use a shorter thread than normal and hold the loop with my fingers as I'm pulling it through.

As I pull the thread, I place the beetle right side up against the fabric.  If I've folded the legs up, I have to put them back into place while the thread is pulled taut.  There isn't any reason to make more stitches and loops to secure the beetle because it is lightweight and hugs the surface.  I carefully take one anchoring stitch just under the side of the beetle, make a tiny knot, clip the thread and I'm done. Pretty easy!

It doesn't seem like that single stitch would be enough, but I've taken a few dolls apart and had to struggle to undo that stitch. It is quite secure!

Stay tuned for more tips and techniques...