How-to Handpaws

          Here's a short and hopefully simple tutorial on how to make handpaws! This technique is done using a sewing machine, and you really only need 1/2 a yard of fur material for this project, depending on how long you want the wrists/sleeves to extend up your arm, and you need any sort of material for your paw pads. Fake fur, or regular fabric works well.

• First, spread out your hand as much as you can, and trace around it with at least 1/2 - 1 inch bordering around your fingers (this will be your seam allowance).
• Cut out your "pattern" in cardstock, and transfer that pattern to your fur with chalk. Cut out ONLY the palms. (two pieces: left and right hand, just flip your pattern)
• Cut out the paw pad shape the exact size you want it.
• Use a "satin stitch" (which is a close zigzag stitch) with matching thread and stitch around the paw pad on my palm. (this is called "Appliqué")
  • Make sure to only stitch the edge of your paw pad material. And pull the fur out of the way so you are just sewing the backing to your palm.
• Leave a little opening big enough to squeeze a finger in, so you can stuff the large palm pad with a little bit of stuffing, then finish up the appliqué.
• Cut out little circles for your finger pads, exactly the shape and size you want them to be.
• Appliqué them on individually. You can stuff them if you like (the fur underneath is usually adequate enough to make them stick up).
  • Make sure there is 1/2 inch left around the fingertips, you need this for your seam allowance for sewing the back of the paws to the palms.
• Lay your palm with completed paw pads onto a flat piece of your chosen fur material. Cut the general shape (just a square around the whole piece).
• Sew your palm to the back piece flat.
• Trim loosely around your paws, just enough so you can turn them right sides out.
• Pull the fur out of the seams, and check to make sure the fingers are shaped how you want them.
• Turn them back inside out, fix any problems, then trim the edges down to 1/4" seam allowance.
• Final step: Turn your paws right sides out, and viola! Completed paws. :3

  For a final touch, you can sculpt claws out of Sculpey clay, score the back (so the hot glue sticks better) and bake according to the instructions on your chosen clay's packaging. Let cool, then hot glue the claws in place. You can also use plastic claws, you can purchase some (just like the ones pictured) in many colors from Grey Owl Crafts.

The paw to the left is the finished paw turned inside out. The paws below are finished, with claws attached.