Flimsy neck

[MJnewtocrochet]

I'm making a crochet giraffe and the neck doesn't want to stand still is there anyway to fix if.

 

-mj

[Tampa Doll]

There are two ways you can handle this. 

 

One is to keep stuffing till both the giraffe and the neck are packed as tight as you can get them. 

 

The other is to put about an 18 gauge wire down the neck and into the body.  Or from the body thru the neck. You should measure the wire the size you need, leaving room, so it will not poke out the head or body.

 

This will make the neck straight and it will not sag.

 

Hope this helps.

[Granny Square]

18 gauge is roughly the size of a large paper clip wire for reference.  I wouldn't use this in a toy for a small child however, but it would be fine for a decoration only toy.

 

Stuffing it tighter may be an option, but then the stuffing might show a bit.

 

You know, I've only used plastic canvas to stiffen flat things, but maybe you could cut strips of it and build up a thick 'plastic stick' to insert into the neck, and put stuffing around.  Or for that matter, cut strips of plastic milk jugs or similar.  Not sure how safe that is for small children but better than a wire probably.

[Peggy85225]

I cut plastic hangers and use them for support, they wash well and don't rust.  Also rolled and tied plastic canvas works.

[Granny Square]

Ah, rolled plastic, even better.  I was thinking of a core that would have stuffing around it.

[MJnewtocrochet]

We don't really have plastic canvas to roll. I'm trying pipe cleaners- a thicker one to see if it will hold and then stuff around- n

If not I guess I have to buy plastic canvas