Step 5: Gently pull the yarn from the dowels. If you can slide it off, go that route. If it is too difficult to slide the yarn off the dowel you can gently pull the yarn straight off the dowel. You will be stretching the yarn in the process but don’t worry, if you allowed them to completely cool they will maintain their curl once you let go.
Step 6: Gently stretch the yarn only a little to your desired length and cut. The yarn will coil back up a little, however, gravity will give them a little stretch. You will need to cut each individual length of yarn. Cut enough to create several bundles for your plush….use your judgement based on the size and style of the plush you’re making.
For my Nutty Nag project I cut my mane and forelock to about 7 inches and used 20 strands in each bundle. I cut my tail to about 13 inches and used about 75 strands for the bundle. Ultimately how thick you want to make the mane, forelock and tail (or whatever you’re making) are up to you and I have only offered my suggestion as a guide. Because they are curls, it is totally acceptable to have your lengths slightly varied.