Terri, instead of trying to hold the tail in place while closing the seam, try this:
take the tail and lay it in place on the right side of the chicken's "back" (where the two seams meet in the middle. Place the side of the tail that you want to be facing Up (call it the right side of the tail) onto the right side of the back pieces...centered, matching raw edges...Stitch along just the back and tail...just shy of 1/4". Now, finger press the bottom edge at 1/4". Open out the tail...the upper seam allowance will be automatic, as the thickness of the tail will force it into the body.
Now, all you have to do is stuff and sew closed.
No matter if you hand stitch the opening, or sew along the folded seam...you only have to worry about the bottom edge...the tail is already secured to the bird.
Hard to explain without pics...but kind of like adding a piping to a seam.
Originally Posted by Terri Morin
I'm making those wonderful chicken pincushions. BUT how the heck do you get those tails sewn on? I'm having a dickens of a time!