Mini Doll Tutorial

I have had so many requests for the pattern of the little dolls that I add with my doll quilts for the Monthly Swap Group (see side bar - always accepting new members) - finally, it is here.  I just had to wait for Barbara to receive her package as I used her little dolly for my tutorial model.

You can download the PDFs for the pattern and instructions here:
Doll Instructions
Doll Pattern

DOLL DIRECTIONS

PLEASE READ ALL DIRECTIONS CAREFULLY BEFORE STARTING

**THIS IS NOT A DOLL FOR LITTLE ONES**

Note: All Doll pattern pieces DO NOT have a seam allowance

DOLL: Use a plain fabric in your choice of color - legs can be same or use a stripe (6“ x 20“ piece of muslin works well). Fold fabric in half. Print pattern PDF (use card stock for durability). Cut out pieces and trace onto wrong side of fabric - leave room for cutting a seam edge. Using trace lines as stitching guides, sew around body, leaving bottom open - around arms and legs, leave tops open. *I use a little shorter stitch-go slow-lift presser foot to maneuver around tight corners rather than pull fabric* **If you don’t want to try the little thumbs-just round off the pattern**

Trim all pieces (recommend clipping any heavy curves and neck area) and turn right side out. Stuff arms and legs HALF way. Stuff body firmly. Match seams of legs so ‘toes‘ are turned up; overlap top of legs (about half width and you can baste them to help hold) and tuck into body opening and stitch across by hand or machine. Hand stitch arms to body sides. *Make sure thumbs and feet face forward*

BLOOMERS: Be sure to place pattern on fold and cut two pieces. With right sides together sew center seams, clip curves. Match seams and stitch entire inseam. Turn right side out and press. Put bloomers on doll - gather waist with heavy thread and tied ends in knot. Do the same with the legs (about ¾” from edge) - pull tight above the stuffed part of the doll leg - knot.

 

 

 

DRESS: Be sure to place bodice pattern on fold and cut two pieces. Place right sides together and sew shoulder seams. Gather top of sleeves and sew to bodice. Sew sleeve seams. Turn right side out and place on doll. Gather sleeve (about ½” from edge) and pull tight above the stuffed part of the doll arm - knot. 

 

 

 

Cut skirt (4”x10”) and sew back seam . Use a running stitch and gather the waist slightly- slip on doll and as you tighten stitch , sew directly to bodice, catching into the doll - knot off.

 

APRON: Use any fabric, linen, aida cloth, part of a hanky - cut 3.5” square - Can attach with a running stitch or add a bit of ribbon or rick rack to the top for a tie - your choice!
HAIR: Again, your choice. Purchased doll hair, or yarn or skinny fabric strips

I don’t put any facial features on mine - but again, your choice

And this is the little quilt that dolly matched - used the old block pattern 'Darting Birds' with a monochromatic colour fabrics to represent Barbara's sweet kittie "Smittie". 

I hope you enjoy the pattern - if you have difficulty (be sure you have the most current adobe for viewing pdfs) with the pdf - let me know and I will be glad to assist.

Sewingly Yours,
Sharon