Tag: pattern

Sloth Plush Dress

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I have long been meaning to post a tutorial on how to make a dress for the Sloth plush, but it always seemed to slip my mind. A special thanks to Carol for reminding me about it! The dress is a cute little addition to the sloth plush and a lot of fun to make.

I don’t have a video for this one, but I do have several photos. I hope you find them helpful.

That said, let’s get down to business!

sloth-dress-pattern-learncreatesewDownload

Here are some quick instructions on how to make the dress.

First, cut out the pieces. The skirt rectangle is approximately 3 x 18 inches, but you can adjust that as desired.

Hem the bottom and two sides of the skirt with a double-fold narrow hem. Approximately, 1/4 inch wide.

Gather the top edge.

Pin two of the bodice front pieces to a bodice back piece, right sides together. Align the dashes marked on the pattern.

Stitch the side seams with a 1/4 inch seam allowance. Only sew above and below the dashes, leaving a gap in the middle. This is for the sloth’s arms to pass through.

Repeat this process again for the other front and back pieces. You should end up with two identical dress bodices. Press the side seams open on both bodices.

Fold up the bottom edge of one of the bodices 3/8 inch. Press. Keep the bottom edge of the other flat.

Lay the bodice with the bottom edge flat (the one you did not press) right side up. Place the skirt right side down on top of it. Align the gathered edge of the skirt with the raw edge of the bodice. Let the bodice extend an extra 1/4 inch on each side beyond the skirt. Stitch the skirt in place along the gathered edge with a 1/2 inch seam allowance.

Flip the skirt down and press the seam allowance toward the bodice.

Place the dress right side up. (You can disregard the topstitching shown on the bodice in the photo. It’s not necessary in this step. We will get to that later.)

Lay the other bodice, the one with the folded bottom edge, right side down on top of the dress. Align seams and edges of the bodice pieces. Make sure the seams are open and flat. Sew all of the way around the edge of the bodice with a 1/4 inch seam allowance, everywhere except the bottom edge where the skirt is attached, that will stay open. (None of your stitches should be on the skirt section. Only the bodice fabric is being stitched.)

Clip the curves and corners.

Flip the bodice right side out and press. Carefully align the bottom edge of the folded bodice so it covers the gathers and hides the seam allowance on the inside. The folded bodice edge should extend about 1/8 inch below the stitch line of the skirt. Flip it over. Pin in place as needed. From the front side, topstitch along the bottom of the bodice edge (more detailed photos below) and then press again. The skirt will now be sandwiched between the two bodice layers.

I usually topstitch with a 1/8 inch seam allowance.

Notice there is an opening for the arm hole.

Topstitch around the slit with a 1/8 inch seam allowance.

Add decorative ribbon, buttons, or trim if you like.

Try the dress on your sloth and then attach a closure. Velcro, buttons, and snaps all work great.

And your dress is done!

Happy Sewing!

(FYI, the shoulder seams were done differently in this picture. I still love the dress but prefer the technique described above.)

Flat Fanny Pack

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Here is my second fanny pack! This one is a flat version.

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The construction of this fanny pack is quite a bit easier than my classic fanny pack.

It has a zipper window rather than a zipper on a curve. This is a great option if you are learning how to sew zippers. The difficulty level on this project is about a 3.5/10. You have to use a zipper foot. You will be working with lining, and your stitching has to be exact.

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Since it is flat it can’t hold much, but it is perfect for your phone, lip gloss, or to act as a wallet. There is even an optional credit card pocket.

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The pattern has two sizes, small and regular. The regular fanny pack is about 14.5 inches wide, 6 inches tall from tip to top, with a pocket about 5.25 inches deep. The small size is about 13 inches wide and has a pocket approximately 4.75 inches deep.

Here is the free pattern!

Flat Fanny Pack Pattern by learncreatesew

DETAILED INSTRUCTIONS:

No Sew Fleece Face Mask

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I know what you are thinking…not another face mask! I promise, my next project will be something different, but I couldn’t resist. I was talking to my mom about different types of face masks and when fleece came up I just had to share this idea.

Not all of us are seamstresses, but we all need face masks.

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Here is a super quick pattern if you need something easy and convenient.

Fleece No Sew Face Mask Pattern by learncreatesew Final

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They only take a couple minutes to make! You trace and cut.

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Fleece is a great choice for the fabric, as it won’t fray, but I have also used the pattern for flannel. I used pinking shears to limit frayed edges. Just know if you choose to use a woven fabric the edges will fray eventually, especially when washed.

Here is the video tutorial if needed!

Detailed Instructions:

Rag Doll Part 2 – Adding the Hair

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Here is the second installment of my rag doll tutorial. This was by far one of the most difficult videos I have made. Not because the process is hard, but because there are so many different styles of hair that can be selected and so many methods with which it can be applied.

I spent a lot of time deciding what I would share because I didn’t want anyone to feel limited in the approach they had to use. Not to mention, there was a whole lot of yarn that did not want to cooperate and stay in place while filming! Apparently it does not take direction well.

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I really enjoyed using multi-colored hair on this doll. Mixing and matching colors strand by strand was a lot of fun, and I really like the look it created.

On the above doll the majority if her hair is the dark purple color. The wefts added at the bottom were all the same color, however at the top, I added just a bit of contrast.

I hope that you can take the methods used in this video and expand upon them to make something all your own 🙂

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I love the drastically different looks you can create by altering hair styles and color.

Here is my rag doll pattern in case you missed it in the last post. The doll is just over 14 inches tall when completed.

Rag Doll Pattern by learncreatesew

ADDING THE HAIR DETAILED INSTRUCTIONS:

Rag Doll Part 1 – Constructing the Body

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I have finished my rag doll pattern! I’ve been working hard to create the instructional videos and I am happy to say that I have the body instructions ready to share with you today.

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I really enjoyed working on this project and mixing and matching fabrics to create the body of the doll.

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I love all of the different styles you can design to make the doll uniquely your own!

This project is a bit more time consuming than others and does require a bit of patience. It is probably a 5/10 in difficulty just for the amount of time needed to hand stitch the hair and for the exactness of seam allowance that is needed. When sewing plush projects, a small error in your seam allowance can make a big difference in the appearance of your doll. You also need to be comfortable slip stitching and working with small curves.

The doll measures between 14 and 14.5 inches tall when finished.

Rag Doll Pattern by learncreatesew

Rag Doll Hair Tutorial COMING SOON!

One-Tie Face Mask & Case in Action

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I had a few requests for shots of the face mask in action! Here you go 🙂

I have to say, while I have face masks with elastic and with ties, I definitely prefer the ties! I don’t know about you, but I don’t like the feel of the elastic rubbing against my ears. While sewing the ties is not my favorite thing to do, I do appreciate the comfort it brings verses the elastic. The tie in the back also allows me to adjust the fit to a snugness that works for me. I also find it much more comfortable without interfacing.

I made my ear ties, 0.5 inch longer than the elastic suggestion in the pattern, but you can adjust to your preference.

I was worried originally that the mask might slide a lot with just the single tie, but I haven’t found it a problem. I have even worn it out for walks on windy days with no issues! And when you’re not using the mask for a moment, it hangs easily around your neck.1img_7136sm

Here is my face mask pattern!

Face Mask Family Sizes by learncreatesew

I also use my little case for my mask absolutely all the time! First, I loved the cat print shown above. Second, I have one attached to my purse, so I literally don’t leave home without it.

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I highly recommend the little case for convenience. Here is the free pattern.

Face Mask Key Chain Pouch Web Pattern by Learncreatesew

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Here is the face mask tutorial!

…and the case overview. Visit my Youtube Channel or the keychain page under free patterns and service projects if you need more details.

 

Casual Flannel Skirt with Pockets

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This was a really fun project to make! It took me a few tries to perfect the sizing, but I was very pleased with the results.

When I designed this project I was looking for something to lounge around in, especially in the summer.

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Pockets are a must for me, so that was the first thing I decided the skirt needed.

Next, slits were a priority for ease of movement. I also ended up choosing an elastic waistband for simplicity. The elastic doesn’t have a casing, but is exposed on the inside of the skirt.

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Then, I looked at my huge stack of flannel. That definitely needed some attention. You don’t necessarily need to make the skirt using flannel fabric, but that is the only fabric I have tested the project on.

The skirt is designed to sit at your natural waist, where you bend, and is very comfortable. Here is my casual skirt in action as I tried to take photos. My dogs decided it was a great time to be helpful. Unfortunately, their photography skills are lacking. Luckily, they make up for the lack in cuteness.

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Casual Skirt Cut Layouts and Measurements by learncreatesew.com

Casual Skirt Pocket Pattern by learncreatesew.com

DETAILED INSTRUCTIONS:

QUICK OVERVIEW:

Thanks to my mom once again for being my photographer on this project!

 

Free Fleece Slipper Pattern – Adjustable Sizing

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I know this project is a little unexpected. I wasn’t planning to make fleece slippers. The idea has been sitting around in the back of my head for a while, but I hadn’t had great success in making a pattern that worked for me.

Thank goodness this week my mom came to stay with me 🙂 The subject of slippers came up and since she wanted to make slippers it got me started on this project again, and I am very pleased with how it turned out!

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We just wanted a simple fleece slipper. Something casual and easy to make.

Of course, then we had to make them cute and add decorations!

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Flowers were the first addition 🙂

We also played with contrasting binding. My mom made this cute pair with purple binding.

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After cuteness, we moved on to comfort. The first addition for comfort was two layers of fleece for the base! My mom’s brilliant idea! This really made a difference. It made the side seams less noticeable, hid all raw edges, and added a layer of cushion as well.

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We also found that each of us preferred a different style of slipper. While my mom loves the classic snug fit with a lot of coverage, I found that the high opening wasn’t what I was used to.

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So, we altered the pattern. We decided to add a second style, ballerina fit, with a larger opening and longer band. We then added an optional mary jane strap, just for cuteness.

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In the end, while we hadn’t planned to spend several days making slippers, it was totally worth it. We both love our homemade slippers!

The project is fairly easy. You just need to be comfortable working with fleece and using a zigzag stitch.

The pattern is a woman’s size 7 but can be adjusted slightly for other women’s sizes.

Fleece Slipper Pattern Letter Size by learncreatesew

Fleece Slipper Pattern BALLERINA Letter Size by learncreatesew

DETAILED INSTRUCTIONS:

QUICK OVERVIEW:

Also! A special thanks to my mom for being my photographer and pattern tester for this project!

Face Mask Key Chain Case

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Once I started making tons of face masks I decided it would be nice to have something to carry them in.

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They also make great gifts if you are planning to give face masks to others!

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This case is super cute and small enough to fit on a key chain.

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I made two different versions, one lined and one without lining.

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I also used several different closures – velcro, snaps, key rings, swivel hooks, and D-rings.

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I hope you have as much fun making these as I did.

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Face Mask Key Chain Pouch Web Pattern by Learncreatesew

DETAILED INSTRUCTIONS:

QUICK OVERVIEW (LINED/FINISHED EDGE):

QUICK OVERVIEW (BASIC/UNLINED):

One Tie Face Mask Tutorial – No Elastic, No Interfacing, No Bias Tape – Family Sizing

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With supplies and resources scarce, and with traveling to stores discouraged, I wanted to make a face mask that required as few specialty supplies as possible.

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I decided to make a face mask with ties instead. The ties can be made with 1.25 inches (by width of fabric) strip of cotton fabric. It also only has a single tie in the back for easier wear.

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Thanks to my mom and her fabulous testing of face masks, she gave me dimensions for face masks of multiple sizes.

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I hope you enjoy the pattern and the tutorial!

Here is the free pattern!

Face Mask Family Sizes by learncreatesew

DETAILED INSTRUCTIONS

OVERVIEW