Sewing tiny clothes can be made easier when you know what's possible and when you know a few tricks. Today I'm going to show you how I did the binding on the edge of the bodices for two of the FROZEN costumes and how I sewed the tiny gloves.
One really important element for success when making doll clothes is choosing the right fabrics. For the bias on Elsa's coronation dress and Anna's ball dress I used polyester lining fabric because it is very thin and keeps it's shape.
Another important thing is to measure and cut as accurately as possible. So, this photo shows how I evened up the bias after it was first cut and pressed in half lengthwise. The bias for the bodice binding was cut 7/8” THEN pressed in half lengthwise before stitching it on. I actually cut it a bit wider, press it in half and then trim it even to 7/16” an inch.
Another important thing is to measure and cut as accurately as possible. So, this photo shows how I evened up the bias after it was first cut and pressed in half lengthwise. The bias for the bodice binding was cut 7/8” THEN pressed in half lengthwise before stitching it on. I actually cut it a bit wider, press it in half and then trim it even to 7/16” an inch.
The “V” in front needs to be stay stitched and clipped before applying bias.
I stitched the bias onto the edge with a 3/16" seam allowance.
Then folded it around to the back to slipstitch it in place. If your seam allowance ended up a little large and the bias won't come all the way around to the stitching line, just trim the seam allowance a little.
Last, fold and sew the mitre for the front “V” after slip stitching the bias. I find I can do a better job on this part with hand sewing.
The gloves have to be sewn with a knit and have to be sewn with 1/8" seams. So, be sure to choose a knit that is stiff enough that it won't get sucked into the stitching hole on your throat plate and either use the point of a seam ripper or very pointed tweezers to guide the fabric under the needle.
Also, if you have it, a straight stitch presser foot (like in my photo) is really helpful.
Also, if you have it, a straight stitch presser foot (like in my photo) is really helpful.
You can see that the little hem at the bottom is sewn first and I recommend marking a little dot where the pivot is made for the thumb. It is difficult to judge that when the piece is under the presser foot.
Note the tweezers and seam ripper off on the right side of the photo. They are at my side at all times when sewing doll clothes.
Note the tweezers and seam ripper off on the right side of the photo. They are at my side at all times when sewing doll clothes.
Here is Barbie, aka Anna wearing these gloves ... yeah, I know, her feet look pretty cold!
Next time I plan to talk about dealing with trims and curved hems.
Next time I plan to talk about dealing with trims and curved hems.
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