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Welcome to Christmas in July with Benzie Design + Therm O Web! We're sharing fabulous holiday-themed tutorials all week, along with an exclusive discount code and chance to win gift cards from Benzie and Therm O Web. Find the details at the end of this Matryoshka Doll Ornament tutorial designed by Jennifer of @beesewinspired.
Hello, this is Jennifer Long of Bee Sew Inspired and, as a professional doll designer, I am excited to be bringing you this holiday stuffed ornament in doll form! I believe everyone can create beautiful handmade items, which is why I try to give options in my patterns for different styles of crafters. This tutorial is for a hand embroidery version, but I have also included links for SVG cut files and/or a digital embroidery machine version, if that is your jam!
Why create handmade ornaments? So many reasons! They are beautiful, you can create them in your favorite color palettes and they are stitched with love! If you have never made a doll before, this is the perfect project to begin with. I can't wait to get started creating together!
Skill Level: Beginner
Time: 1 hour
Supplies:
9x12" Doll Face Wool Blend Felt Palette
9x12" Christmas Cottage or Winter Mint Wool Blend Felt Palette
Polyfil
Scissors
Applique Scissors
Sewing Needle
DMC Embroidery Thread - Assorted Colors
Freezer Paper
Therm O Web iCraft Fabric Fuse Liquid Adhesive
Therm O Web SpraynBond Pattern & Stencil Spray
Matryoshka Doll Pattern for Hand Embroidery (includes optional SVG cut files)
Directions:
1. Download the Matryoshka Doll Pattern. If you are using a Cricut Maker to cut the felt shapes, make sure to use your rotary blade and set the fabric to felt.
2. Cut the following from felt:
Doll Main Body (2) - front and back
Face (1)
Hair (1)
Tummy Patch (1)
Babushka Head Scarf (1)
Optional - Lips, Eyes and Cheeks or this can be hand embroidered
3. Lay out the pieces and mark the face placement for the next step.
4. If you are appliqueing the face, dab a bit of the Fabric Fuse Liquid Adhesive on the backside of the cheeks, lips and eyes. Press in place and let dry for 30 minutes.
If you are embroidering the face, separate the embroidery floss into 3 strands. Use a satin stitch, running stitch and back stitch to embroider the face details.
5. Next, trace one of the snowflake shapes onto freezer paper. Using the SpraynBond Pattern & Stencil Spray, tack the traced shape to the front of the cut out tummy patch.
6. Following the stencil, stitch through both layers. Gently tear away the freezer paper.
7. Next, arrange all the prepared pieces on the Matryoshka Doll body front. Using the Fabric Fuse Liquid Adhesive, line the back side of each piece with glue and then press in place. Let dry for 30 minutes.
*The babushka should be the LAST pieced to be glued on. Use it for placement but do not glue it on until all the other pieces are tacked down as it overlaps and covers some seams.
8. Using a coordinating color of thread and a blanket stitch, stitch down the edges of all the larger applique pieces. This gives some stability as well as finishes it with a beautiful, traditional look.
9. Add hand embroidery elements as desired. You can add French knots to the flower, running stitches around the base - be creative and have fun!
10. If you would like to hang your Matryoshka Doll from the tree or mantel, place a folded ribbon, lace or string at the top of her head and pin in place. Make sure the folded edge is towards her face and there is an overhang in the seam allowance. You will secure the ribbon in the final stitch out seam.
11. Cover with the second piece of body fabric and stitch in place using your sewing machine and a short stitch length. Make sure to leave an opening for turning. The hanging ribbon will be attached in this seam.
12. Using a sharp pair of small scissors, make little snips around the edges and cut away a triangle at the neck seam. Gently turn the dolls using the opening. Stuff firmly with Polyfil and hand stitch the opening closed with a ladder stitch.
Your Matryoshka Doll is now complete! Hang your doll on the tree or mantel or use as a super sweet shelf sitter. Even though it is just July, I am going to hang my Matryoshka Winter Doll in front of my sewing room window!
Thank you Jennifer for designing and writing this tutorial! You can follow her on Instagram @beesewinspired or visit her website. Jennifer is offering the Matryoshka Doll Hand Embroidery Pattern on her website for free with code 'BENZIEMAKES' at checkout. The Matryoshka Doll Machine Embroidery Pattern is also available for purchase.
And a special thanks to Therm O Web for supplying the adhesive materials for this project. Please enjoy an exclusive 10% discount on one purchase at thermoweb.com. Cannot be combined with other offers, nor valid on new or sale items. Good thru Dec.31, 2021. Enter 'BENZIEFELT1021' at checkout.
You can also enter your information below for a chance to win a $45 gift card. Look for more chances to win and more holiday projects all week on the Therm O Web blog.
