How to Make a Doll Pillow Tutorial

Kids Sewing | How to Make a Doll Pillow Tutorial

In this quick and simple tutorial you kids can learn how to make a  doll pillow with lace   or don't add the lace and it can be a bear pillow.   This  easy beginning project can be made in one lesson , so  it's perfect for kids and beginners ages  6 to 12.

Below are photos and instructions taken from my Pixie Mandy's online sewing course. 

​The video for this lesson is around 13 minutes, so it will take a beginning student around 1 hour to complete.  I've taken a snap shot about every minute so it doesn't have all the details, but it's a good overview.   In my video I go into a lot more detail.

If you are new to sewing and would like to follow along  watching step-by-step videos, then  you can enroll in Pixie Mandy's Projects! 

Project  Introduction
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Hi, I'm Katrina Marie and in this tutorial I'll show you how to make  a  small pillow perfect for a doll or stuffed animal!   I'll start with the pattern, then the materials, and all the step needed to complete this project.  So, are you ready to get started?

Pattern Template
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You will need a piece of poster board, ruler, pen and paper cutting scissors to make a pattern template measuring 8 x 10 ½ inches. It is best to get help from an adult making this so your template is square.

Step 1) Materials Needed

* 1 flat quarter cotton quilt fabric
* 18” of ⅝” lace
* A handful of stuffing

Step 2A) Line Up Your Pattern
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Fold your fabric so that the right sides are facing each other. Place your pattern along on the bottom, along the folded edge. If you line it up correctly, you will be able to get two pillow out of your flat quarter

Step 2B) Trace & Cut
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Place your weights on top of the fabric, and use your pen to trace around the edges of the pattern. Then, remove your pattern and cut along this traced line. Next, slip your scissors into the folded edge and cut this side as well.

Step 3) Pin Around
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Place pins around three edges of your pillow (along the edges and at the corners), leaving one of the shorter edges unpinned. This will be your opening.

Step 4A) Sew  Around

Place your fabric under the presser foot, leaving enough room for an 1/2” seam allowance. Lock-it-in with a back-stitch, and begin to sew. Now might be a good time to check your thread and make sure that it is not too tight.

Step 4B) Pivot & Sew
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Before you reach the edge of your fabric, hand crank your needle down to hold your fabric in place, lift your presser foot, and pivot. Place your presser foot back down, and continue sewing. Repeat at the next corner. When you get to the end of the 3rd side, lock-it-in and clip your threads.

Step 5) Clip & Turn
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Using your snipper scissors, snip the corners of your pillow at an angle, making sure not to clip your threads. Using your hands, gently grab your the inside of your pillow and turn it inside-out. Use your point turner or chopstick to make the edges sharp.

Step 6) Stuff Pillow
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Now it’s time to stuff. Take your handful of stuffing and push it evenly into the pillow. Put enough in so that it is nice and fluffy, but not over-stuffed. Work the stuffing around so that there are no lumps in the pillow. It should be nice and soft!

Step 7) Fold & Press
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Fold the open edge of your pillow in about ½”. Using the edge of the table, rub this side back and forth along the table edge to gently press it. Flip your pillow and do the other side as well. Next, place a couple of pins along the pressed edge.

Step 8) Pin & Sew

Place pins in the open edge. Then put this edge underneath your presser foot stitching about 1/4" from edge. Since the pillow is fluffy, it will probably block your view a little bit. You will need to hold down the fluffy side in order to see your stitching. Try and stitch nice and straight along this edge. When you reach the end, lock-it-in and clip your threads.

Step 9) Ask for Help!

​If you’re having problems, you might have too much stuffing in your pillow, and will want to take a little bit out. Or you may need to ask someone to help you hold the fluffy side of your pillow down as you sew. Sometimes that extra set of hands can make a big difference!

Step 10A) Add Lace, First Side

Lay your lace on the edge of the pillow, and pin it down. Line up the loopy edge with the edge of the fabric. Begin to sew, right into the little groove on the lace. When you reach the end, lock-it-in and cut your threads. Gently lift your presser foot and flip the pillow over.

Step 10B) Add Lace, Second Side

Next, carefully fold the lace over and line it up along the other side of the pillow. Make sure to line up the loopy edge of the lace with the edge of your fabric. Begin to sew along this side, holding the lace in place with your hand as you sew.

Step 10C) Finishing the Lace
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To help you sew straight on this side, use your seam from the other side as a guide. Also, you can use the little groove in the lace. Before you reach the end, turn under the extra little bit of lace that is left to make a nice, clean edge. Lock-it-in and cut your threads.

All Done!

Great work! Your doll (or bear) will love laying her head on your pretty little pillow every night before she goes to sleep. I'm sure it's so fluffy and cozy. I hope you dream such sweet dreams!