How to Make a Doll Quilts Part 3: Step by Step Free Tutorial by valspierssews

I work using the Pomodoro method. It took me about 3 hours or six time blocks to make this quilt in several sittings.

If you are a quilter you will have a pretty good idea of how to put the quilt together. You will just need the measurements and layout.

If you are a doll dressmaker/quilter you will understand that when you are making quilts for your dolls you don't have to rigorously follow the method for a human quilt. Also when I am making small mats I will do what I can to make it fast and easy but make it look good on the table. If it gets a tea stain on it the first time I use it I'm not devastated. Same with your children's doll quilts.

Little quilts are not just for dolls.

So keep in mind I am not teaching you how to make a quilt. I am showing you how to make a perfectly respectable doll quilt using some quilting techniques.

As I mentioned in part 2, you don't have to use wadding or even backing fabric. You can use a bath towel that you can cut up. You can put backing fabric on if you want pretty fabric on the back or you can leave it just as a towel back.

For this particular quilt I have used wadding. I have however, used poly cotton for the backing because that is what I had. These quilts don't have to last a lifetime. Personally I would rather make a few new quilts each year and give any spares to the thrift shop.
I made the quilt then I submerged it in cold water and squeezed it a few times. I rolled it up and rung it out firmly. I then pegged it on the line in the sun. When it was dry I pressed it firmly with steam. It looks great. You wouldn't know I had washed it.

So don't be concerned that you have to make your doll quilt a certain way. Just have fun making it. You have nothing to lose if you use quilters fabric and take care with sewing your 1/4" seams.

I am outlining the main steps here.

If you would like to download a complete photo tutorial  see my doll quilt resources at dolldressmaking.teachable.com.

I have called this one "small small squares" because it is as small as I would make to fit nicely over a doll and the squares are as small as I can be bothered fitting together. As I mentioned, I expect that a quilt I make for my child to play with doesn't need to take 3 months to make. It just needs to look good.

Cutting out the doll quilt

• Cut out strips of fabric. 3 from one fabric and 3 from another fabric. It is easier to cut them width of fabric (WOF) but for this quilt you need 9 x 2/12" or 22 1/2". 
• Cut the strips 23" long.

Sewing the strips and making squares for the doll quilt

• Sew the strips together alternating the colours
• Don't worry about pressing the seams yet
• Fold the panel in half lengthwise and cut sections 2 1/2" wide. You should get 9.
• Starting form the same colour on each section, press the seams all in one direction.

Making the doll quilt top

• Reverse each second strip. Nest the seams as you join the strips together.
• Cut border strips 1/1/2" wide. Cut two short strips the same length as the patchwork short side.
• Sew them on
• Cut two long strips the same length as the long side of the quilt.
• Sew them on.

Finishing the doll quilt

• Layer the top, the wadding and the backing and pin them together or use basting spray.
• Do some simple quilting
• Cut 2" strips and join them together so they fit around the quilt with about 6" extra.
• Press it double. Pin it to the back of the quilt and sew it around stopping at each corner and turning.
• Fold it to the front and stitch it down to cover the seam line

More interesting reading

Read this article about the Pomodoro Method. I find it is a technique that really helps me get things done.

I so enjoy making small mats. I made a little bed for my quilting companion (1996-2017). You can se it here.

Sign into dolldressmaking.teachable.com for free resources including a photo tutorial on how to make this doll quilt.

Happy Doll Dressmaking,
Val