“It is what’s INSIDE that counts!”
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 the different styles of crafters. This tutorial is given for the hand embroidery version, but I also have included the SVG cut files in the hand embroidery version as an option. If you prefer to make them ITH in your digital embroidery machine, I will like the pattern as well.
Why create handmade ornaments? Soo 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 a PERFECT and simple project you can begin with. I can’t wait to get started creating together.
Beginner Friendly! These felt Matryoshka Winter Doll ornaments are simple and fun to create. Even the children in your life can help!!! You will need about 1 hour per Doll to complete this project from start to finish!
What You Need:
Matryoshka Doll Pattern:
Your choice either:
*Use code “THERMOWEB” at check out to get the Hand Embroidery Version for FREE till the end of August!
or grab the Embroidery Machine Version HERE
Embroidery Threads in a variety of colors
Sewing needle
Applique and straight scissors
Freezer paper or tracing paper to transfer hand embroidery details
Small amount of Polyester Fiber Fill
Use the code “BEESEWINSPIRED” at Benzie Design checkout to receive 10% off your first Felt purchase!
Instructions:
1. Grab the Matryoshka Winter Doll Pattern designed by Bee Sew Inspired. You can choose between the Hand Embroidery or Machine Embroidery Versions:
a) Hand Embroidery PDF Pattern (which included PDF pattern, step sheet and optional SVG Cut files) 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.
b) Machine Embroidery Pattern (which includes all digital embroidery files and PDF Step Sheet).
Use code “THERMOWEB” to get the Hand Embroidery PDF for FREE at checkout! YAY!
2. Cut the following:
Doll Main Body: Cut 2 from Felt (front and back)
Face: Cut 1 from felt
Hair: Cut 1from felt
Tummy patch: Cut 1 from felt
Babushka Head Scarf: Cut 1 from felt
Optional: cut lips, eyes and cheeks (or this can be hand embroidered in the following steps.
3. Lay out the pieces and mark the face placement for the next step.
4. Applique Face Instructions: If you are appliqueing the face, use a small amount of Fabric Fuse Quick Bond Fabric Adhesive, and dab a bit of glue on the backside of the cheeks, lips, eyes. Press in place and let dry for 30 minutes.
4. Embroidery Face Instructions: If you are embroidering and face details, separate the embroidery floss into 3 strands. Using satin stitch, running stitch, and backstitch embroider the face details.
5. Next trace one of the snowflake shapes onto freezer paper or tracing paper. Using the SpraynBond Pattern & Stencil Adhesive, 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/tracing paper.
7. Next, arrange all the prepared pieces on the Matryoshka Doll front body. Using the Fabric Fuse Quick Bond Fabric Adhesive, line the backside of each piece with glue and then press in place. Let dry for 30 minutes. (Note: Do NOT glue the babushka on yet).
IMPORTANT: The babushka should be the LAST pieced to be glued on. Use it for placement to center the other pieces but do not glue it on till all the other pieces are tacked down as the babushka 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 and more traditional look.
9. Add hand embroidery elements as desired. 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 outseam.
11. Cover with the second piece of body fabric and stitch in place using your sewing machine and a shorter stitch length. Make sure to leave an opening for turning. The hanging ribbon will be attached to 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.
13. Gently turn the dolls using the opening. Stuff firmly with polyester fiberfill and hand stitch the opening closed with a ladder stitch.
Your Matryoshka Doll is now complete!
Use your Matryoshka Doll as a tree ornament, hanging from the mantel or a super sweet shelf sitter. Thank you for sewing along with me today!
If you would like to sew along with me, come watch the Matryoshka Tutorial on the Bee Sew Inspired YouTube Channel.
I am so happy you are here! Please tag me @beesewinspired if you make this Matryoshka Doll! I would love to share and tag you back!!!
Thank you for stopping by! I can’t wait to hang my Matryoshka Winter Doll in front of my sewing room window!
Our friends at Benzie Design are cooking up some inspiration of their own with our products. You’ll definitely want to take time to visit their blog and see their projects! Be sure to follow them on social and their talented team as well! And that’s not all…Benzie Design is offering you a 10% off coupon to shop with them! Use code: BENZIEFELT1021 on their website!
Jennifer Long grew up training to be a professional ballet dancer. She taught ballet and ran her own dance studio all the while sewing and designing costumes for herself and many of her collages and students. Jennifer is married and lives on a rural acreage in Prairie Canada with her husband and 4 children. She sold her studio to raise to raise her children and wanted to find dolls and toys for her children with healthy body images. She immersed herself Modern Rag Doll design and soon found she had a unique set of skills for Doll Making from all the years of costume design and aesthetic skills from the dance training. Her love of color and fabric has led her to become a professional Modern Rag Doll Designer and Quilt Pattern Designer designing not only under her own label (Bee Sew Inspired), but also for authors, fabric designers and International Companies around the world! Jennifer remains passionate about teaching and is the founder of two FREE educational FB groups Inspired Doll Making and Inspired Quilt Making. Come join her on this creative journey!!! 4 Comments on Matryoshka Felt Doll Holiday Ornament with Fabric Fuse
1Pingbacks & Trackbacks on Matryoshka Felt Doll Holiday Ornament with Fabric Fuse
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[…] a jump start on holiday sewing with these adorable Matryoshka felt doll […]
Mary Holshouser
July 28, 2021 at 3:50 pm (3 years ago)Look like the Russian nesting dolls.
They are so cute and colorful.
Great tips for stitching. thanks
for sharing
txmlhl(at)yahoo(dot)com
Sue D
July 28, 2021 at 7:40 pm (3 years ago)Love these felt doll ornaments!
Denise Bryant
July 29, 2021 at 10:14 pm (3 years ago)Sweet project!