DIY Felt Doll Dress: A Simple Sewing Tutorial

Updated at: 11/06/2025

Felt is a wonderfully versatile crafting material, and its soft texture makes it ideal for creating adorable and durable toys. This tutorial will guide you through the simple process of making a charming dress for your felt doll, perfect for adding a touch of handmade whimsy to your cherished creation. Whether you're a seasoned sewist or a complete beginner, this project is approachable and rewarding, requiring minimal supplies and basic sewing skills. You'll be surprised how quickly you can transform a plain doll into a fashion icon!

Forget complicated patterns and intricate stitching; this project prioritizes ease and fun. We'll focus on straightforward techniques to create a beautifully fitting dress that your felt doll will adore. Ready to get started? Let's dive into the step-by-step instructions that will transform your fabric scraps into a delightful doll dress.

Preparation and Safety Guidelines

Tools Needed
  • Felt
  • Sewing machine (optional)
  • Needle and thread
  • Scissors
  • Ribbons, lace, buttons, puff paint (for decoration)
Safety Guidelines
  • Always supervise young children when using scissors or needles.
  • Use a sharp pair of scissors to prevent pulling or tearing the felt.
  • If using a sewing machine, ensure it is properly threaded and adjusted for felt before beginning.

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Cut Felt Pieces

    • Measure and cut two rectangular pieces of felt, each about the same width as your doll.
    • Find the center of each rectangle by folding it in half and cutting a small notch.
    • Cut a small semicircle around the notch for the neck opening.
    Cut a small semicircle around the notch for the neck opening.Cut a small semicircle around the notch for the neck opening.Cut a small semicircle around the notch for the neck opening.
    Cut Felt Pieces

  2. Assemble the Dress Body

    • Sew a diagonal line from shoulder to shoulder to attach the two pieces. This can be done by machine or hand.
    • Position the felt pieces on your doll to determine the placement of the armholes. Mark these locations.
    • Sew the armholes on both sides.
    • Trim excess felt.
    Trim excess felt.Trim excess felt.Trim excess felt.Trim excess felt.
    Assemble the Dress Body

  3. Finish the Dress

    • Cut a slit in the back for the doll to fit through.
    • Turn the dress inside out.
    Turn the dress inside out.Turn the dress inside out.
    Finish the Dress

  4. Decorate the Dress

    • Decorate the dress with ribbons, lace, buttons, puff paint, etc.
    Decorate the dress with ribbons, lace, buttons, puff paint, etc.
    Decorate the Dress

  5. Add a Collar (Optional)

    • Optionally, add a collar by cutting a felt strip, placing it inside the neckline, sewing it in place, and flipping it over.
    Optionally, add a collar by cutting a felt strip, placing it inside the neckline, sewing it in place, and flipping it over.
    Add a Collar (Optional)

  6. Dress the Doll

    • Dress the doll, tie a ribbon around the waist (optional).

Read more: DIY Picture Frame from Oat Cartons and Fabric: A Simple & Unique Craft

Tips

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Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Uneven Cutting

Reason: Inaccurate cutting of felt pieces leads to a poorly fitting and asymmetrical dress.
Solution: Use sharp scissors and carefully measure and cut along the pattern lines.

2. Incorrect Placement of Darts or Gathering

Reason: Improperly placed or sewn darts or gathers create wrinkles or puckering in the dress, ruining the fit and look.
Solution: Pin darts and gathers precisely according to the pattern before sewing, ensuring even distribution.

FAQs

What kind of felt is best for making a doll dress?
Wool felt is ideal because it's durable and holds its shape well, but craft felt (polyester) works perfectly fine too and is more readily available. Choose a felt that's at least 2mm thick for a more sturdy dress.