Monday, January 16, 2012

{DIY} A Kokeshi Valentine


Well we've fallen in love over here in Japan with the adorable Kokeshi.  
They are super cute little wooden dolls that come in all shapes and sizes.

That's a great little book about them that you can buy here.
 
So since that's our love right now, I decided to make a Kokeshi Valentine t-shirt for Charlotte this year.  Today I have the free pattern for you in case you'd like to make your own!

The supplies you'll need are:
plain t-shirt
scrap fabric/felt
coordinating threads
needle/embroidery floss
sewing machine
scissors
tear-away stabilizer

Step 1:
 Download the pattern and cut out all the pieces.
Decide on your fabrics and trace the pattern pieces onto the correct fabric. 
Step 2:
If the pattern says cut two, then cut one piece using the right side of the pattern and one using the wrong side of the pattern.

I cut out several different dolls, because I wasn't sure what style I wanted. 

I finally decided on this one:

Step 3:
Draw a face on your Kokeshi head.

Assemble the doll.
Sew the hair onto the head using a straight stitch, then the hair ties using a zig-zag stitch.
Sew the kimono together using a straight stitch down the front and a zig-zag along the bottom to attach the base.
Embroider the face onto the head.


 Step 4:
If you have some iron on transfer you could use it to secure the kokeshi onto the t-shirt.  I didn't have any so I just pinned it really well.  Slip the stabilizer into the shirt.  Thread your machine with the correct thread and set your zig-zag stitch to 3.5 width and .5 lenth.  Stitch around the doll, switching thread when needed. Take your time with this - keep the needle down and rotate your shirt often.

Step 5:
The final step is to zig-zag around the heart, and you're all done!
Isn't she so cute smiling at you?

Happy Sewing!
Have fun getting ready for Valentine's Day!
xoxo
jessica

3 comments:

  1. I love Asian things. They are always so beautiful. Your little girl's shirt is adorable.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Cute.....This is cute to add to the t-shirts i buy for the women's shelter for the kids that end up there.....I LOVE IT....maybe on a 'bag' for me too!
    VJ

    ReplyDelete
  3. Oh she is just adorable Jessica!!! What sweet little faces on those dolls. That is a perfect shirt for Valentine's that she can wear anytime!!

    ReplyDelete

Thanks so much for commenting! If you have a question, make sure your email is in your profile or leave it in a comment so I can answer you. Otherwise email me at jessica(at)sewhomegrown(dot)com - Have a lovely day!

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