How to Make a Graphic T-Shirt for Your Doll!

I am going to show you how to make your own graphic t-shirt for your doll. It isn't really difficult, and has super cool results!

Here is what you will need:

A pattern
Fabric
Scissors
Pins
Needle
Thread
Velcro
Printer
Avery (or another brand) fabric transfer paper

There are two t-shirt patterns I recommend. I use both patterns frequently and they can be downloaded online for free.

The first pattern I recommend is slightly more simple, while the other will take a little more time. The first can be found here from Simply Sweet and Sewn. The pattern has just two pieces, the sleeves are connected to the front and back. This reduces time and effort put into attaching sleeves while sewing. The sleeves, however, are a bit long for a girl shirt, but that can be easily fixed by cutting the sleeve length shorter. This shirt can end up kind of tight in some cases. Keep that in mind ;)

The second pattern has a fitted style with capped sleeves. It is from Pixie Faire and can be found here.

Make a t-shirt using the instructions for your pattern.

When your t-shirt is finished, it's time to find an image to put on the shirt! To transfer the image to your shirt, you will need a fabric transfer sheet. I used Avery Light Fabric Transfers. The version here uses these, and the dark transfers are done differently.

 

I usually search Google Images for logos or images. You can use pretty much any image, but keep in mind that the transfer will be see through when finished. Your fabric color will show through any area that is printed white.

I did a Star Wars logo for this shirt. I pasted the image into Word. Next, I rotated the image and clicked 'Flip Horizontally'. The image will then look backwards, like this:

 

This is what you want because you will put the image face down on the tee. When the picture is the size you want (mine is 3 inches across), print it out on the transfer sheet.

 

 

Cut out the image.

 

 

Now, take your blank t-shirt and image to a flat surface to iron on. The transfer paper package recommends using a flat surface as opposed to an ironing board, I think because the image will end up more flat.

 

 

Make sure to put a pillowcase over where you will be ironing. Put the shirt out flat and iron it flat.

 

 

Position the image face down on the shirt. Make sure it is exactly where you want it.

 

 

Iron on the image. The transfer paper I used said to hold the iron down, and not to move it. Make sure every part of the image is sticking to the shirt.

 

 

Once you are satisfied, let the transfer cool, as it will be quite hot. After it has cooled, take an edge and slowly begin removing the paper. You will find that part of the paper has adhered to the t-shirt. If it begins to tear, or does not look like it is attached to the tee, iron the spot again.

 

When you have it removed, you have your very own graphic tee for your doll!

 

 

I can't wait to do a photo shoot of Maggie in this shirt! I hope you enjoyed this little tutorial!



Canvas Slip Ons

A few weeks ago, I downloaded the Pixie Faire Freebie Friday Canvas Slip On pattern.  I was excited to try out the pattern so my dolls could have a pair!

For the outside I used black stretch denim because I wanted the shoe to be sturdy and also versatile.  The lining is turquoise blue cotton with sparkles.

I didn't have any 6mm craft foam like the pattern required to make the sole.  Instead, I used one 2mm sole pattern piece and a piece of thin cardboard (which was about 2mm as well). 

Although I didn't have any bias tape for the tab on the back of the shoe, I hadn't planned on including the tab in my pair anyway.

For the strip around the bottom of the shoe I used a piece of the lining fabric, folded it over, and stitched.

After sewing them, I was really hoping they would fit!  I tried them on, and they fit pretty well.  The only thing is that my doll's heel had to hang off the edge of the sole for the toe not to press up against the front of the shoe.  That's ok though.

I think the finished product is cute!  My dolls will definitely be wearing these often!

"Cortina Top"

A week or two ago, the free pattern for Pixie Faire's Freebie Friday was the Liberty Jane Cortina Top.  I downloaded the pattern, and tried it!

For my shirt, I used white and pink interlock knit.  I made the sleeves and the neck band white, with the body of the top pink.  Next time I use this pattern I will use lighter weight knit, as the neck band got a bit bulky.

I had seen versions of the Cortina top on Pinterest that didn't have the ruffles on the sleeves.  I decided to leave out the ruffles as well.

I like the scoop neck and raglan sleeves.

And a couple of pics of her French braid half up!