Paper Doll Quilt Block Tutorial, Block Two

Thank you for your kind comments and emails regarding the new block series.  I hope you are enjoying it as much as I am.

Today we move on to block two, which is a very simple applique design using only two pieces but the results are cute as can be.  One piece is a puffed sleeve top.  Whenever I think of puffed sleeves, my mind immediately goes to Anne of Green Gables.  Remember Anne’s desire for a dress with puffed sleeves?

Before constructing block two, take a few minutes to read the introduction to this series where you will find helpful information.  You may also want to read through the instructions for block one since one tutorial builds upon another.

You will need the following items to successfully complete the paper doll blocks in this series:

• Small print cotton fabrics
• Pastel fabric such as Kona cotton for background blocks
• Fusible stabilizer
• White satin 3/8” ribbon for tabs
• Embellishments such as ric rac, ribbon, lace, etc.
• Embroidery thread
• Sharp short nose craft scissors
• Steam-A-Seam 2 Lite or other double sided fusible
• Card stock for applique templates
• Sharp thin-leaded pencil for transferring designs to fusible web

To construct block two:

Download these files from BOX in right margin:  4_Puffed Sleeve Top Applique, 5_Jumper Applique.

Roughly cut out the printed applique pieces and adhere them to card stock.  Now cut them out true-to-shape.  These will serve as your templates.

Take your puffed sleeve top (4) and jumper (5) templates and outline them onto double-sided fusible web.  Then peel away the paper backing, stick them on the back of your fabrics, and cut them out with sharp, short-nosed craft scissors.

Outline Templates

Cut a 7 ½-inch background square from a pastel solid cotton fabric.  I recommend Kona cotton.  Starch and press the square and adhere a light tear-away stabilizer to the back.

Using a quilting ruler, mark the center of your square background block.  I find it helpful to measure the height of the applique and place a small piece of tape at the top and bottom placement points.  This insures that the applique will be centered correctly.

Peel off the paper and position your applique pieces on the background square.  They are re-positionable, so don’t worry if you don’t get them right the first time.  Start with the puffed sleeve top. You may want to trim the lower part of the top to reduce bulk.

Trim Top

Decorate the edge of the sleeves with a thin trim such as ric rac.  I use a light dab of fabric glue to help keep the trim in place.

Trim Sleeves with Ric Rac

Now position the jumper over the top and run your fingers over the surface so that the fusible will stick to the background fabric.

Cut two 1 ¼″ sections from 3/8″ wide white satin ribbon.  Fold in half and finger press.  Place one folded tab on each side of the lower jumper by gently lifting the edge of the applique and tucking the raw edges of the tab underneath.  Finger press the area to re-adhere the fusible.

Take the block to your ironing center and cover it with a pressing cloth.  Follow the package instructions for the setting and time in which you press the applique pieces in place.

Set up your sewing machine with embroidery thread; loosen the upper tension slightly.  Choose a decorative stitch and embroider the center area of the jumper from neckline to hemline.  (It’s always a good idea to test your stitch on a sample fabric to make sure the tension is correct and the stitch is to your liking.)  If your machine does not have decorative stitches, use ric rac or some other embellishment to decorate this area.

Add ric rac around the neckline.

Embroider Center of Jumper

Although I didn’t add pockets to the jumper, I think they would be a cute addition at this point.

Now sew a small blanket stitch around all the raw edges.  I set my blanket stitch at 2.0mm width and 2.3mm length.  When you reach the ric rac areas, switch to a 2.0mm straight stitch.  (Again, test the decorative stitch on a sample fabric first.)  If your sewing machine does not have decorative stitches, simply sew a zig zag stitch around the raw edges.

Blanket Stitch Raw Edges

Carefully remove the backing stabilizer.

Since more wardrobe pieces will be coming in future block tutorials, you might want to place pieces #4-5 in a zip-lock bag for safekeeping.  It won’t be long before you can mix-and-match the pieces to create unique paper doll applique outfits.

Block three will be coming soon so check back frequently.

Blessings,

Nancy

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