McGlothlin: Yo Gabba Gabba Dolls

Print Yo Gabba Gabba characters on InkJetIron-on Dark T-Shirt Transfers.
I chose to use the transfers for dark fabric because they are made of a heavier plastic than the light fabric transfers.
When dry, adhere transfer to cloth according to package directions.
I used white muslin, but and scrap will suffice.
* I chose to sew through the plastic transfer all the way around. My hope is to minimize peeling. Another option would be to closely trim the transfer and sew only the fabric around the edge.
Tape character face down on a translucent surface and trace 1/2" around character.
I taped a Knifty Knitter hook to my pencil to achieve a 1/2" offset and used the bottom of a plastic storage container for my translucent surface.
Erase extra lines and smooth out curves to allow for easier sewing.
I chose to use the transfers for dark fabric because they are made of a heavier plastic than the light fabric transfers.
Cut a piece of batting and pin to the right side of the character to be cutout.
Since the transfer is plastic, be sure to only pin in an area that will eventually be trimmed off so you don't have holes in your doll. I used Clover Wonder Clips.
Lay character on top of a piece of coordinating fleece. Cut a piece sufficient to serve as a back for the doll.
Cut a piece of fabric (muslin) the same size as the piece of fleece.
I decided to back the fleece with muslin to reduce the stretch in the fleece after first doll I stuffed had a bulgy back side.

Sew around cutout using a 1/4" seam allowance. Leave bottom open to allow for flipping.
Some characters will require less than the 1/2" of allowance above the head. Sew and trim to find a good width at the top. I had to flip a couple of the characters more than once.
Flip character inside out and finger-press the interior seam.
Fill with stuffing.
I used Cluster Stuff to achieve a soft squishy (non lumpy) feel.
Turn the bottom edge and close with a blind stitch.

Friday, June 8, 2012