LivelyStitch Design Patterns

Tips and Techniques

When choosing FABRIC try draping it over your finger. If it falls and drapes easily it will work great for doll clothes.
However, if it is stiff and sticks out it may look bulky on your doll.

When using many SLINKY types of FABRICS that tend to move around when cutting I find it easier to trace the pattern
pieces directly onto the fabric. I like to put the fabric into a quilting hoop to keep it straight while tracing with a very sharp
pencil. (Preferably on the wrong side.) Then cut the fabric just inside that line.

For finishing all edges on items that are not lined I like to cut strips of tulle and wrap these around raw edges as I am
sewing the seam. Then simply trim away the excess tulle. This makes for a nice finished edge but takes a little practice.

When sewing KNITS, first make sure scissors are VERY sharp. Use the trace method for cutting though the quilting hoop
can distort the fabric. I like to use a stabilizer during the actual stitching to keep everything in its original shape. For
hemming, try using a thin strip of tulle sewn, with the right side facing up, along the edge to be hemmed. Fold the tulle
strip over and stitch again a scant 1/8 inch for edge and trim away excess. The tulle will act as a stabilize in this instance
without the added bulk.

Try using PINKING SHEARS when clipping curves. They automatically notch the fabric. Just make sure they are sharp.

When sewing in a DART, don't do a backstitch. Instead take a very tiny stitch at the beginning and at the end of the dart. If
you are unsure the tiny stitch will hold, hand-tie a small knot and trim the ends of the thread.

Make a small PRESSING HAM by using wooden balls and knobs that can be found at most hobby stores. First cover the
ball with a thin layer of quilt batting. Cover next with wool. Try making several of different sizes and even a dowel rod.
These are invaluable when pressing those tiny seams.

PIPING can be made using 1/4 inch ribbon. Fold in half lengthwise and stitch edges, placing a small cord inside while
stitching. Use this as the piping. It is best to do all this by hand as it is very tedious on the machine. But if your really
good it can be done.