Sew Matching Flower Motifs for a Girl and Doll

Yo-yo flowers pictured on the T-Shirt Dress from All Dolled Up.

Create coordinating outfits for a girl and her 18-inch doll with help from these fun yo-yo flowers. Designed by doll dress designer Joan Hinds, these embellishments are super easy to make and are sure to brighten the day of your favorite little doll lover.

To make the flower embellishments, all you need is fabric of your choice and two buttons. Joan recommends using a 3/4-inch button for a girl and a smaller 3/8-inch button for an 18-inch doll. 

When you are finished making the flowers, tack them on to a T-shirt or project of your choice. Complete instructions for the matching T-Shirt Dresses pictured here can be found in Joan's book All Dolled Up.

Fig. 1 (left) and Fig. 2

Yo-Yo Flower for Girl:
1. To make a yo-yo flower for a girl's garment, cut a 4-1/2 inch (11.4cm) circle from the fabric. 

2. With a hand sewing needle and matching thread, work running stitches around the edge of the circle about 1/8 inch (3mm) in from the edge (fig. 1). Pull tightly and flatten the circle. Tie off and sew the 3/4-inch button to the center of the flower to cover the raw edges (fig. 2). 

3. Tack the flower to the upper left of the T-shirt.

Yo-Yo Flower for Doll:
1. For the yo-yo flower for a doll's garment, cut a 2-1/4 inch (5.7cm) circle from the fabric. 

2. With a hand sewing needle and matching thread, work running stitches around the edge of the circle about 1/8 inch (3mm) in from the edge (fig. 1). Pull tightly and flatten the circle. Tie off and sew the 3/8-inch button to the center of the flower to cover the raw edges (fig. 2). 

3. Tack the flower to the upper left of the T-shirt.

The Perfect Party Dress for Your 18-inch Doll

That's all there is to it! Check out Joan's brand new DVD, The Perfect Party Dress For Your 18-inch Doll for more doll sewing fun. On this DVD, Joan will guide you in constructing a to-the-waist lined yoke dress with a gathered skirt, puffed sleeves and a double-ruffle hem. You'll learn tons of tips and techniques along the way, and doll shoes are included as a bonus project to complete this party dress ensemble.

Sew On, Sew Well, Sew Beautiful,
Cyndi and Amelia