Welcome to our beginner sewing class on creating a Sew-a-Saint doll!
These adorable saint dolls come printed on a fat quarter of fabric, with the directions printed right beside the design of the doll. At just a few steps, they’re simple – and make the perfect snuggle toy when finished.
Today, we’re going to walk you through the step-by-step process to create a doll. Below, you’ll find step-by-step photos on how to make your saint doll. I’ve also linked to many of the products shown in the photos, as I’ve tried several and these are my go-to items when it’s time to sew.
Happy sewing!
WHAT YOU NEED:
- your favorite Sew-a-Saint fabric (Tip: is there a saint you’d like to see, but don’t? Let me know, I love custom orders!)
- sewing machine
- iron
- fabric sheers
- fabric pins
- doll stuffing/polyfill
HOW TO MAKE: (with photos)
Did you enjoy this sewing class? View all our sewing classes here!
HOW TO MAKE: (text only)
- Set your iron to cotton setting and press your fabric
- Using fabric sheers, cut out both the front and back of your doll
- With right sides together, pin your fabric every 5” or so
- Stitch around the edge of your doll leaving a ¼” allowance. Remember to backstitch when you begin sewing!
- Leave a 4” gap at the bottom for stuffing. Remember to backstitch when you finish sewing!
- Stuff your doll. TIP: add a bit more stuffing than you need, as it will always flatten over time.
- Thread your needle, and stitch the gap closed using a whip stitch (through the fabric, over the top, through the fabric, over the top…)
- Enjoy your new Sew-a-Saint doll for years to come!
Rachel says
How much poly fill does each doll take? I bought 3 as gifts and want to include the poly fill, but I don’t know how much to buy.
faithandfabric says
Hi Rachel,
I buy my polyfill at Hobby Lobby; their standard size bag will easily fill three dolls with a bit left over. I like my dolls quite filled (more firm), so I use almost the entire bag on three dolls. If you like them softer, it will take less. Great question!
Happy sewing,
Jen
Kim S. says
Just came across your site. LOVE the sew a saint fabric doll activity. Do you have other Saints? Our classroom Saint is St. Francis and our school Saint is St. Raphael. I love the size but wondered if you ever make the prints in a smaller size? $16/fabric piece is a bit too much for me to make with my 18 students-wondered if you have a more economical option for group orders. Looking forward to hearing more!
faithandfabric says
Kim, yes! I do wholesale orders. I’ll email you.
Carol Jones says
Do you have st faustina dolls? Also do you have any faith fabric I could use for making vestments for my grandsons
faithandfabric says
Hi Carol! Thanks for reaching out. I do have several fabrics – here’s the link to view: https://faithandfabricdesign.com/product-category/fabrics-by-the-yard
Lupe says
Hi! I know this is beginner level, but do you have any suggestions on how to add a zipper? That way we can adjust the stuffing if needed.
faithandfabric says
That’s a great question! I’ll see if I can make a zipper tutorial sometime soon.
Mary Daly says
Hello, is it possible to see by hand? I ordered for my nieces and nephews but they don’t have a sewing machine.
faithandfabric says
Hi Mary! This is the perfect project to do by hand. The only change would be where it says to use a machine to sew you would sew by hand. I recommend either a running stitch with the stitches pretty close together. This has worked well for the small groups we’ve worked with!