Note: The closer you sew your ends, the smaller your rosette will form and contrasting if you sew at a distance.

How to Gather your Ribbons

Gathered fabric is known as Shirr. If you intend to shirr ribbons, you will need to start by, using your hands, i.e. needle and thread and stitching a line along the edges of your ribbon and then pulling up to complete the process. You can also run a line of stitching at the center of your ribbon and then pull up the thread to bunch.

How to Shell your edges:

If you intend to add designs around the hems, sleeve edge and neck edges, you can use the shell methods. Instead of starting on the right side of your fabric, start on the opposite side and fold it onto the other side of the hem. At the folded section, stitch around three times pulling the needle so that it goes beneath the fabric. You should be on the right angle at this time, which you can continue by stitching back to the edges of your folded region. The shell design is completed once you pull your thread in tightly and re-stitch to create a tight fold. You can continue stitching until you have your desired pattern.

Doll rosettes and dresses are fun to make. If you haven't already chosen your fabric to make your doll dress, skip this process. You cannot complete the process until you have designed your dress. On the other hand, if you are ready to start making, yet another doll dress choose your fabric. You may enjoy mixing colors, patterns, etc, yet make sure that the fabric is put together coordinately. When you choose your pattern, it is wise to measure your doll first. You want to purchase fabric that will produce a dress, fitting to your dolls figure.

The size of the doll is the most important measurement you want to consider when choosing fabric. If you have a large doll, the smaller or medium patterns will work, providing you take the liberty to follow steps in stitching. When you choose your fabrics, also consider shoes, etc. The shoes designed for baby dolls, including the booties. If you have a reproductive doll, choose fashionable shoes. Once you select your shoes, pick socks that coordinate. You may also want to add a hat.

How to choose hats:

Hats include straw hats, bonnets, rush bonnets, hoop bonnets, and more. When choosing your hat work in coordination with your shoes, socks, fabric, etc. In addition to hats, you may want to consider belts for your doll.

How to choose belts:

Belts include the Red Sashes', which are cotton belts that are a good match for Nahuala, Huipils, such as Todos Santos, etc. Multi-color belts include the stripes. Totonicapán belts are handlooms, which come in a variety of styles. Zunil is a hand crafted loom, which has many colorful bold designs, as well as figures.

In addition to hats, shoes, socks, belts, etc, you can also find matching purses, bags, jewelry, shawls, hammocks, bedspreads, and more. Matching furniture is also available, as well as dolls that mate with your own doll. Carrying clothes and toys are available online as well, which you may want to create a fancy station for your dolls platform.