DIY Doll Carrier

I had SO MUCH fun with this project!! My cousin is about to have her 2nd child in a couple of months and she commissioned me to sew a doll carrier for her son! He'll be able to carry his own "baby" around just like his mom and dad!!

I wish I had a model for this but it's just too small for my youngest kiddos. :( But I might have to make a couple of bigger ones. ;) 


WHAT I USED 

Less than 1/2 yard of 2 coordinating fabrics
2 coordinating buttons
Paper bag to draw out my pattern
Pinking shears used on the pocket and straps


STEP 1

The first thing I did was grab Cailey's Build-a-Bear bunny to help me measure out the pattern. 


STEP 2

I folded the pattern in half and evened it up where needed. 


STEP 3

Cut out 1 pattern piece for both coordinating fabrics.


STEP 4

Next, cut out the straps. 
Mine are 6" wide by 18" long. The length will vary on how big/small your child is. 
Measure from the center of their chest, diagonal across the back to the side. Then add 4".
The additional length will be for seam allowances and so there will be room to move the button as your child grows.


STEP 5

Cut out your pocket (if you want). Fold the edges over and press.
Sew a line across the top.
Pin in place on the front of piece of the carrier and sew in place.


STEP 6

Pin both of your pieces with right sides together.
You will sew them together EXCEPT between the pins and the across the very bottom.

We will be adding side straps where the pins are to hold the doll in place. We will also be adding the straps to the very bottom.

After you have it all sewn, turn right side out and press. 


STEP 7

Time for the button holes!!!
With my old machine, button holes were a pain in the rump!! Thankfully they are a breeze with my new machine. They come out right every single time! SHEW!!!!


STEP 8

Now for the straps!
Fold your pieces in half and press. 
Sew a seam down the raw edges.
Turn right side out.
Fold in half again and press.
Top stitch down both sides.

Fold the bottom over, press and sew across. 


STEP 9

Add your buttons to the ends of the straps!


STEP 10 

Insert the straps into the bottom of the carrier and pin in place.

Insert side straps into the sides of the back of the carrier and pin in place.

Top stitch the bottom half only!!!! 

Insert the side straps into the sides of the front of the carrier.

Top stitch the rest. Be careful to keep the rest of the carrier out of the way of the needle! It's not as hard as it may first look. ;)

                                      ALL DONE!!!!!!

Cailey's bunny looks so cute!! I am definitely going to have to make her one. She's never been big into dolls but she LOOOOOOOVES stuffed animals!!! They have always been her favorites! 


Let me know if you have any questions! 


HAVE FUN SEWING!!!