Make your own doll mattress for American girl doll furniture and beds with this simple step by step sewing tutorial designed for beginners.
Preparation
For one mattress finished size 10" x 19" I used:
1/2 - yard of fabric
Thread
Stuffing from recycled pillows and stuffed animals
Mix-matched buttons
2 - Pieces of Fabric 2 1/2" wider and 2 1/2" longer than the desired finished mattress size (for 2" thick mattress)
Please read through the entire plan and all comments before beginning this project. It is also advisable to review the Getting Started Section. Take all necessary precautions to build safely and smartly. Work on a clean level surface, free of imperfections or debris. Always use straight boards. Check for square after each step. Always predrill holes before attaching with screws. Use glue with finish nails for a stronger hold. Wipe excess glue off bare wood for stained projects, as dried glue will not take stain. Be safe, have fun, and ask for help if you need it. Good luck!
Instructions
Step 1
Determining Size
Sewing the Edges
Step 2
Clip Stitching Corners
Now this a little tricky, but once you "get" it you'll breeze through. Open up the corners so the seams you stitched in step 1 are matched up, and the corner forms a 90 degree angle, with the seam down the center. Pin. Then line a ruler up with this seam and mark a 2" clip off the corner. Sew a seam right on the mark you made.
Step 3
Step 4
Finished Corners
Filling
Step 6
Step 7
Step 10
Pillows and Blankets
It is always recommended to apply a test coat on a hidden area or scrap piece to ensure color evenness and adhesion. Use primer or wood conditioner as needed.
Comments
blessednest
Thu, 08/11/2011 - 22:59
yay!
and i love this too! thank you ana!!!!
Tsu Dho Nimh
Fri, 08/12/2011 - 06:29
Fake Box Cushions
Oh yeah! Fake boxes. My favorite cushion technique.
If you are a perfectionist, you can sew a small tuck into the fabric from corner to corner to enhance the boxed look.
I combine that with an "envelope back" cushion cover, like used for pillow shams, where the back just overlaps. It makes nice couch cushion covers.
In reply to Fake Box Cushions by Tsu Dho Nimh
birdsandsoap
Mon, 08/15/2011 - 12:10
Thanks!
I'm slipcovering my neighbor's sofa right now and I think this envelope technique may be perfect for the seat cushions. Thanks for the idea!
spiceylg
Fri, 08/12/2011 - 07:42
:-)
Thanx, I needed this!
Cherie Heltne (not verified)
Fri, 08/12/2011 - 08:39
Fabric
What fabric is that? It's amazing!
In reply to Fabric by Cherie Heltne (not verified)
Ana White
Fri, 08/12/2011 - 09:34
Thanks everyone! The fabric
Thanks everyone! The fabric is Kaffe Fasset English Rose.
nealandlori
Sat, 08/13/2011 - 10:06
more my expertise
This project is more where my talent lies although I have high hopes of making the beds to put them on too. Last year I made all my girls in daycare baby doll diaper bags full of clothes, changing pads, etc. I love the idea of making them beds with mattresses and maybe blankets and rag dols to go with it. I'm very new to woodworking so we will have to see if I can figure it out well enough for gifts. I love your plans, so far on my first project very easy to follow. I can't wait to start on the baby doll stuff!
Guest (not verified)
Thu, 08/18/2011 - 13:06
NO Buttons!
This is how I made my Grandaughters (x4) mattress for their doll beds, except I did NOT use buttons. In the place of buttons I used embroidery thread and make tucks. The reason I did this is because of their ages, 4 - 14 months. I am in the process of making the beds to go with the mattresses. Did it a bit backwards because of the heat in my state. Trying to plan ahead for Christmas gifts!!!
Thanks for all you do Ana!!!
Loretta (not verified)
Wed, 10/12/2011 - 13:27
At our daughter's request my
At our daughter's request my husband made the bunkbed for our granddaughter for Christmas, so of course I got out my sewing machine and made the mattresses -- twice!
For the first 2 mattresses I used your dimensions: 12-1/2 x 21-1/2. Got the mattresses all stuffed and found them to be too short for the bed by about 2 inches! Well, I wanted the mattresses to fill the entire space, so I made another set using my dimensions: 12-1/2 x 24, and they fit perfectly.
I think what you forgot to figure was those nice boxy corners actually take up an extra 2-1/2 inches on each end of the mattress. Anyway, just thought I'd pass this along for anyone else making them.
The first set of mattresses won't go to waste, as I figure that our granddaughter's dolls will need a place to sleep when they come down with her to spend the night! It's all fun isn't it?! Thanks for the pattern!
Dianne (not verified)
Sat, 11/10/2012 - 17:07
Hey Loretta, I know what
Hey Loretta,
I know what happened because I almost did the same thing. At first I printed out the PDF format which does not show pictures. I realized my mattress was going to be the wrong size. I went back and looked at the pictures. On step 2, you place your ruler across the triangle and slide it down until the bottom of the triangle from side to side measures two inches - not from top down. When you do this, from top down only measures one inch. Does this make sense? Look at the picture and you see the two inches are across the bottom not up and down.