Quick-Sew Snuggly Doll/Elf Robe

My kids are always very concerned about the well-being of their holiday elf. A few years ago I made a quarantine box for him because they were concerned he might get COVID, and this year they have already made beds and sleeping bags for him to make sure he is comfortable while he visits. The latest request I received is for our elf to have his own robe so he can be snuggly warm on those cold winter nights, so we whipped one up, left him a note, and woke up to him enjoying his new fluffy accessory the very next day.

This instructable explains how to sew a robe for a holiday elf (or action figures, barbies, or other similarly-sized dolls) and is a perfect first sewing project for a grown-up or child.

My son wanted to make our elf's robe out of a very fuzzy holiday-print fleece, but because it's a little hard to see the stitches in such a furry fabric, I made one with him in a less fuzzy, purple fabric so it's easier to follow along with the steps in this instructable.

• A small amount of fabric (around 1 square foot will do the trick, so this is a perfect use for any scraps you have lying around)
• Sewing machine and thread
• Printer/paper (for pattern)
• Scissors

Print the attached .pdf files on standard letter paper and cut out the pattern pieces. You will need to cut one of the "back panel" pieces, two of the "front panel" pieces, and one belt from your fabric. If your fabric is different on the front and back, make sure to cut one front panel with the arm facing to the left and the other with the pattern flipped over (so the arm is facing the right).

Pin the fabric together as shown with the "good" side of the fabric facing in. Sew all along the top edge of the robe. Then, sew along the inseam of each arm and down to the bottom of the robe on each side (making sure not to close up the arm holes or the bottom of the robe). Trim any remaining threads at the beginning and end of your sewing paths.

Finally, flip the robe right-side-out and tie the belt loosely around the waist to complete the robe.

As I mentioned in the intro, my son picked out a very fuzzy holiday fabric for the "official" robe he made for our elf. We recommend something more like this if you are using this pattern for a snuggly elf robe.

Be warned, though, that other toys in your house may want to warm up in these comfy robes...so you may need to make a few. Our spider-man/woman dolls pilfered the purple robe and have been walking around the house wearing it like a belted jacket, looking all posh...

Happy Making :)