Dalu Doll-BIONICLE Inspired Plush Robot Toy.
Introduction: Dalu Doll-BIONICLE Inspired Plush Robot Toy.
A small robot doll!
Inspired by the LEGO Bionicle “Dalu” character/set.
Pattern created by tracing the outlines of the pieces used in the actual Dalu set, then contouring for a softy silhouette. Foam sheets were used for a mock felt test run (Pattern pieces in tutorial photos vary slightly- This was a first-attempt and later refined.)
Small <PERSON> stands just under 5.5” tall and weighs 3oz. She is set to swashbuckle with her bubble-bead chargers- But not without the company of her two aquatic allies who rest safely in her sea-snail satchel!
Wholly handsewn except the snail shell, no sewing machine required!
My total construction time: 29.5 hours
Doll, swords, mask: 16.5 hours.
Doll and mask bead application/embroidery: 7.5 hours.
Sword bead application: 3.5 hours.
Shell construction and beading: 2 hours.
Supplies
Tools:
Scissors.
Pins and hand sewing needles.
Metal yarn needle and/or strap turner.
Point turner or stuffing stick.
Sticky notes and pencil.
Disappearing/washable ink fabric marker.
One pack of Swedish Fish candy (optional, but rewarding!).
Thread:
Embroidery floss, 6-strand in various colors.
Polyester sewing machine thread in colors to match your felt.
#69 Bonded Nylon/Tex 70 thread or thick upholstery thread for attaching beads. I used gray and tan.
Black upholstery thread (for eyes).
Gold jean/upholstery thread (eye color details).
Fabric needed:
Stiff acrylic nonwoven felt sheets, 1mm thick. 673
I used 4x4” sheets from a multicolor stack found online.
Soft, very thin, interfacing-type lining felt or cotton, preferably in a color that matches your felt sheets (Used to line pieces to prevent poly-fill fibers from leaking through seams).
Stretch Lycra/silky knit fabric for snail shell. I used knit fabric overlaid with stretch lace.
Other:
Poly fill.
BBs or plush weights. I stole some copperhead steel ones from my dad.
Three small metal, sew-on snaps (For removable mask.)
Assorted beads and sequins.
Glass fish beads, if Dalu desires friends.
Clear beading elastic (for holding swords).
Superglue.
⅛” wide strip of leather (for stabilization of swords).
Terms, stitches, and knots used:
Hand baseball stitch, single-needle method.
Hand backstitch.
Blanket stitch.
Whip stitch.
Ladder stitch.
Tailor’s knot.
Basic sewing machine stitch (Optional, hand-backstitch can be substituted).
It's a 1-page pattern. I tried to tidy it up a bit in an editor, but it is still rather rough.
*The measurements are in US customary units.
*For personal/non-commercial use only, please.
Apologies for dim tutorial lighting, was done on a lap table tray.
Note: All body/sword construction stitching is done with double-threaded polyester sewing machine thread. Switching thread colors between each color is recommended for blending effect.
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Let's begin!
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Congrats! Your <PERSON> is done!
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Best wishes from <PERSON> and her fishes! 673