I start out with the front of my dotee, letting the scissors basically tell me what shape she will be. I fold the piece of fabric I'm using in half, and cutting out one side of the shape so when I open it, both sides are even.
I then take the piece for the back, and cut it in half.
Using 1/4" seam allowance, sew down 1" from the top, back stitch, leave a 2" gap, and continue stitching to the bottom of the fabric. Be sure to back stitch when you begin sewing after the gap, and at the bottom.
Press the seam open,
and when you turn it to the right side, the gap is invisible.
If you are going to add a tassel, or hanger, center it over the seam, with the tassel pointing up toward what will be the head of your dotee. Tack it into place. This is done on the right side of the backs fabric.
Place the body front, to the back, right sides together making sure the bottom is centered on the seam. DO NOT cut out body back at this point!!
Begin sewing together at the tassel or tail, back stitching to secure it in place.
Using your hand on the back, and your other hand on the front, slowly guide the needle around the dotee. Doing this keeps the fabric taut, and allows for more even seams.
Back stitch when you get back to the bottom. Now cut around the dotee, and turn inside right. Don't iron flat, as stuffing will take out any wrinkles, and pressing will add folds around the stitching that you don't want.
You can see the nice crisp seam opening in the back, already pressed and ready to sew shut after stuffing.
Close up your dotee using a blind stitch. With your needle, go under the seam, and up just back a little from the opening.
Next, put the needle through the fold, just catching the fabric. Pull taut.
Bring needle to other side, directly across from where needle exited. Again, bring the needle through the fold, and out. Don't sew anywhere but in the fold itself, or the stitching won't be "blind".
Continue this way up the seam, to the top of the dotee.
To fasten off, bring the needle up at the top seam, knot,
then bring back down through the closed seam.
Pull thread taut, and clip. The thread end will be inside the dotee, and won't show!
Trim off any stray stuffing that may have come through the seam, and you're done.
No visible stitching ! Now your dotee is ready for her face, hair, or whatever embellishments you desire.
