It seems as though some of my favorite project start on a whim. As did this one. I had the sewing machine out to hem some pants and decided it was time to make something fun. After being snowed in for a few days, I needed an easy project and my girls needed something to do!
I really like this playhouse because it fits on top of our folding card table and it can all easily be folded up and put away. It can also be easily moved to different rooms in the house. Right now it is parked in front of the television with pillows stacked inside and a little head peaking out watching Seaseme Street.
The inspiration for this little play house came from here, although I didn't really use any of the instructions, just had it in the back of my mind while I worked. Mostly I just used what fabric and supplies I had on hand and it came together.
If you want to try making this too, here is what I did. A disclaimer before hand, I am not a writer by any means. I hope the instructions make sense, I haven't wrote many tutorials. I blog because I like to share what I've done and possibly inspire someone else!
Supplies Needed:
A Table (I used a folding card table)
Tape Measure
Roughly 5 yards of fabric for top and sides
1 yard of accent fabric (I used 2 different fabrics)
4 yrds. 1 inch Ribbon (I used 2 different colors)
Felt Scraps - 1 square of brown, 1 Green, and some various colors for flowers
~ 1 yrd 1/4 inch Green Ribbon (for flower stems)
~ 1 1/2 yrd Lace Trim
8" x 12" piece of white fabric (for the window)
I started by measuring our folding card table. Our table is 33 1/2 inches square and 27 1/2 inches tall. I added about an inch for seems. I ironed the fabric first. Then, I cut a 34 1/2 inch by 34 1/2 inch piece for the top.
For the side pieces, I cut 3 pieces of 34 1/2" x 20" out of my main fabric and then 3 pieces of 34 1/2" x 8" accent fabric. I might have just used 3 pieces for 34 1/2" x 28" pieces, but I didn't have enough fabric. I used 2 different fabrics for my accent pieces.
To create a curtain type entrance for the front of the playhouse, I cut 2 pieces of 17 1/4" x 18" out of my main fabric. And then 2 pieces of 17 1/4" x 8" out of one of the accent fabric. And then 2 pieces of 17 1/4" x 2" of the other accent fabric.
Next, I took the each of the side pieces and sewed on the accent fabric. Do this by taking one of the 34 1/2" x 20" pieces and laying one of the 34 1/2" x 8" accent pieces on top, matching the ends with right sides facing each other. Pin and sew together using a 1/4" seem. Repeat this with all 3 sides.
For the front entrance pieces, I did the same, sewing the accent piece on to the main fabric and then sewing the extra 2" accent piece on to the end of that.
Instead of hemming the bottom of each piece I used ribbon to enclose the raw edge. To do this, you overlap half the ribbon accross the bottom edge and top stitch. Like so.
Then, you turn the fabric over the the backside, fold the ribbon over and top stitch again, like so.
The top stitching should match up on the front, if you're careful. I am not so careful, so the front side of my ribbon looked like this:
I did this with all sides and then the 2 front entrance pieces as well. You could just hem the bottom of each piece, but I liked the look of this more.
The front entrance of my playhouse has two pieces that open like a curtain. For the inside edge of theses pieces (that wont be sewn to the other sides), I top stitched on some lace trim. I simply did this by overlapping the trip on the edge of the fabric by about 1/4" and top stitching.
For the decorative pieces of the playhouse I appliqued on each piece individually. I started with the window. Take your 12" x 8" white fabric and pin it to one side piece, wherever you would like.
I used my sewing machine to applique it on (in other words, top stitch it on). Then, I pinned 4 pieces of 1" ribbon around the window edge (2-8" pieces and 2- 12" pieces). I cut the corners at an angle so they would fit together. And then used 2 pieces of 1/4" ribbon to create and inside cross (1- 8" piece and 1-12" piece). So it looks something like this:
I appliqued all this pieces on. Using a zigzag stitch to join the angled corners.On one side of the playhouse, I added 2 trees made from felt scraps. I drew the pieces on felt free hand and cut them out. I then positioned and pinned them where I wanted.
Then I appliqued them on, using a continuous stitch around the tree trunks and the green tops. I never did change my thread during any of this, I used purple thread the whole time. So the trees have purple stitching, as does everything else. Simple and I kind of like the look of it all.
For the flowers and butterfly, I drew the flowerpots, flowers, and butterfly pieces freehand on the felt and cut them out. I used 1/4" green ribbon for the stems.
And again, I pinned everything where I wanted it and top stitched.
Once all the applique detail is finished, its time to assemble it all. This playhouse fits the table like a slip cover.You start by laying the top piece (34 1/2" x 34 1/2 ") right side up on your workspace and take one side piece and lay it on top, right sides facing, matching the top edge of the side piece with one side edge of the top piece. (I wish I would have taken more pictures, because this sounds much more confusing than it really is!). Pin and sew together using 1/4" seem. Repeat with the remaining 2 sides.
For the front entrance pieces, you do the same, only laying the 2 pieces side by side with lace trimmed edges facing eachother. I hope I haven't lost you yet! Like I said, I'm not a writer!
Once all the side and front pieces are sewn on the the top piece, you join the sides together, creating a box-type shape. You do this by taking 2 sides and pinning the edges together, with right sides facing. Stitch the seem (1/4" seem). Do this for all 4 sides and you're finished!!
All that's left is to slide the playhouse over your table and enjoy!!
I hope my directions weren't too confusing, if you have any questions, please feel free to leave me a comment!
