Some chickens are sensible farmyard types. Dolly and Jean are not those chickens.
Dolly & Jean are a pair of wonderfully plump fabric hens designed for makers who like their sewing projects quick, cheerful, and full of personality. Make them in bright quilting cottons, tiny florals, checks, vintage fabrics or something gloriously fluffy — this is one of those patterns that changes completely depending on what you pull from your fabric stash.
The pattern includes two sizes of chicken, so you can make Dolly and Jean as a pair or start with one and discover, as these things tend to happen, that one fabric chicken is clearly not enough.
They're a fun soft toy project with enough shaping to teach you something along the way. And because inserting a gusset can sometimes be the bit that makes newer toymakers scratch their heads, I've included a step-by-step video tutorial showing you how to insert the gusset neatly and confidently. (Is it the most exciting video on the internet? Probably not. Will you know how to insert a beautiful gusset by the end of it? Absolutely.)
FEATURES
- Two sizes of fabric chicken included
- Full-size pattern templates — no resizing required
- Clear, illustrated step-by-step instructions
- Bonus video tutorial for neat gusset insertion
- Great for quilting cottons and other favourite fabrics
- Digital PDF pattern — download, print and start sewing
WHY YOU'LL LOVE IT
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Two Chickens, One Pattern: Make the larger Dolly, the smaller Jean, or a whole flock.
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Fabric Stash Friendly: Florals, checks, tiny prints and unexpected fabric combinations all give these hens completely different personalities.
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Learn Something New: If you've been avoiding patterns with gussets, this is a lovely project for learning the technique without making it feel like a Big Scary Sewing Thing.
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Quick & Giftable: A satisfying soft toy project for handmade gifts, sewing swaps, cheerful home décor or simply because your shelf needs a chicken.
HOW THE VIDEO TUTORIAL HELPS
Gussets are one of those sewing techniques that make much more sense once you've actually watched somebody do it.
The pattern includes a link to my step-by-step gusset insertion video, so you can sew along with me and see exactly how I get a smooth, neat result.
Once you've done one, you'll wonder why you ever worried about them.
FAQ – EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW
What’s size are the chickens?
Dolly is 10"high and Jean is 7 1/2"high
What’s included in the pattern?
A digital PDF sewing pattern with full-size templates and clear, illustrated step-by-step instructions for making both Dolly and Jean.
Is there a video tutorial?
Yes. Your pattern includes access to a video tutorial demonstrating how to insert the gusset neatly — particularly useful if this is your first time sewing one.
Is this suitable for beginners?
Yes. Dolly & Jean are designed to be beginner friendly. You'll use straightforward soft-toy sewing techniques, with the video there to guide you through the gusset.
What fabrics can I use?
Quilting cotton is a great place to start, but this pattern is made for experimenting. Try florals, checks, favourite prints or different textures to give your chickens completely different looks.
How do I get my pattern?
Your PDF pattern is available as a digital download after purchase, so you can print it at home and get sewing. Visit the download FAQ page.
Can I sell chickens made from this pattern?
Yes — handmade sellers are welcome to sell small quantities of finished items with credit: “Made with a Ric Rac pattern.” The pattern itself may not be copied, shared or redistributed.
MORE CHICKENS? OF COURSE.
If Dolly & Jean have started something, take a look at the Chicken Caddy sewing pattern too — another chicken-shaped sewing project and a very handy addition to your sewing table.
MADE YOUR OWN DOLLY & JEAN?
I want to see the flock!
Share your finished chickens on social media and tag @jodiericrac — especially if you've gone completely off-piste with the fabric choice. Those are often my favourites.
