Fabric choice is up to you. I prefer a country look but just about anything works for Sues. I like to choose a busy print for the dress and a more plain and contrasting print for the hat. You can do the opposite if you like. Use the busier print for the hat and the plainer print for the dress. The more contrast you have the better it looks.
I like to do small projects so I simplify my sunbonnet sues. I don't add the lace and flowers or any activity like gardening or fishing etc. The simpler it is the easier it is to use in miniatures. You certainly can use the embellishments if you so wish. I like to keep it simple.
There are only 7 pieces
2 Hat pieces
2 Dress pieces
2 Boot pieces
1 Pocket piece
You can match or contrast the thread.
The pattern pieces I hope will come out the right size but if not you can resize them on a copy machine to the size you want.
Here are all the pieces cut out
Sew the pocket on under your sewing machine needle or by hand and then rip out the basting thread. I used red here so you could see it. TIP: if you use the same color thread as the thread you are going to use to sew it on - if you miss picking anything out it is less noticable. The basting thread sometimes will hide and you can't see it.
Pocket all done!
Put the two pieces together and sew around the edge. Leave an inch on top so you can turn it easily and leave an opening in the bottom for the boot to go through.
Turn it right side out and use a turning tool ( I use the tip of my mini scissors) to push out the shape of the dress. I also fold in the neck area so it fits up into the hat easily. Iron it flat.
This is the size boot I prefer but you can use the larger template or a square to rep a boot. Start sewing down a bit from the top edge so you can turn it easier.
I start to turn by bunching up the fabric on the tip of my scissors.
I push the scissors with the bunched up fabric up into the center as I pull down on the edges of the top
Continue to use the scissors tip or turning tool to work the boot out.
Push out the toe and straighten the edges inside
Here is the boot
You can see the top how it gets a bit frayed but that is ok as it will be hidden inside the dress
You can enlarge the boot pattern if you like for a larger boot if that is a bit easier to handle. Just add a seam allowance and make sure if you do enlarge it that you keep the same angle of the top.
If you use white thread it will show and look like laces.
Now you can slip the boot up into the opening at the bottom of the dress.
Sew across the boot inside the dress to anchor it in place
Ok now you need to sew the hat on and finish the Sue.
I prefer to buy the magnets for business cards as they are flat. The only other magnets I found were in a roll and they don't work as well. I had a hard time getting the roll kind to not want to roll up.
So cut a piece of magnet about 2 1/2" x 3/4" wide or whatever size you like. I like to place it so it is evenly between the top and bottom of the Sue.
Sew around the hat. Keep closer to the pointed ends when you start so you leave a good opening to place it down on the dress and be able to get a good angle on the hat.
Here is the hat with the opening folded inside
Put the neck of the dress through the opening of the hat. Then sew around the hat and also sew a finish seam around the dress. Now you have a completed Sunbonnet Sue.
You can applique the pocket on with needle turn applique or you could use any iron on if you like. I'm not real familiar with those so can't recommend any. But I am sure they would be a life saver if you can't or don't want to baste the pocket.
Here is the larger size boot template
I printed off the templates above and they came out the right size so they should work for you.
I hope you enjoy making the Sunbonnet Sues!!
The larger size boot template
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