European “Featherbed” Mattress

for twin or fullsize 9-12” (Victorian Woodshop) Doll Bed

Copyright 2004, Mary Ann Winters

Used with permission.

 

 

This featherbed is an alternative to a foam mattress. It resembles a “featherbed” commonly used in Europe. It will appear to be about 1—1 ˝ ” thick when done.  This pattern was created and “field-tested” on a Victorian Woodshop fullsize doll bed.

 

Materials needed:

 

For Twin bed—Two pieces 100% cotton, 81/2” wide by 15” long

or

For Fullsize bed--Two pieces 100% cotton, 10” wide by 15” long

 

For either bed—

1—2 oz. fiberfill  (poly is fluffier than cotton)—very little filling used

sewing machine and matching thread

 

Construction:

 

Pin the two pieces together. Sew ALL the way around, with 3/8” seam, leaving NO opening.

Carefully make a slit 5” wide in the middle of one side.  Be mindful not to cut through both sides!

Turn the piece (“pillow effect”) rightside out, using the 5” slit to do so.

Take each corner and miter it down by tacking it down to the seam, along the length of the featherbed. Use needle and thread to tack it down. It’s all right that this is visible! When stuffed, it will give a nice effect.

Do this for all corners.

Stuff the featherbed in this fashion—

First—stuff the corners as tight as you can without making the corners “bulge”

(This featherbed will be limpish and lumpy….the way it should be!)

Second—stuff (snuggly but not packed) near the seams, along each side. At this point you still do not have much or any stuffing in the “middle” of this featherbed.

Third—Reservedly stuff the middle parts of the featherbed. Check the size on the bed itself. If it fits nicely at the corners, then don’t add more stuffing!

Sew up the seam and make this the underside of the featherbed.

Your doll sends you a big thank you for making her featherbed mattress….