My Dolls House Tutorial #17 - 1/12th Scale Sofa Tutorial - Part One

[@jennfields1990]

Finally!!!! I found a video with actual clear instructions on how to make it and what supplies you need. Usually these videos are either silent and you just watch them being put together or the finished product and they never tell you what you need for the project. I appreciate these diy videos that can actually be used for instructions.

[@JulieWarren]

Thank you so much Jenn, that's very lovely to hear. :)

[@danav0137]

I’m so glad I found your channel! I’ve been watching other channels and they don’t always share the lists of what you need to build it yourself. I’m just learning how to do miniatures and it’s really helpful to hear your tips and to know how to cut the parts. You even answer comments! Thank you so much for your awesome tutorials.

[@JulieWarren]

Thank you so much! I'm glad you found me, too! :)

[@kat31-4]

I love watching these. Your voice is so soothing

[@JulieWarren]

Thank you so much.

[@mikeandlisafleming3963]

Video hasn’t even started yet, the ad is still playing, but I’M SO EXCITED!!!!!

[@JulieWarren]

Bless you, Lisa, that's made my day! :)

[@mikeandlisafleming3963]

Julie Warren So glad I could make your day. Because you made mine. I can’t wait to tackle this project. As I was watching the video my mind was already coursing with ideas!

[@suecox2308]

I've learned so much from your videos and in this one using the dowel for the arm of the sofa is extremely clever! (FYI, a "fat quarter" describes the way the fabric is cut: Rather than measuring a 1/4-yard (9") from the bolt, one cuts a half-yard (or meter) in length and then vertically in half. It gives you a nice square-ish piece of fabric (18"x18") (rather than a skinny rectangle 9"x the fabric width.)

[@JulieWarren]

Thanks Sue.

[@patgoldblat3877]

Wow! Absolutely brilliant! Thanks for this, Julie. Can’t wait to see part two!

[@JulieWarren]

Thank you Pat.

[@helenwoods7245]

This is a brilliant tutorial, difficult techniques are made easy, very very happy with the end product. Thank you Julie for a lovely experience.

[@JulieWarren]

Thank you Helen, I'm glad you found it helpful.

[@angeeballestero800]

I absolutely love your videos. I am currently trying to build an old 1963 Shasta Camping Trailer model. I am having a problem with the benches and was watching some of your videos to get ideas.

[@JulieWarren]

Thank you, Angee, I hope you're picking up lots of tips for your own project. :)

[@jcstarshine6075]

i love the size foam you used, makes it more real

[@amandahill7540]

Adorable! I'm gonna look for your books, u make the most adorable and realistic doll furniture I have seen. Love ur videos.

[@JulieWarren]

Thank you so much, Amanda.

[@12-me8ux]

Так хорошо и подробно объясняете, что даже мне, не знающему английский, всё ясно и понятно. Очень приятно Вас слушать и смотреть. Огромное спасибо!

[@JulieWarren]

Thank you so much, you are very welcome. :)

[@amandajones6481]

Hi Julie, I've just started making miniatures and I'm really enjoying it. I want to buy one of the books you've written about making dollhouses and miniature furniture. I want to learn how to make miniature furniture out of basswood or mount board (the board that's used for hard cover books) but, more importantly, I need to learn how to stain or paint wooden furniture and floors so they look realistic. My first project was a Book Nook that I made out of plywood and decorated as a Victorian style miniature library. It worked out quite well, but I painted all the wood in the same shade of brown - Burnt Umber to be exact - because I didn't have any wood stain, and it didn't look the way I wanted it to, all the dark brown together made the Book Nook way too dark and I ended up covering the wooden floor I'd so painstakingly made out of popsicle sticks 😂 with cream coloured carpet. So, could you recommend a couple of your books for me to buy? Thanks Julie, from Amanda Jones in Melbourne, Australia ❤

[@thatlovelydancerIlao]

So gorgeous. Just wonderful. And I love how you are so neat with your work then came thumb in glue😂😂 happens to me too.. The finish is truly beautiful. Thank you for sharing ❤️❤️❤️

[@JulieWarren]

Thank you so much, I'm glad you enjoyed it. I end up putting a thumb or finger in the glue every time! :)

[@yadsywen]

I’ve being looking a sofa just like that one for my daughters doll house im making. Of curse is a Barbie house , so I’m making it to the 1:16 scale of curse. Tomorrow I’m getting ready to get the materials to built it, so excited, thank you so much! I would of like an 1800’s couched to be honest. But i do like this one.

[@JulieWarren]

I'm glad you like the tutorial and hope you have fun building it.

[@dotmann40]

This looks so good! I'm glad I'm not the only one who gets a bit messy when working with glue and fabric. I was making ballet shoes for dolls (1/3 scale) this week, and the struggle to keep the glue off the fabric was real! :D

[@JulieWarren]

It helps if you let the glue dry off a bit first, but I'm too impatient when I'm miniaturing!

[@sandraquigley4235]

It is wonderful to learn some new tricks for upolstery! You could use an elastic band or two around the bottom when gluing the arms on. I find it a bit easier than tape and since you have built a frame with the strips of wood around first, you won't mark the fabric.

[@JulieWarren]

Thank you, that's a great tip.

[@tinataylor4203]

I absolutely love your work an explaining how you put each piece together. I just did my first house an it’s not too bad but the couch could have used your video first. Now that I bought my second house I’m watching all your videos. Thank you for taking the time to make them. Much appreciated

[@JulieWarren]

Thank you so much Tina and good luck with your second house. :)

[@aileenc7390]

As always you do such a great job! I don't feel alone now watching you struggle a little using fabric and glue all over your fingers!

[@JulieWarren]

Thanks Aileen.

[@denisemassey]

I heard about you while i was watching Ara on bentley house minis love watching both channels

[@marilynalexander5446]

best demonstration video ever

[@JulieWarren]

Thank you so much.

[@breakfasthole]

This is a brilliant looking piece. I like your methods with this and the results are impressive. I'm making a 1/6 scale Barbie house for a 4yr old girl and have had your videos playing for inspiration as I'm making parts. I won't use most of your ideas because I'm making a functional, robust toys for a child rather than a realistic model. I find your channel compelling though. The pace, the detailed instructions. Your voice is also definitely ne of the reasons it remains on. Softly spoken and using old English phrases like 'nooks and crannies' makes me smile. It's the most endearing, traditional English doll house KZbin channel that could possibly exist

[@JulieWarren]

Thank you so much for your lovely comments. I'm glad you're enjoying my nattering away in the background! :)

[@mikeandlisafleming3963]

Ok... done watching! It looks AMAZING! I cannot wait for part 2. Wonderful job!

[@JulieWarren]

Thank you. I look forward to seeing your take on this! :)

[@MossyMozart]

This little sofa will last for many years (generations?) based on wood unlike the ones based on cardstock or Bristol board. I look forward to Part 2.

[@MossyMozart]

Back from part 2. I love the way the cushion piping was handled. It would have been fun to have removable cushions, though. Good job!

[@sunidollfun]

Great job! It looks so realistic.

[@JulieWarren]

Thank you! 😊

[@cherylbell2496]

hi julie love this hobby. when i have made piping you dont see i use the white eletrical wire. it is good for scale and pliable as well. I love how you put rooms together.. thankyou for how generous you are to share your talent. thankyou cheryl bell

[@JulieWarren]

Thank you for that tip, Cheryl. I'll give that a try when I make my next sofa for the living room!

[@cherylbell2496]

Your welcome. This is just such a wonderful hobby. I am home with a disability and this is mentally such a wonderful place for my mind to go. Thankyou for generously sharing your time talent and very pleasant personality. I get gluey fingers too. It really is one way all people dollhousing can stick together. Lol have a nice day. 😊 cheryl

[@brittanydumoulinful]

Oh I'm so glad, I need to make a couch for my house I'm building be my next project when I take a break from it. Lots of tutorials I looked up for ideas use hot glue or other methods that I don't feel will have the longevity I'm looking for. Thank you it looks great!

[@JulieWarren]

Thank you, I hope you'll enjoy making it.

[@catered2u]

Exactly the example I needed to get out of my "living room rut" I had all but given up. Thank you Julie

[@JulieWarren]

I'm glad you like it.

[@ChrisAndCats]

I couldn't find the style of fabric in the suite style I wanted as they changed the design so I managed to get a used, solid but a bit tatty one in the style I wanted off eBay for very little money with a view to recovering it. Whilst I won't need to construct the sofa frame, this will be very helpful when I recover mine as it's very similar to this and possibly if I then construct a second sofa for the study. Thanks!

[@JulieWarren]

It's a lot of fun recovering a piece.

[@maryannerick7617]

You were wondering if the cushions should be thinner. Perhaps a little bit but since it's an overstuffed style, not too thin. Should look like you could just sink right in and be oh-so comfortable. Great build!

[@JulieWarren]

It does make it look extra cosy, doesn't it!

[@shellyboltzzito3453]

Julie, love watching you and learning a lot but what are the measurements for making the sofa! I just ordered your dollhouse kitchen book and have another one but I’m at a loss for how to make the living room furniture? Do you have a book specifically for the living room? Thank you!

[@JulieWarren]

Thanks Shelly. The cutting list for the sofa is in the description box below the video. I don't have a book just for living room furniture, but there are tutorials here you might find useful, and in several of my book and on my Patreon channel! :)

[@marthaandrade4069]

Thank you

[@patsmith5947]

Very cute!

[@JulieWarren]

Thank you! 😊

[@cudawantd1]

In the US, we call bunka PIPING. Any string can be used as a piping. Even fishing line in all the different sizes can be used.

[@JulieWarren]

Thanks Charlene.

[@VICTORFERNANDOSAN]

Hermoso biuriful, ❤️❤️❤️🌹🌹🌹🌹👍👍👍👍Saludos desde México Toluca ,Greetings from Mexico Toluca.

[@JulieWarren]

Thank you so much.

[@НатальяЕзофатова-я4н]

Просто умница, спасибо

[@swearenginlawanda]

Baby wipes work great for glue fingers. In the USA I buy grime boss wipes. They are a lot stronger

[@JulieWarren]

I mentioned using baby wipes before and had a lot of comments from people telling me how bad they are for the environment, so I try not to use them anymore.

[@swearenginlawanda]

@@JulieWarren that's silly. But to each his/her own I guess.

[@ssoozee]

You. Are. Amazing. 💖

[@JulieWarren]

Thank you so much! :)

[@firetruck1955]

It is heat binding, or Stitch Witchery. I do sew, Julie, but will use your way to add bunker (I call it binding).

[@JulieWarren]

Thanks Jan, that's helpful. Let me know how you find doing the binding this way. :)

[@suziofftheplanet977]

I think, in UK, binding is a long flat, thin strip of cloth with folded in edges

[@bjosephine4308]

I love your arts and crafts because you make it realistic and detailed. Would you make real miniature ladies' shoes with heels and straps and buckles?

[@JulieWarren]

Thank you so much. I've never made miniature shoes, so would have to have a practice first. Perhaps when I get around the bedrooms...

[@deborahbarbaccia6813]

Hi Julie, your furniture is beautiful. But how do I figure out the measurement's for the pieces of wood to make the couch? What are the finished dimensions of the couch? So i can design my own furniture. That's what I don't know how to do. Thank you for sharing your talent . Debbie

[@JulieWarren]

Thanks Deborah. The cutting list for the couch is in the description box below the video. To design you own furniture, you will need to measure a piece of 'real size' furniture and divide the measurements by 12. :)

[@deborahbarbaccia1109]

@@JulieWarren Hi, ok thank you for the information, I'll give it a try.

[@Foxiepawstotti]

It's really nice! You should see me with the glue making 12th scale saddlery!

[@JulieWarren]

Thank you. I do tend to get in a bit of a gluey mess! :)

[@adarocha9484]

Olá! Sua arte é belíssima! Admiro muito tudo o que vc faz. Descobri seus vídeos, ontem. Estou maravilhada!! Qual tecido você usou?

[@JulieWarren]

Thank you so much. The fabric is cotton.

[@theburtonhousehold2167]

Hello Julie, are you using basswood or a different wood for your mini makes? Particularly the four door bookcase you recently did as well as the sofa, and the bunk beds? X

[@JulieWarren]

Hi, I use Obeche most of the time, but have worked with Basswood and it's another type of wood that I favour.

[@tamarab.7151]

adorable

[@JulieWarren]

Thank you.

[@junemalkin4406]

Hi. This is lovely.. Could it be made using 2mm foamboard instead of 1.5mm balsa please. Anyone ready to venture an opinion? 🌷

[@JulieWarren]

You could use 2mm foamboard, but might just have to take the extra 0.5mm into account for the sizing. :)

[@alpbach2000]

This is a fantastic video and just what I need to make a sofa for my dolls house, but therre is no mention of the dimensions of the wood pieces - if you read this Julie, could you post them please?

[@JulieWarren]

The cutting list is in the description box below. :)

[@patsmith5947]

I wish you would tell what kind of glue you are using and what kind of wood is it? Nobody ever tells those details. I find most glues as disappointing failures. So wear do you get thin birch wood and balsa wood dowels. I only find balsa wood thin pieces and white pine dowels. So just the opposite of what you recommend.

[@JulieWarren]

Hi Pat, I use Gorilla wood glue and Obeche wood. A large selection of wood sheets, strip and dowel are available in my Etsy shop: www.etsy.com/uk/shop/bitsandpiecesbyjulie

[@grethelblah6998]

May i please know which glue you are using... Thank you

[@christinekuckes9725]

Might be a dumb question, but do you give the measurements of the wood? Love...Love the video!

[@JulieWarren]

Hi Christine, yes, the cutting lists for the projects are in the description box (click the little downward arrow beneath the video) and in earlier vids, they're at the start of the video. :)

[@Rietta40]

Is there another video with dimensions for all the cuts/pieces?

[@Rietta40]

Never mind.. I see them now.. :)

[@JulieWarren]

Glad you found them.

[@annelorentsen7463]

A suggestion to try: when you upholster a shape, cut the fabric in the shape of your base then on the curved edges make a few snips and the fabric will fit around the curves. Don't cut too close to the backing. I hope this makes it easier

[@JulieWarren]

Thank you, that's a great tip.

[@vickieseward4707]

What kind of wood is this? How did you cut it? Do you sell kits?

[@pascalechemla2972]

Hi Julie, what is the thickness of the foam for the seat please? thank you

[@JulieWarren]

I think I used 12mm (1/2 inch) thick foam. :)

[@quinellleftwich1781]

I keep baby wipes at hand at all times when dealing with glue. It takes it right off and then I dont get glue on anything else. Give it a try!

[@JulieWarren]

I've mentioned using baby wipes before and got lots of comments from people telling me of the damage I'm doing to the environment, so I try not to use them anymore.

[@quinellleftwich1781]

@@JulieWarren oh my! I had no idea. What kind of damage????

[@brittanydumoulinful]

I do this too ❤ it works really well! But I have 2 little ones so they are on hand

[@JulieWarren]

I was told they contain plastic so are non-recyclable and can also end up in the sea. (?) It was one of my most commented on posts on Facebook!

[@quinellleftwich1781]

@@JulieWarren my goodness. But ppl use them for babies all the time

[@millian83]

Hi Julie. I love the look of this little sofa 😍 If I would like to make it in a 1/16th scale instead of 1/12th, would it be ok to take all the measurements and multiply by 12, then divide that by 16? Do you see any issues in reducing the size of the item? Apart from the fact it will all get a bit more fiddly 😅 Many thanks in advance, Anna.

[@JulieWarren]

Hi Anna, yes, that calculation would work. My designs tend to translate quite well into the different scales. You're probably already aware of this, but I would just say to use a nice fine fabric, which will make it easier when working at a smaller scale. :)

[@millian83]

@@JulieWarren Thank you so much for your response. Would 1,5mm thick wood still be the way to go? I would absolutely love to make a little faux leather sofa but even the fake leather might be a bit thick, will see what I can find but the thought did come to me that a thinner type of fabric will be easier to work with and look much neater. Thanks again for your lovely designs and the inspiration to create :)

[@mikeandlisafleming3963]

Hey Julie. Just curious, once the sofa is made, what is the overall measurement footprint? I’m trying to lay out my living room and I want to make sure it fits. Thanks so much!

[@JulieWarren]

Hi Lisa, it measures 167mm wide x 80mm deep and 90mm high. Good luck with your living room plans. :)

[@mikeandlisafleming3963]

Julie Warren thank you so much!

[@jacquelineharper1376]

Could you please do an antique sofa.

[@JulieWarren]

I'm dedicating KZbin to my own dolls house at the moment, but I have done an antique sofa tutorial over on my Patreon channel: www.patreon.com/littlebitsandpiecesbyjulie

[@juliesuits181]

Just discovered you!! Love it!

[@JulieWarren]

Thanks Julie. I hope you'll enjoy all the videos! :)

[@1hellokittymeow]

Julie has been on YT for some years now, her vid are a bit longer, but she makes some of the best miniatures!! check out her doll bed

[@quinellleftwich1781]

its called stitch witchery here in VA. My mother used to used this to hem pants all the time in the 80s

[@JulieWarren]

I think it was pretty big here in the 80s, too! It never lasted long though, if I remember correctly! :)

[@quinellleftwich1781]

@@JulieWarren I believe I have some now 🙂

[@monicabutterworth3471]

Love your work Julie but I cant see any measurements for the sofa. I am a raw beginner so please help.

[@JulieWarren]

Thanks Monica. You'll find the cutting list for the sofa in the description box of part one. :)

[@SandysDIYHealthAdvocacy]

what is the width of the cord? I see they come in 0.8mm and 1.5mm. Thank you

[@JulieWarren]

The one I used is 1mm, but both of the sizes you've given will work just as well. This particular one is called 'Bunka' and I bought it from Little Trimmings.

[@eleanorgaston5104]

I'm a beginner. What glue do I use??

[@JulieWarren]

I like Gorilla wood glue, as it sets quickly and dries clear.

[@itzmzmini]

Would you be willing to offer a few furniture kits for sale on your test shop???

[@JulieWarren]

I do all my cutting by hand, so wouldn't be able to product kits, I'm afraid.

[@hrathersneddon9654]

Can you make a three seater sofa

[@JulieWarren]

I don't have any plans to make another sofa just yet, but this one can easily be adapted, by lengthening the back, and seat panels. :)

[@adarocha9484]

What fabric are you using?

[@JulieWarren]

It's a cotton fabric, with a very small check design.

[@JohnYost-pb1le]

Where can I find the measurements I’ve looked and looked please please post them

[@JulieWarren]

As I mention at the start of the video, they are in the description box below.

[@valentinivanov8703]

Какая прелесть!!!

[@JulieWarren]

огромное спасибо

[@valentinivanov8703]

@@JulieWarren не за что!!!!!

[@annettequinton2972]

Can you give the measurements of the wood pieces please?

[@JulieWarren]

You'll find the cutting list in the description box, just click on the downward arrow.

[@marciacavalcanterodrigues4679]

Olá lindo seu trabalho como posso adquirir as medidas das miniaturas

[@JulieWarren]

você encontrará as medidas na caixa de descrição abaixo.

[@purplecatperson5119]

It is called Stitch Witchery.

[@JulieWarren]

Thank you. It's also called Wonderweb or Wondaweb.

[@marthaandrade4069]

Please the centimrter to mske the sofa

[@JulieWarren]

The millimeters are shown in the cutting list, you just need to times by 10 for the centremetres. :)

[@elianelima6113]

Lindo👏👏👏👏👍👍👍💕💕💕

[@JulieWarren]

obrigado

[@connieshows1214]

Cut a V on the template at that spot that is hard to fold in

[@JulieWarren]

I talk about why I don’t like V’s during the video! 😄

[@marthaandrade4069]

Las medidas

[@deegorgeous]

I have glue over everything when I'm working with it! I swear dont get the concept of less is more with glue. Lol

[@JulieWarren]

I'm glad I'm not the only one!

[@connieshows1214]

Keep a package of handiwipes nearby to clean the glue off your hands

[@JulieWarren]

Yes, I always have a packet of wipes handy.