Save The Dolls
PATTERNS

Sources: Check garage sales and thrift shops. Wait for 99 cent sales at fabric stores to buy doll patterns of different sizes and shapes. Some are multisized (e.g. 15-16-18"). The height given in a pattern, however, is only one measurement. Dolls the same height can come in all different shapes. I also have been told that preemie patterns will work for many dolls. Even if they are not the exact size you need, you will become good at altering them. 
If the doll comes with any clothes (no matter how tattered), carefully wash them and then use them to make patterns. I often cut the old garment in half. I leave one of the halves intact to try on another doll that I bring home. I take the second half apart and use it to make a pattern (see photo 1). 

See Patterns under SOURCES for some web sites that have free patterns online, or sell out-of-print patterns for doll clothes.  

Photo 1
A lady wrote in recently with a great idea! She makes doll patterns by using a regular size pattern  (for women or misses) and enlarging the part of the guide sheet that has diagrams of the pattern pieces. She uses a zoom button on the photocopy machine and keeps enlarging and fitting the paper pattern on the doll until it is the desired size. Now that is innovation!

Another lady suggested making a bodice muslin out of paper towels (cloth-like ones are best). Pin and tape one straight edge down the center front of the doll, leaving enough sticking up that it will reach past the shoulder. Draw in where the neckline should be. Cut along that line. Then mark along 

the shoulder seam and cut. Draw in the armhole and trim along that line. Draw in the side seam and cut. Trim off at the waist. Repeat for the back. Add seam allowances.  (Ease is not necessary as it is with real people.)

Books: There are many books that include patterns for doll clothes. Check your local book stores. Visit your library, especially before buying a book on the internet that you have not seen.  If they do not have any, ask to borrow some on "interlibrary loan" from another library.

Listed below are some books (that include patterns) that I have purchased, and some that have been recommended.

  Dolls Clothes, Create over 75 styles for your doll, by Mette Jorgensen. (Publisher:  David Porteous, 1997 ISBN 1 870586 32 8.) (This book includes patterns & instructions for dolls 15" to 23" tall, from simple to more difficult. It includes lots of ideas for making several items from the same pattern. There are some really nice patterns, although tracing them is difficult - similar to tracing Burda patterns - with many patterns drawn on top of each other.)

Dolls' Clothes Pattern Book, by Roselyn Gadia-Smitley. (Sterling Publishing Co., 1987 ISBN 0-8069-6436-7.) (Sizes range from 8-1/2" to 20" dolls and patterns are very easy to trace. Although the patterns & styles are rather simple, this book was a good starting point for me. It includes some ideas on altering patterns for various sizes.)

The Dolls' Dressmaker, The Complete Pattern Book, by Venus A. Dodge (1987) (A beautiful book of 191 pages, with lots of colored photos. Clothes fit 11 to 25" dolls of all types (antique to modern), and includes patterns for undies, dresses, babies, coats, bonnets, shoes, accessories and more. Even has a section for knitting and crocheting. I would not, however, recommend this for beginning sewers.)

Two-Hour Dolls' Clothes, by Anita Louise Crane. (Sterling Publishing Co., 1999 ISBN 0-8069-3889-7.) (Includes patterns for 12, 14, 16 & 18 inch dolls, with a chapter on basics of measuring and fitting. Has a few ideas for using napkins, antique fabric, or petticoats. Tends toward old fashioned styles.)

Fashion Doll Fun--A Collection of Patterns and Instructions for Creating a Fast and Fun Wardrobe for 11 ½" Fashion Dolls, by Lynda Milligan and Nancy Smith. (Possibilities Press, 1999 ISBN 1-880972-37-9.) (Lots of patterns, many only one piece, no set-in sleeves, good for beginner sewers. Fun and easy ideas, although I found a few patterns did not fit well.)

Making Dolls & Doll's Clothes, by Lia van Steenderen. 1988 (Someone on the Internet recommended this book, which she had borrowed from the library. It includes 75 complete patterns for dolls and outfits. I have not had a chance to look at it as yet.)

Easy Sewing for Infants: 0-24 Months, by Leila Albala. (Chambly: Alpel Publishing, 1988, ISBN 0 921993 00 5). (I have not seen this book but it was recommended as interesting if you sew for kids or dolls. It contains 70 patterns for preemies to 2 years, done on grids, to be copied at 1 square = 1". Instructions are very brief.)


See Books, under SOURCES, for a list of some web sites that are good sources for discounted and out-of-print books.


Photo 2

 Muslin Samples:  The best advice I can give you to save time (and frustration) is to make up muslin "samples" of whatever patterns you have and keep them to try on new dolls you bring home. If they are from patterns or books, I write on the muslin in permanent ink the pattern or book and page number (see photo 2). I keep all sizes of the samples together by type (dresses, bonnets, panties, etc.) 

Fitting: Is the pattern or "muslin sample" (see above) too small or too large? Does it need to be lengthened or shortened? Where do the shoulder lines or side seams come? Do they need to be extended and fabric added? Is there enough fabric in the back to fold over twice in order to sew on Velcro? (See Closures under SEWING TIPS.)  It is also important to make sure the armhole and bodice are large enough to get on and off the doll. This is especially true if the arms stretch out sideways and have little movement. 

For some easy ways to enlarge the bodice and sleeve, see fig. A, B, and C. You might also consider a sleeveless bodice, or a small ruffle for a sleeve (see Sleeves under SEWING TIPS). If the doll's fingers are spread out, you may have to widen the lower part of the sleeve (see fig. D). Another alternative is to shorten the sleeve.

Fig. A

Fig. B

Fig. C

Fig.D


GARMENTS I USUALLY MAKE:

Although I like to make a small wardrobe for each doll, if you only have time to make one nice outfit and perhaps a quilt for one recycled doll, that would be still a lovely gift.

Dolls:  I always make a dress with a matching bonnet or head band. Then panties (or pantaloons), a long nightgown, quilt, and purse. A "play outfit" is added such as slacks and top, or overalls.

Baby Dolls:  They receive a nightgown or pjs, dress, bunting and hood or bonnet (that coordinates with the dress), panties and/or a diaper, a quilt, a bib, and maybe a play outfit.

Barbies: "Older" type dolls, such as Barbies, always receive a long evening gown and a stole as well as panties. I vary the other garments as time permits and as I find new patterns. Usually I make a nightgown, short dress, a skirt (or pants), vest, blouse, and a purse and quilt. At times I will add a rain or evening cape, shorts, etc. (See BARBIES for more information on sewing clothes for 11-1/2" dolls.)

Listed below are a few of the patterns I really like and have used many times over the years. They are out of print as far as I know, although you may be able to locate them on one of the out-of-print pattern sites (see Patterns under SOURCES). 

Simplicity 9144 (Sizes Sm. 13-14, Med. 15-16 & Lg. 17-18. Includes dress with raglan sleeves, romper, panties, 2-piece bonnet, short kimono, and booties)

Simplicity 9753 (Sm., Med. & Lg. Includes dress with raglan sleeves, romper, panties & diaper, 1-piece bonnet, and sleeveless top)

Simplicity 5275 (12, 14 & 16". Includes dress with set-in sleeves, romper, panties, bunting, 1-piece bonnet, cape, and full size bib)

McCall 7775 (15-1/2" and 17". Includes dress with set-in sleeve, panties, bunting, 1-piece bonnet, pinafore, pants with bib, and sleeveless top)

 

PATTERN MAKING CLASSES: The following site has classes for making slopers for your dolls. http://craftycollege.com/academics/patterndesign.html