Tips For Making Clothes Using Porcelain Doll Patterns

By Betty Nelson


Many dolls are part of a woman's collection. They are collected to be put on display, so need beautiful clothing to look their best. Porcelain doll patterns can be used to develop a theme, or to depict any period in history. These periods range from the very earliest history to the present. Each period has very elegant dresses that can be copied. Stockings or pantaloons can be added for shorter dresses, though most of them are floor length.

The dolls may be new, made to dress as the person wants. They may be used dolls that the person wants to restore, either in clothing to mimic the original clothing, or for a particular period or theme to fit their current collection. These clothes may also be for additional outfits to change out the doll's look. They can even be for children who play with them and want to dress them and pretend play with them. Porcelain dolls are suitable for older girls who know how to handle them with care.

Doing a search on the internet will reveal many free patterns as well as many inexpensive ones. There are also ones that cost a bit more, especially if they are made to match a certain look or theme. There are even video directions showing how to use the patterns and how to construct them using special tips for sewing on such a small scale. Though there are all sizes of these dolls, most are somewhat small with tiny details that may be difficult to sew. Special tips make them easier to sew.

One tip for sewing for these dolls is to measure well. You can measure using a soft, flexible tape measure. You can also take a piece of yarn, wrap it where needed, then measure it with any tape measure. This gives you a more accurate measure. You can also just fit the pattern to the doll and adjust it as needed. This method is not as accurate, however.

Seam allowances for these patterns are 1/4" just as is the seam allowance for quilting. Thus, it is a good idea to use a quilting pressure foot to sew them. This pressure foot has a side that is this exact width, allowing you to sew accurately down the side of it. It is vital to use an accurate measurement for the seams for these small garments for them to fit accurately.

You should be careful in choosing notions and printed fabrics, that they are scaled to fit this smaller size. Fabric prints should be small enough to fit the pattern pieces attractively for the design. Place the pattern piece on the fabric and see if the print fits attractively. You will need to use small and medium prints for best looks. If you use coordinating colors, you can mix designs for added design.

Creativity must be used in choosing fasteners. Buttonholes and zippers may not be appropriate in these small garments. Hook and loop tapes can be used in place of them to make closures easier. You can check in sewing notions departments for very small snaps and buttons. Craft departments are also great. So, too, is the jewelry department, which may provide small buckles.

The costumes that can be made for these dolls is unlimited. They can be period costumes, such as Victorian or any any number of period costumes. They can also be whimsical, such as witches costumes, birthday outfits, complete with cake and candles as a hat, or anything you wish. Just use your imagination.




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