I’m sure we’ve all had the experience of getting a pattern that’s supposed to fit a certain doll, and after carefully selecting the perfect material, cutting it out and sewing it up, it doesn’t fit at all. This is frustrating, and if you’re like me, by this time you’re ready to toss the whole project out and try to find some ready-made to buy that comes even a little close to the image we had in our mind when we started making the doll in the first place. Or we stash the doll in the cupboard where it remains undressed forever.
Why does this happen? You’d think that a pattern especially made for a doll the same size of the one you’re making would fit, but dolls, like kids, come in all shapes and sizes. All three year olds aren’t the same size. Some are taller or shorter, thinner or fatter than the one you want to sew for, so you’ve figured out that you have to make adjustments in a pattern to fit your child.
Dolls are no different. One 24” doll may not be the same size as another 24” doll. A 24” toddler doll is chubbier than a 24” child doll, and both are a different size than a 24” teen doll. Even two dolls whose body is made from the same pattern can vary in size depending on how carefully the seam allowances are adhered to or how tightly it is stuffed, so the dress especially made for your doll and her body may end up needing adjustments.
Telling the students in my doll class to be sure to measure before cutting seems to make them anxious about the probable outcome, especially if the student is a novice seamstress. It really doesn’t do any good unless they know where to measure and what to do with that information once they get it, so I thought I would try to share some tips that might help, and if you more experienced seamstresses want to share some of your own ideas, please feel free to jump right in!
Let’s assume that we’re starting with the finished but naked doll. You’ve chosen a pattern, and it looks easy. You’re pretty sure it’s going to fit without a problem, but still your teacher tells you to measure. You sit there with your tape measure in hand and stare at your doll and she stares right back at you and neither one of you knows where to begin.
I had gotten this far in writing this article when I had to stop for some reason that I no longer remember and added my efforts to my “Articles in Progress” file. I pulled it up and looked at it a couple of times, but each time I found myself too rushed to finish it, so back in the file it went. Then one day while I was trying to confirm that the website links in the Suppliers Directory on my website were still functioning, I clicked on the link to sewnedra.com. Nedra Newson produces some of the nicest doll clothes patterns (I especially love her tights pattern which includes tights for many different sized dolls.) and I was happy to find that her site is still active. I spent a few minutes browsing around her site to see what’s new, and ran across her Pattern Fitting Directions.
Now, I’m not one to try to reinvent the wheel when it isn’t necessary, so I decided, with Nedra’s permission, to share a copy of her directions with you at this point since it very concisely covers the information I intended to address. Please note that she recommends cutting the pattern pieces that need to be fitted out of paper towel, then sewing them together so you see what changes need to be made if any. This is a simple method that helps visualize the problem areas , and will keep you from messing up your expensive material. Mark any changes that need to be made on the paper towel pieces until the fit is right, then transfer them to the original pattern, cut, and sew, and there you have it.
Read Nedra’s instructions carefully until you understand them, then try it for yourself! I’m sure you’ll be pleased with the results!
Click here to download Nedra’s instructions.
Thank you, Nedra, for sharing your expertise with all of us! Doll makers, be sure you visit Nedra’s website at http://www.sewnedra.com to see the patterns and other items that she has to offer. I’m sure you’ll want to add it to your list of favorites.
