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Welcome to my Tips and Tricks for Sewing Doll Clothes 101 class. I'm hopeful that once you read through the following, you will have learned something new in regards to sewing for dolls of any size. This is especially true if you sew for the smaller dolls, such as Riley, Bitty Bethany or Bratz. I will include some of the finished outfits I have completed along the way. Click on the links to find more information on the items pictured.
1. Use natural fiber fabrics, such as cotton, batiste, lawn, silk, etc., as it drapes nicer for the smaller garments. Be sure to use smaller prints appropriate for the doll size.
2. Select fabrics carefully and prewash if using 100% cotton as it will shrink after washing.
3. When a pattern states "cut two on fold," cut each piece on the fold separately, because if you cut them both together, one will be smaller, as every bit counts on these small garments.
4. I place a piece of masking tape on the bed of the sewing machine as a guide for the seam width so all seams are even.
5. Use a smaller stitch for doll clothes, as it looks more professional.
6. A seam ripper is your best friend!
7. Zig-zag or serge seams if possible to prevent the small seams from raveling. I use only three threads on the serger and one needle (right one). Use fray check if necessary, or if you do not have a serger.
8. Iron as you go. The final result will look much nicer than if you waited until finished. A sleeve board works great for small items.
9. Finger press seams open before ironing.
10. Spray starch on light fabrics for a nice finish, or when you want more body.
11. Use double stick fusible web for attaching straps and hems in place before stitching. Also for keeping lace and trims in place before sewing. This comes in a 1/4" x 40 yard roll that is easy to cut as you need it and will last forever. It makes placement of these small items so much easier!
12. Fray check on small seams.
13. Use embroidery machine stabilizer paper on the wrong side of fabric for small items and stretch fabrics, or when sewing small laces, as it pulls away after sewing.
14. Use elastic on the short sleeves, and not binding, as you will be unable to fit some dolls' hands through a binding edge.
15. For gathering, use two rows of gathering stitch, one just above the stitching line, and one below. Pull the fabric below the bottom gather line so gathers are even. Run the sharp edge of a pin across the gathers to even them out before stitching. After stitching, pull the bobbin thread out, then the top thread. The smaller the gathering stitch, the smaller the gathers. But be sure they are not too small or they will be difficult to pull without breaking the thread.
16. Line bodices rather than trying to turn neck and arm facings. This also gives the inside of the garment a nicer look.
17. Use snaps or hook and loop fasteners rather than buttonholes and buttons for the smaller clothing. Use square snaps on vintage clothing for a more authentic look.
18. For straps on dresses, camisoles, slips, etc. 1/4" ribbon in the appropriate color works great. Use double face fusible web for attaching before stitching.
19. Always press and clip seams when indicated, as it makes an enormous difference on the final appearance of the garment.
20. Be sure to change sewing machine needles often as they get dull and pull on the fabric, and can skip stitches.
21. Use a lint brush to remove stray fibers from finished garments, especially useful on corduroy.
22. For pulling elastic through casing, I use a small safety pin attached to one end of the elastic and then push it through the casing. Also, A Bodkin works great, available at your fabric store. In addition, I run another stitching line close to the folded upper edge before pulling through the elastic. This aids in the elastic lying flat, and gives a professional finish.
23. I find that top-stitching close to the edge of folded edges on many seams gives a much more professional look to these smaller garments. This is especially good for turned bodices and gathered edges.
24. Always fit garments to doll as you go, then fit again, and then again! Everyone has a different sewing technique and the smallest sewing alternation can make a big difference!
25. Sew your pesonalized label inside the garment for a professional touch.
26. When you are finished sewing, use your lint brush for picking up loose thread on your carpet, so it doesn't get caught in the brushes of your vacuum cleaner (speaking from experience!)
27. Most importantly.....HAVE FUN!
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