Wednesday, June 20, 2018

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.

Standard seam allowances for these patterns are normally 1/4". This is the same as that for quilting, making a quilting pressure foot ideal for sewing down the seam allowance. It is imperative to keep the seam allowance accurate as with these small garments it is important for proper fitting. Keeping to this small of a seam is sometimes, and this pressure foot allows you to stitch easily down one side that is 1/4" for quilting.

To fit with this small style, it is important to be careful in choosing the right fabric and notions. Laces and other decorations, such as rick rack, need to be small. Fabrics should also have smaller patterns. Fit the pattern piece against the print to see if it fits. Small and medium prints work better for this. Use different prints in coordinating colors to add design features.

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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