Home >> Toys >> Action Figures

How to Find Vintage Fashion Doll Knit and Crochet Patterns

Although some crafters post free knit and crochet patterns online, often the best designs, especially of vintage fashions, come from books or old patterns offered on resale sites. However, finding the right pattern that matches your abilities is trickier than it seems. Here are a few strategies that will make the process easier and help you avoid wasting money on patterns you can't use.

Instructions

- 1
  Consider your skills and the materials you're using. While the newer pattern books are mostly segregated by type of skill ̵2; crocheting, knitting, sewing ̵2; some of the older books are mixed. When searching for a pattern book, if the listing does not provide enough detail of this nature, do not hesitate to send an email to the seller to confirm the patterns match your preferences.
- 2
  Widen your search terms. Many people start with the logical choice of searching for "Barbie patterns." However, Barbie is not an open name any publisher can use when creating patterns. Therefore, many books and websites publishing patterns to fit Barbie use "fashion doll" and other words while utilizing pictures of Barbie wearing the clothes to sell the patterns.
- 3
  Move beyond eBay. Many resellers exist for vintage fashion doll patterns and the prices and availability are competitive. You don't need to be in a bidding war for any item.
- 4
  Research the books you are interested in purchasing. Be aware that some people are selling parts of books or photocopies of patterns, not the original book. This is why some of the patterns seem so cheap. Make sure you clarify this with the seller prior to a purchase.
- 5
  Go to the library. Many libraries have older pattern books that are out of print. You can make photocopies of the patterns you like.

Action Figures