Sewing Tips for Doll Clothes

Fabric Weaves

• Since dolls are so much smaller than people, many of fabrics used to make human clothes will look bulky and stiff on a doll if you're not careful. In general, it's best to choose the thinnest, lightest and most supple fabrics you can for doll clothing. Silks and satin are good, or any fabrics that billow easily and have a thin weave. Some thicker fabrics will work but will look different on a doll. For example, a thin, stretchy woven knit that would make a light-weight garment on a person will make a thick sweater on a doll.

Reducing Bulk

• Beyond the choice of fabric, it's important to reduce bulk in doll clothes by using as few folds as possible. If you have a serger, use it for hems rather than making folded hems, or use a liquid hemming solution. When making seams, fold in the fabric only once, rather than using a double fold. Since dolls don't move on their own, the extra protection against stress is unnecessary.

Stitching

• Always use the tiniest stitching you can with your doll clothes. Stitches that you would use on regular clothing will gap and look untidy. If sewing with a machine, use a small running stitch; for other types of stitches, hand stitch, since specialty machine stitching will otherwise be too wide.

Miniature Accessories

• Locating miniature clothing accessories and sewing notions is often a challenge, so it helps to use unexpected items. When it comes to notions, some of the smallest sizes of regular notions can work, but for the tiniest details, get doll-sized sewing notions from a doll supplier.

Closures

• Since dolls are generally much less flexible than humans, doll clothes should be easier to remove and put on. To achieve this, make clothes from stretchy fabrics when you can, even if they're only slightly stretchy, allow more give in elastic bands, and make open snap, button or Velcro closures longer than you would in a regular garment. This will make it easy to put clothes on even rigid dolls.