Instructions for Making Doll Patterns

Determine the dimensions you would like your doll to have. Write down the overall height, length and width of the limbs, size of the torso, and size of the head. Make sure that your combined height dimensions of each piece add up to your overall height measurement.

Draw the general shape of the head on a sheet of paper, using your size measurements from Step 1. Alter the head shape as necessary, adding a narrower bottom or wider face.

Add a neck to the bottom of the head. Make sure that the neck is narrower than the head.

Trace around the outside of the combined head and neck, adding 1/4 inch to all sides. This extra space will be used for seam allowances when you sew your doll together.

Cut the head from the paper and label it "Head Pattern Piece."

Draw the general shape of the torso on a sheet of paper. This piece can be rectangular, round, or teardrop-shaped. Make sure that the top edge of the torso is wider than the neck width by at least 1/2 inch. Make sure that the bottom edge of the torso is wider than your combined leg widths by at least 3/4 inch.

Trace around the outside of the torso, adding 1/4 inch to all sides. Cut the torso from the paper and label it "Body Pattern Piece."

Draw the general shape of a leg on a sheet of paper, using your size measurements from Step 1. The leg should be rectangular, with a rounded bottom edge.

Trace around the outside of the leg, 1/4 inch away from your original lines. Cut the leg from the paper and label it "Leg Pattern Piece."

Draw the general shape of an arm on a sheet of paper, using your size measurements from Step 1. The arm should match the shape of the leg you made in Step 8.

Trace around the outside of the arm, 1/4 inch away from your original lines. Cut the arm from the paper and label it "Arm Pattern Piece."

Take the torso piece from Step 7 and mark the insertion gaps for the neck, legs and arms directly on the pattern.