1. Den of Angels is closing in August 2026. New account registrations are closed. Please see this thread in Den of Angels news for important information: /threads/the-future-of-den-of-angels.893314/
    Dismiss Notice

Tutorial Resizing Human Patterns TUTORIAL

Apr 19, 2012

Watch Thread
Page 1 of 4
    1. I've had people questioning me for a while now as to how I've resized human patterns. There is a rather detailed tutorial that Dale Rae did on her web site - http://dalerae.com/enlargepattern06.htm. It is well done, but requires waaaay too much math. *_* I did try to use this tutorial, but decided there had to be an easier way. Through experimentation, I came up with this method. The beginning of the tutorial follows Dale Rae's instructions.

      For this tutorial, I'll be using this pattern.
      [​IMG]

      Take out the pattern instruction sheet, the first section if there are more than one in the packet.
      [​IMG]

      We'll be dealing with the section where they have the pictures of the pattern pieces.
      [​IMG]

      You'll need to scan the pattern pieces into the computer.
      [​IMG]

      [​IMG]

      Dale Rae's instructions call for scanning the patterns in at 125% to make it easier to work with. I've done the same, even though we won't be working with the patten the same way she does.

      Once you've scanned the picture in, you'll want to open it in a picture editing program. I use a program called Xnview. It's a free program you can find and download online. Personally I swear by it, but you can use any program that allows you to resize, cut and edit pictures.
      [​IMG]

      If you haven't already increased the size of the patterns 125%, do that in the picture program.

      [​IMG]

      [​IMG]

      Change from pixels to percent.

      [​IMG]

      [​IMG]

      Save the new size. Then using the crop function, cut each pattern into their own separate picture file and save it in its own folder.

      EDIT: There are a few pattern booklets where the instruction sheet has the pattern pieces at a much larger size than usual. If it appears that the patterns are on the large side, you can skip the increase of 125% step, as essentially, the pattern makers have done that for you.
       
      #1 EilonwyG, Apr 19, 2012
      Tools
      + Quote Reply
      • x 14
    2. [​IMG]
      Here, I've named each pattern piece according to the number on the pattern page and the description of the piece. You can see in the address bar that I've called the folder for this pattern "Steampunk City".

      Now it's time to resize all the pieces to the appropriate doll size. I did not do this initially as it would be a huge picture, especially when creating SD patterns. While this takes a little longer to do, individually resizing each piece, I think it's less of a hassle.

      So go back into your picture program and bring up your resize tool again. This is the part that deviates completely from Dale Rae's tutorial. After trial and error, I came up with these numbers for resizing. Everything is based off a mini doll size. So from your initial pattern piece, resize the pattern to 500%.
      [​IMG]

      This will give you a basic size for a mini doll. You will need to tailor the patterns to the appropriate body, as it is not exact for Minifee, Kid Delf, Bobobie mini, Dream of Child, JID, or whatever mini doll. It just gives you the basic size to start from.

      Once the mini size has been made, from there you create all other sizes you need. SD is 125% larger than mini (percentage found on another resizing thread on DoA about resizing existing doll patterns for other sizes).
      [​IMG]

      Again from the mini size, resize the pattern 58% to get a Yo-sized pattern for Volks Yo, LTF, Bambicrony, Teenie Gems or other similar sized dolls.
      [​IMG]

      From the mini size, if you want to resize for Cherishdoll Faith dolls (as I have two of them), resize to 52%. (They're a little smaller and thinner than yo dolls.)
      [​IMG]

      From mini size, resize down to 35% for all Pukifee sized tinies.
      [​IMG]

      I have no yet come up with resizing for Puki size or other in between sizes. For some, like Minoru world minis and Customhouse Petite Juniors, I would suggest starting with a yo pattern and adding in the length of arms and legs needed, as generally they can fit Yo clothes but are a bit tall for them. Same with 5star yos.

      As for those dolls over 60cm, use SD patterns and add length to arms and legs were needed, as most are not that far off in chest size for a complete resizing of patterns to be necessary.

      One thing I cannot stress enough is tailoring. As I said, this method will give you the approximate values for the pattern. Once you print the patterns out, I suggest cutting out a mock pattern piece in paper towels (the Viva paper towels are fantastic for this as they're much softer and closer to material) so you can then drape the patterns over the doll, figuring out where material may need to be subtracted or added to get the right fit. This way you won't waste valuable material on an outfit that may not end up fitting correctly. (This is something I did not do on my first outfit when I started sewing for the dolls.)

      I would like to also stress that the instruction sheet patterns do not have any of the sewing markers that are generally on the actual pattern piece. You will either need to gauge the general area where these marks are located, or you'll need to consult the original pattern piece.

      I have a variety of dolls and sizes in my collection and feel fairly confident that this tutorial covers most of the doll bodies out there. However, I do not own a doll from every company and there may be a few sizes I have overlooked. As I add to my collection, if I end up with a new type of doll body, rest assured I will come up with new numbers for resizing for that doll.

      If you see any size not on this list that you would like to resize for, let me know and I can at least see if I have a friend who owns that type or similar for me to borrow and create a size for.

      Let me know if this tutorial helped you and show off any creations you've made based on a human pattern! If there are any questions, I will be happy to answer any of them for you.

      Thanks! And happy sewing!
       
      #2 EilonwyG, Apr 19, 2012
      Tools
      + Quote Reply
      • x 17
    3. Thank you so much for this~! :D This will be VERY helpful in the future!
       
      #3 beezmcgee, Apr 19, 2012
      Tools
      + Quote Reply
    4. Yay! This is awesome!! I can't wait to try this... Thank you SO much!
       
      #4 Moonmystic, Apr 20, 2012
      Tools
      + Quote Reply
    5. It's really nice methods of get doll's pattern! thanks :aheartbea
       
      #5 yoana91, Apr 20, 2012
      Tools
      + Quote Reply
    6. You are a lifesaver! Looking forward to going through my old pattern box! Thank you! :D
       
      #6 CaityJay, Apr 20, 2012
      Tools
      + Quote Reply
    7. This is great thank you for sharing! I did the same thing with Dale Rae's tutorial and kind of fudge it so it would work for me. My only problem with this process is not being able to print the large pieces that do not fit on one page. What I did was use a Printing layout function in my photo editing software. I printed as much as I could of the pattern picture then moved it up to get the rest. After printing I matched the pieces up and tape them together. Is there an easier way to print the larger patterns? Maybe some printer or program settings I'm not finding? I would image that legal sized paper might work for this?

      Thanks :D
       
      #7 WolfChild, Apr 20, 2012
      Tools
      + Quote Reply
    8. Thanks so much for this :lol: I have that same pattern so now I might just have to try this when I get some free time. . . and my printer up and going, it's out of ink right now :...( I have almost 5 boxes of human patterns so now i can't wait to use them for my dolls besides myself. Thank you so much again!!!
       
      #8 adonnelly1103, Apr 20, 2012
      Tools
      + Quote Reply
    9. Wow... the patterns that are open to me by doing this!
       
      #9 writerm, Apr 24, 2012
      Tools
      + Quote Reply
    10. Wow that is amazing.. *where were my patterns again..*
       
      #10 DollyEmily, Apr 24, 2012
      Tools
      + Quote Reply
    11. Oh wow, thanks for simplifying the process! Time to wait for the stores to have their pattern sales! ;) I remember stumbling across that webpage when searching around for doll clothes patterns, but the process looked very involved.

      Also, if you had it readily available, could you direct me to the thread about the resizing existing doll patterns for other sizes, please?
       
      #11 starhanabi, Apr 24, 2012
      Tools
      + Quote Reply
    12. Instead of using paper towels, I like to go get the $10 or less bed sheet sets at Target/Walmart/etc. and cut those up instead. It's fabric so it'll act like fabric, but it's sturdy so you can just buy a pack of brown paper bags and make your own pattern packs with them. And you get a lot of fabric for under $10.
       
      #12 Kielin, Apr 24, 2012
      Tools
      + Quote Reply
      • x 1
    13. Thank you for this!! I love to sew but dislike patternmaking :P
      This is definitely helpful!
       
      #13 IsaCat, Apr 24, 2012
      Tools
      + Quote Reply
    14. Thank you for sharing this!:DI suck at pattern making,I'll use this a lot.
       
      #14 Aestus, Apr 24, 2012
      Tools
      + Quote Reply
    15. Thank you so much! I've got a ton of patterns like these at home, now I'll be able to "doll-ize" them all! :lol:
       
      #15 Narina, Apr 25, 2012
      Tools
      + Quote Reply
    16. Usually I print out the pieces at their full size, taking up as many pieces as it takes, and then taping them together afterward. Perhaps I should make a printing out tutorial to go along with this? I can take this all the way to the finished product is need be.

      Usually, I actually try to combine my patterns as much as possible onto one sheet so I don't have to use multiple pieces of paper, if the pattern piece doesn't take up a whole piece of legal paper. But I can try making a new tutorial for that. I'm going to be making a new outfit anyway, might as well make a tutorial while I'm at it!

      Kielin: That's not a bad idea! Although I'd probably be tempted to keep anything I made out of that, as it's actual material! :lol:

      I'm so glad that this was helpful for so many people! Don't be afraid to post pictures of any of your creations - maybe even with the corresponding pattern that you used? I'd love to see what you all create!
       
      #16 EilonwyG, May 6, 2012
      Tools
      + Quote Reply
    17. A printing tutorial would would be awesome! :D

       
      #17 WolfChild, May 6, 2012
      Tools
      + Quote Reply
    18. Thanks for the tutorial here is my creation, I re-sized a matrix costume pattern.

      http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v312/WolfChildBaby/Martixdollpattern.jpg

      http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v312/WolfChildBaby/DorianMatrix.jpg

      http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v312/WolfChildBaby/DorianMatrixback.jpg


      It took a little tweaking to get this right. Some of the pattern pieces need to be bigger than others. I had to alter the sleeve a lot in order to make it fit. I had to cut the sleeve cap down to almost half the size and blow the whole sleeve up 50% more than the rest of the pattern. My boy has big hands. :D I also added the red piping to give it some flare. Just thought I'd share this with you all so you can see how any pattern can be a doll pattern with a little work. Before I made it in the vinyl I did a mock up in muslin (light weight cotton fabric) and adjusted the pattern based on that.
       
      #18 WolfChild, May 10, 2012
      Tools
      + Quote Reply
      • x 1
    19. Thank you so much for this. I knew there must be a way to resize human patterns, just always thought, ok, I have to reduce the huge patterns, how can I do that. I never thought about simply enlarging the layout pieces from the pattern sheets. Really helpful.
       
      #19 stinesculpture, May 12, 2012
      Tools
      + Quote Reply
    20. This tutorial is great. Thanks a lot for organizing everything in steps. I will try very soon. This opens a lot of possibilities.
       
      #20 Gus251, May 12, 2012
      Tools
      + Quote Reply
    21. Thank you for the very well done tutorial. I will be downloading the Xnview program! That will be much easier than endlessly up-sizing on the printer.

      Another cheap fabric option is to buy old sheets at garage sales or thrift stores. I personally am horrible at getting patterns to fit and will often make multiple drafts before I will even touch the actual fabric.
       
      #21 crazybib, May 12, 2012
      Tools
      + Quote Reply
    22. This is great. I can't wait to try this out. I bookmarked it so I can refer back to it later. Thank you so much!
       
      #22 Catie, May 12, 2012
      Tools
      + Quote Reply
    23. Thank you such a usefull tutorial. I've got some human pattern I think I going to try it as soon as my doll arrive.
       
      #23 cake, Jun 13, 2012
      Tools
      + Quote Reply
    24. Thanks for the lesson, I tried to do, but unfortunately failed, and thanks to you I realized the error, thank you very much, we must act now))) This is a very good idea and its embodiment. thank you
       
      #24 Flamenko, Jun 14, 2012
      Tools
      + Quote Reply
    25. I had no idea that the pattern pieces on the instruction sheet were to scale with each other. This is an absolutely genius idea; thank you for laying it out so clearly step-by-step. I'm off to download Xnview!
       
      #25 Jonquil, Jul 21, 2012
      Tools
      + Quote Reply
    26. I did not realize that they were accurately scaled either. I presume they do not have any seam allowance?
      How much seam allowance do you make? Does the seam allowance change for different sized dolls?
      Once you have printed out a pattern piece, do you just make an outline 6mm or whatever, around the outside edge?

      Also, does it matter what kind of computer printer is used? Does an ink-jet printer work better than a laser printer
      as far as overall distortion is concerned?
       
      #26 kwmelvin, Jul 22, 2012
      Tools
      + Quote Reply
    27. I'll have to try that...thanks :)
       
      #27 acexkeikai, Jul 23, 2012
      Tools
      + Quote Reply
    28. Thank you for this it`s very useful.
       
      #28 Akai_Hana, Jul 25, 2012
      Tools
      + Quote Reply
    29. Awesome coat wolfchild, I guess it goes to show this method works pretty well!

      However, I am still a beginning sewer. Do you have to have a good knowledge of costume design to tailor a dress to fit a specific doll? Can I just mess around with a bunch of mock ups until things fall into place, or should I brush up on some online articles on sewing? Thanks in advance.
       
      #29 Rozinmaid, Jul 27, 2012
      Tools
      + Quote Reply
    30. Wouw this is so cooL! Thanks a lot! A door has been opened :)
       
      #30 Indeh, Jul 27, 2012
      Tools
      + Quote Reply
    31. Thanks! I'm trying this outright now. Something simple a knit t-shirt then going to work on a dress if this works out! <3 I'll post pictures once im done!
       
      #31 Prince_Syu, Jul 27, 2012
      Tools
      + Quote Reply
    32. Very nicely done--thank you for sharing this. :D
       
      #32 HerRoyalDollness, Jul 27, 2012
      Tools
      + Quote Reply
    33. WolfChild: That is an awesome outfit! I've been thinking about picking up that pattern as well (thought it might work for a Dr. Horrible coat, but I'm unsure). It really came out well! And yeah, tweeking is kind of a necessity with this method. The red piping really works well. Adds some nice flair.

      stinesculpture: Haha, yeah resizing the original patterns would be quite a hassle (although then at least you'd have the tailor's markers, but eh). Glad you find it useful!

      Gus251: I think steps really help, that and pictures. Helps to visualize everything.

      crazybib: XNView is a really great program. Not enough people know about it. Sheets are a good idea, too, although I know I'd be likely just to keep anything I made using that, too. lol Not that that is a bad thing... I've used curtains as well. If you can find cheap or old curtains, they can work really well, especially the thinner ones.

      Catie: That's great! Yay, a bookmark! If you make anything, you'll have to post it here. I'd love to see.

      cake: Glad you liked it! I'd love to see what you make for your doll when it arrives.

      Flamenko: I tried to make it simple so that even the most novice of sewers could utilize this method. Glad it worked for you!

      Jonquil: Haha, I wouldn't have known either if it hadn't been for Dale Ray, so a lot of the credit has to go to her for the initial idea. I just tried to simplify it.

      kwmelvin: No, the patterns generally don't include seam allowances. Usually I cut about 1/4 of an inch extra around for seam allowance, although I might do a bit more on an SD or bigger outfit. I don't think printer should matter. I don't have an ink-jet to test it on, but I've used at least three different printers here in the house to print the patterns on and all of them worked equally well (as long as they had ink, of course lol). There is going to be some minor distortion and blurring with the patterns as you are increasing and decreasing in size the pieces, but on the whole it shouldn't make any difference in the usefulness of the pieces.

      acexkeikai: Please do! Good luck!

      Akai_Hana: I'm glad you found it helpful.

      Rozinmaid: As a beginner, I would suggest doing a little of both. You can real all the books you like, but until you try the actual sewing you won't really understand the process. And it's always good to have the foundation of sewing knowledge when you start sewing. What I would do is take out a good sewing book from the library (or buy one, if you feel like owning the book) - one with good illustrated pictures is best as you can see what they mean when they talk about the different sewing aspects. I'd also check out YouTube as they have wonderful resources for sewing videos. Plus, you get the added benefit of getting to see someone try a technique in real time. Then I would try something simple to start and just play with the pattern, testing how to tailor it to your specific doll. It's a lot of trial and error, even for more advanced sewers. Good luck! And if you need any help or have any questions, don't hesitate to ask.

      Indeh: Glad I could help! :)

      Prince_Syu: That's great! I can't wait to see how it turns out!

      HerRoyalDollness: You're welcome. I hope it's helpful for you.



      I'm still working on my printing tutorial. I tried doing it, but had a snafoo with my patterns not cooperating with me. I hope to eventually have one up. When I have the time, I'll see about posting the outfits I've made using this method and maybe, eventually, I can take picture (or make a video) of the whole sewing process. We'll see how ambitious a task that is. lol
       
      #33 EilonwyG, Aug 3, 2012
      Tools
      + Quote Reply
    34. Amazing! Thanks so much!
       
      #34 ikittycat, Aug 5, 2012
      Tools
      + Quote Reply
    35. This is a great tutorial! I'll definitely be giving this a try~ ^___^
       
      #35 Boussole, Aug 6, 2012
      Tools
      + Quote Reply
    36. Thank you so much for this!!!

      I have a very awkwardly sized MSD girl that just can't wear anything that is quote 'off the rack' I either have to take the patterns in or have to modify her clothes to fit, I just never thought that I could do this and save myself the problems in the first place! ><
       
      #36 amethystblack061, Aug 6, 2012
      Tools
      + Quote Reply
    37. I can't wait to try this, thank you very much for the info.
       
      #37 kez13, Aug 21, 2012
      Tools
      + Quote Reply
    38. Wow probably one of the best tutorials I've come across about re-sizing patterns! I'll have to give it a shot, been struggling with trying to make up patterns to fit my girl! Thanks tons!!!
       
      #38 LostyNoNam3, Aug 26, 2012
      Tools
      + Quote Reply
    39. I'm gonna have to try this as I have some patterns lying around, thank you ever so much =D
       
      #39 Queenpegasus, Aug 26, 2012
      Tools
      + Quote Reply
    40. Thanks I will have to try this out eventually.
       
      #40 AuroraDreamer, Aug 28, 2012
      Tools
      + Quote Reply
    41. You are my hero.
       
      #41 Diesel, Aug 29, 2012
      Tools
      + Quote Reply
    42. I'm trying to enlarge for an Idealian but I get confused after I enlarge the piece to 500%. Did I miss something, where do I go from there?
       
      #42 RROSS, Sep 1, 2012
      Tools
      + Quote Reply
    43. Wow. Such a great tutorial, thank you! I've always wondered how to re-size patterns! x
       
      #43 Kitty_Tsu, Sep 3, 2012
      Tools
      + Quote Reply
    44. This is a great idea. Why didn't I think of that? I'll definitely try this when I have time. Thanks for writing this tutorial.
       
      #44 Yarwel, Sep 3, 2012
      Tools
      + Quote Reply
    45. that's a pretty good way to do it. although for complex patterns it would actually be wise to look at the full pattern piece and mark and special notifications such as dart markers and pleats onto the image.
       
      #45 catbanshee, Sep 5, 2012
      Tools
      + Quote Reply
    46. hey, i'm game! thanks.
       
      #46 Tiasdolls, Sep 6, 2012
      Tools
      + Quote Reply
    47. Thank you so much for this tutorial! This will become very useful in the future!!!
       
      #47 Eliza-Marie, Sep 23, 2012
      Tools
      + Quote Reply
    48. I love this technique. I've used it before to do the opposite for sizing up patterns that are in 1/4 scale in books or on doll patterns(@_@).

      Thanks for sharing. :D
       
      #48 Sewing_Artist, Sep 23, 2012
      Tools
      + Quote Reply
    49. RROSS I think it goes boost up by 125% then 500% for MSD (approx) and 125% for SD. For an EID, it may take another step after that? I'm pretty sure I'm going to have to boost my approx for my Super Gems, which are closer to SID size.


      Thought I would add this: If you have access to Adobe Illustrator, here's a tip for ink saving, take your initial crop (maybe of just all the pieces together) and move it over to Ai. From there, do a Live Trace on Stroke. From there, you can then clean up extra "dirt" from the pattern paper and resize your pattern pieces to needed sizes while keeping a relatively sharp outline for cutting plus it gets rid of all the extra greyscale that your printer may decide that you need. You still can cut/move the pieces onto different sheets as needed and save as a total PDF of the pattern for one click printing.

      Screenshot of what I ended up with, you can still see I have "dirt" to clean up, but it'll take a lot less printer ink than my scanner that refuses to scan just black and white will allow.
      [​IMG]
       
      #49 Ice Mutt, Sep 30, 2012
      Tools
      + Quote Reply
    50. I cannot wait to try this. Thanks a bunch.
       
      #50 Shadyfolk, Nov 30, 2012
      Tools
      + Quote Reply
    51. This tutorial is awesome!!! I'm totally going to do this!:D
       
      #51 BrathingSoul, Dec 4, 2012
      Tools
      + Quote Reply
    52. A big awesome thank you! You've definitly helped me to save alot of time! :D
       
      #52 Myceli, Dec 4, 2012
      Tools
      + Quote Reply
    53. :O I feel like such a derp now :doh I never thought about using the instruction sheet. I just used to stand there staring at the human sized pattern wondering how the hell I would get that in my scanner *facepalms*. This tutorial is great!
       
      #53 braceyfaceanimegurl, Dec 5, 2012
      Tools
      + Quote Reply
    54. This was amazing, and I can't wait to try it.
      Thank you so much!! &#9829;
       
      #54 Beansproutmomo, Dec 11, 2012
      Tools
      + Quote Reply
    55. Thank you for sharing this! Its exactly what I've been trying to figure out for Hoshimi's next outfit!
       
      #55 KageNoHoshimi, Dec 18, 2012
      Tools
      + Quote Reply
    56. You're an angel, thank you so much!
       
      #56 leazhi, Dec 18, 2012
      Tools
      + Quote Reply
    57. Would it apply the same way to a msd doll or is it just for sd, and also when sewing follow the instructions the same or do I need to adjust the way it'll be sewn together?
       
      #57 echo-chan713, Dec 18, 2012
      Tools
      + Quote Reply
    58. What a wonderful tutorial on resizing patterns! I have such a hard time with this. For over a month now I have been searching and searching for a smocked dress for my MSD Doll. I am getting so frustrated trying to find one that I just about gave up on my search. Now that I found this tutorial, I think I can use the pattern I have for little girls to make a pattern for my BJD's! Smocking is one of my favorite techniques to do! I find it very relaxing to just sit on the couch in the living room with my family and smock away! I have a lot of smocking plates and have 2 books coming for Christmas that are full of smocking plates! I really hope this technique will work for the patterns I have! Thanks very much for sharing this tutorial with us!!!! Have a Very Merry Christmas and Wonderful New Year!!!!!
       
      #58 ilvmakindolls, Dec 23, 2012
      Tools
      + Quote Reply
    59. That's such a smart idea! I'm sure with some tweaking and tailoring, as you mentioned, clothes can be made for jsut about any doll. This gives me ideas for future use. Thank you so much!
       
      #59 zakniteh, Dec 26, 2012
      Tools
      + Quote Reply
    60. I don't understand how to get a SD pattern, is that blowing it up t0 500%? Or is that the MSD? I'm so confused. XD
       
      #60 B-r-s, Jan 4, 2013
      Tools
      + Quote Reply
152 more posts
Page 1 of 4
Draft saved Draft deleted
Toggle Width
Styler
Styler
Color Options
Color Options