Sewing Sewing Venting

Sewing does take practice. I like dressing my dolls myself, but I also buy the basics like jeans and button downs and shoes so I can focus on making the fun stuff for them.

 

You could get a regular home sewing machine realtively cheap, the one I use is called a Brother, I got it at Walmart for 70-something bucks. I'm not really sure about how great hand sewing machines are. I have a little hand held Singer, and honestly I couldn't even figure out how to thread it at first. And yeah, once you get it to work, it sews alright, but it's just a straight stitch, and there's no way to backstitch on a handheld, so you have to just tie it.

 

There's always fabric glue.

 

I can attest that DG requiem’s patterns can be add with fabric glue and hemming tape and minimal sewing when i first started scaled down sewing, all of my attempts at first were atrocious, and one i put together pretty handily (the regency gown actually!) with glue and hemming tape and... it didn’t look too bad! that actually motivated me to keep going and try my machine again. It helped because that was the first 1/3 pattern i did while all my other attempts were 1/4 and i wasn’t familiar with doing REALLY teeny (compared to human) things on the machine. once i got better at doing things at 1/3 i went back to 1/4 and felt a lot more confident and things turned out a lot better.

what size are you working at? it might be beneficial to go up to 1/3 if you have any 1/3 dolls and the time to do it. scaling up their patterns is really easy too! if you are working at 1/3 then don’t worry, frustration and messing up... you gotta do it to learn and it’ll work out in the end.

hand sewing too - it’s painstakingly frustrating sometimes but once you get the hang of it you’ll be done in no time. if you’re having trouble on small rounded parts it might be better to hand sew those parts and use the machine for long straight stitches

 

Start with new needles in the sewing machine, and they are in sizes, the smaller the #, the skinnier the needle, so you chose that needle size by the weight of your fabrics, but if you are stitching through layers, a bigger needle is used. Buy good quality thread. Really, it makes a difference. Cut your seam allowances a little wider when you are learning, it’s easier and you can trim them down afterwards. Watch some YouTube videos for beginners, it doesn’t have to be doll things, just some basic how to. Keep practicing, really, it does take practice. Start with straight lines, not lots of fitting tiny curves together. I hand sew sleeves in a lot of the time, and I mark seam lines with something that will wash out or brush off, like chalk.

 

Start simple. I learned how to sew mostly from working on fashion scale dolls, and it was frustrating at first. My first outfits were mostly strapless dresses, then I ventured into short sleeves, then long sleeves, and finally pants. It did take several years, though. Sewing is definitely a craft where experience plays a big part.
I use Beacon Fabri-tac for my fabric glue, it works really well, just be careful with fabric glues!
My other advice is to start looking at how your own clothes are constructed, or if your 1/6 is more child-like in proportion, look at clothes for kids. It can give you ideas on fabric shape and cut that can help with construction (I sometimes make patterns, generally I wing my sewing lol).
Also I would say stick to cotton fabric in the beginning. Stretchy fabric is tempting, but you learn more about fit and function when using a fabric that doesn't really give.

 

With a good coupon or Black Friday sale at Joann Fabrics (I’m assuming you’re in the US?), you can buy a bolt of muslin, which is 70 or so yards of thin, cheap cotton. It’s great for practice fabric, and you don’t feel so bad if you mess up that fabric or even throw away a failed project. Also, it takes dye really well, so if you’ve made something you like, your color possibilities are wide open.

Take time, be patient with yourself, and be kind to yourself. Sewing is a skill, and it takes practice.

Also, check your library’s catalog to see what kind of sewing-for-dolls books they have. There really won’t be anything for asian ball joint dolls, but even if you get your hands on a Barbie or American Girl clothing book, that would be really helpful! Plus, you can practice at that scale, and maybe make a small wardrobe for a cabbage patch doll or other stuffed animal. And once you’ve got some practice in with that (and learning things like: hem the pant leg pieces while they’re flat, before you've sewn the leg seams!), you’ll be better prepared to get smaller with your doll.

 

I started the hobby a thousand years ago also excited and hoping to learn to sew. I was lucky that there were super easy patterns by a DoA user named James, those were lifesavers in the beginning. As I got older, I got lazier and nowadays I rarely sew at all, but I did manage to make a lot of clothes for my first three BJD. I still suck at it, but it was fun for a while. I mostly did the smaller "scale" clothes by hand, and the larger ones on my sewing machine (which my father gifted me when I got my first BJD -- he was super excited that I wanted to learn something so old-fashioned feminine, because I don't know how to do any "traditionally" womanly stuff). DX

Sewing on the machine was super frustrating for me, because I would always end-up with more birds-nests than the mount of sewing I would get done. Sewing larger pieces by hand is a huge pain in the gut (for me), so I kind of lost interest by my fourth BJD. I sometimes still get the itch to sew something, but then quickly regret it, because it is a lot of work and I'm a lazy-old-fart. I would recommend trying hand sewing, if you're young, once you get to be my age, you'll be lucky if your hands don't start aching after just a few stitches. (:

 

Here is what difference three years of doll sewing can make.

Jan 2018
Ruthie projects by coriander homethorpe, on Flickr
Hand sewn, sloppy details, totally an experiment.

Yesterday Nov 2020
Polyam dolly fam pj party by coriander homethorpe, on Flickr
Machine sewn mostly, pattern developed, quantity and quality.

 

Dont give up. Everyone starts somewhere. When I started in the hobby, I sucked at sewing, but 10 years later, I’m taking in commissions. So, keep at it. Basic sewing machine, start simple and work your way up. The smartdoll free pattern is something you might want to try working on (fits slim SD or Fashion dolls too). Also second on cheap fabrics, if you got old sheet, rip it up and use it to practice sewing.

 

1/6 is definitely tricky - i’ve only sewn one thing so far for my 1/6 that i’ve had since january specifically because I had so much trouble with 1/4! it was a simple yukata, and i messed up a sleeve bit (and went in a little too gung ho with some scraps of satin...), but over all i realised a lot of things for working at 1/6. 1) fray check. 2) i should probably stick to cottons and stuff that doesn’t fray when i work with 1/6.......

I definitely recommend hand sewing DGR’s 1/6 patterns, it’ll give you a lot more control over the seams. Hand sewing in general I always felt was something that takes longer to get used to than a machine since it’s ... well, manual, but in the end is actually a lot easier. fray check everything, and don’t be afraid to try using glue and hemming tape instead. i mean it’s just for you, right? that was my reasoning. a bit of fabric glue on a tooth pick and being quick about pressing it together and my bodice came out pretty nice! It is a little stiff compared to if it had been sewn instead (but for what i wanted that actually helps the fabric i wanted to use hold it’s shape) but for sleeves or collars it’s actually kinda nice.

oh, and imo: use snaps instead of velcro or eyelets or buttons for your closures instead, to me they’re easier and quicker to place and sew on by hand.

hopefully this and everyone else’s tips help a little, sewing is extremely frustrating sometimes but in the end it’s super rewarding!!

 

I’m so clumsy with sewing, but there’s something really cathartic in making your own doll’s clothes! There’s only a limited amount you can buy, and they may not be what you’re looking for, so I recommend just sticking with it! Don’t try anything too complicated like jeans straight off the bat, maybe circle skirts etc, good luck!

 

Handheld sewing machines are worse than nothing, trust me.
Remember that matching thread makes stitches invisible, so if you're messy at hand sewing hems it's no one else's problem!
I buy fabric in bulk and fail a lot. I take apart existing clothes and fiddle with the fitting.
Remember that stretchy fabric is harder to see but easier to fit.

 

But don't forget to hot wash the fabric before you make anything from it, because if you want to dye it later, it might shrink when you dye it.

And make sure you use 100% cotton thread so it will also dye the same colour as the fabric.

I've been sewing for over 20 years and hate hand sewing so use a machine for everything ai can and only hand sew when I REALLY can't avoid it - Try an inexpensive sewing machine, and practice on scrap fabric until you're confident sewing straight lines (a quilters 1/4 in foot is good as it ensures all your seam lines are a standard 1/4 inch form the cut edge of the fabric), but also draw curved and shaped lines on your fabric and practice following them too.

Also be prepared for potentially finding out that sewing simply isn't for you.

Ive taught many people to sew over the years and, while the majority have got good at it and come to enjoy it, a small number simply don't take to it. Some of the ones who are good at it even come to the conclusion they simply don't like sewing. If you don't enjoy doing it, then there's no point in continuing to make yourself. It's OK to give up.

Given you're so keen to dress your doll yourself - I'd continue trying for a while, however.

If it hasn't worked for you once the current Covid crisis is over, sign up for a sewing basics/dressmaking class. That will teach you the basic techniques and how to use a sewing machine. In the meantime, watch a LOT of online tutorials and videos for generic sewing advice (don't restrict yourself to doll sewing ones) to learn the basics, PRACTICE THEM, and once you're OK with that, apply the skills to sewing in doll scale (thinner/finer materials, finer threads and needles etc. - natural fibres drape better for smaller scale projects like dolls clothes than a lot of synthetics. I use a lot of second-hand men's cotton shirts from thrift stores/charity shops because they're cheap, come in tiny patterns you don't see in the fabric stores, and have often been washed and worn to a softer even better drape for small clothes).


Another example:
Cressida's (RML R-02/Volks SD10) skirt and waistcoat were made from my favouorite TopShop shirt from the late 80's

Also, for the little dolls (1/6 and smaller) vintage handkerchiefs can provide beautifully fine fabrics.

Sadly, I have also fouud that the smaller the doll, the more hand-sewing is the best root to go ( won't sew any smaller than 1/6, it's less frustrating to just buy (or save up and commission) from someone who like working in such a small scale, but your mileage may vary there.

I'd avoid the hand sewing machines as they're not very good, and only really for curtain-hem repairs and that type of use, not garment construction. I've tried them in the past and (even as an experienced sewer) find them more frustrating than useful.

Also, fabric glue tends to make the fabric stiffer and isn't marvellous for garment construction... although the temporary fabric glue-pens that quilters use are a great way of holding the fabric layers together while you sew them, and are often easier than pins on tiny pieces.

Hope this helps

Teddy

 

Let us know how you ge on!

Teddy

 

I would start by sewing by hand, I have made entire garments entirely by hand, you have so much more control than with a sewing machine which has been engineered to sew full size garments. There is much less struggle by hand. Learning the basic hand stitches you would need is easy, there are plenty of YouTube videos on them.

Get yourself a good pattern made for the size doll you have whether it's SD, YoSD or MSD.It's better to start with a well drafted pattern from a seller that knows patternmaking it will come with sewing instructions normally. I'm a patternmaker by trade and I've seen a lot of really poorly drafted freebies out there, but if you want to go the freebie route go to Antique Lilac's website she has very good free patterns. Getting a good pattern is half the battle.

Also get a sewing book, the one Vogue puts out is really good and all the techniques are in there. Start with cotton fabric which is very forgiving for beginners and get used to ironing every seam as you go along for a more professional look. As with anything practice is key.

 

Cute!! Looks like you’re well on your way!

 

I also cannot recommend elastic enough. I make a ton of skirts with elastic. Just a hemmed long rectangle of fabric (sometimes I just tear it, no cutting) and make a little casing on the top. For a cuter look I usually sew my casing with a bit of empty space on top for a little ruffle. I have made a really short skirt that way and then sewed a crude crotch for zero effort bloomers/ruffled shorts.

 

Well done!!!

Teddy

 

Bit late but definitely seconding the annoyances of working at 1/6, both hand and machine. Its so finnicky when its that small!! And I swear mistakes look so much more obvious

 

I second the recommendation to make elastic waist skirts. The fabric is just a long rectangle and all the seams are straight. I have a Singer Tradition sewing machine that I've gotten pretty confident at using, but I spent a lot of time using a seam ripper and re-doing seams when I started. I still have a hard time with neck edges and attaching sleeves.

 

Your achievement is great! You absolutely have to be proud about yourself

I've been sewing for fun (on and off relationship) for a few years ocassionally. My cheap sewing machine broke and I was gifted an older machine. Regular cotton works fine (I finished a bunch of community masks for my family) but when I intended to finish a preemie body for charity I completely failed.

Now I learn to sew stretchy fabric again. And do a fricking lot of socks. Perfect for practice, little amount of fabric needed and works in every size. Plus great for making own pattern

I think you should keep posting your progress. It helps you if you are upset and motivates others who are in the same situation as you.

 

Absolutely! I take hope and motivation from seeing where I was the day before. To the point where I have a project Instagram with daily updates on my large projects. You don't have to go that far of course, but especially with knitting and embroidery, seeing how much I've done over a session really helps me get a sense of completion, confidence, and satisfaction.

 

I also agree that elastic waist skirts are a great way to start. Make your rectangle longer, and add a second casing further down (measure from upper chest area to waist and add a bit for blousing) and you've got a sundress.

I also remember - I'll have to dig around for the website again - one idea of making a simple blouse from three rectangles. One went around the body as the main portion, and the other two were sort of oversized straps, gathered up at each end and sewn to the top of the body piece.
... I realize that might not have been entire coherent (caffiene hasn't kicked in yet)... I will definitely find that link.

Found it!

barbie cap sleeve shirt tutorial

Yes, it's meant for a Barbie, but the design is simple enough to adjust to fit just about any doll. I may try making a few for me 3D printed girls to distract me from waiting on Mei.

And finally (the caffeine is starting to hit, can you tell?), raglan sleeves or incorporated sleeves are also a blessing for the smaller scales.

 

Dear sewing machine bobbin case:

Thanks for finally wearing out so I had to order a new one.

Also, thanks to the manufacturer for only making PLASTIC bobbin cases, so I can't invest in a metal one that'll last longer.

 

Infuriating!

Teddy

 

Hello there. Looks like this topic is a few years old now, so I was curious to know what your progress is on this now. I'm considering taking up some sewing myself and I think it would be great to see others advancements as well.

 

As a long time seamstress of human-sized clothing, sewing for dolls is a different creature. I second @cloudmine's idea. @SaltedPretzel the polka dot dress is adorns! Nicely done!

There's a sweet lady on YouTube who hand sews clothing for her Blythe, Stitch by Stitch with Lily: https://www.youtube.com/@stitchbystitchwithlily8901. Each video includes a free pdf pattern. Neo Blythe's body is similar to Yo-SD, so if you're looking for cute girly clothes, this is the place. It's in Korean but it is educational to watch her hand stitch and see the order of assembly.