Wanted tracing doll for patterns?

I would recommend something along this route if you want to make anything fitted ^^
I haven't tried tracing a doll, and i'm in no way a sewing expert, but I imagine that it wouldn't translate as nicely to 3d as this method would.

 

If you do that, use some throw-away fabric to make a pattern first, then make the actual outfit
Paper Towels are pretty durable to use in this way to make patterns.
so it would go trace onto paper towel -> make throw-away clothes to make into patterns -> fit -> make outfit with newly created pattern.

 

lmao
I used to totally trace my dolls for fitted clothing when I did sew-- and, I personally found the results tailored to my tastes-- but a lot of the same, basic techniques of sewing still applied. Why not just try it and see how it works?

 

It is possible, when I have the doll on the paper I make sure to trace while rolling the doll on to it's side to make sure that the pattern fits around the doll.

Another way is to look for existing patterns and tutorials to adapt in the styling and crafting sections of DoA.

There are also ways to make clothing without patterns for eg.
/threads/anyone-can-sew-jeans-tutorial-all-sizes-pattern-free.231385/

 

You could trace the doll for a long loose robe (basically to get the length) but anything fitted will have to be worked out in 3 dimensions on the doll. The extra length needed to go over the shoulders would have to be added in. If you have a good eye for volume and scale it would get you in the ballpark pretty quickly. I did a quick and dirty fit on my son for a tunic by ripping squares of fabric after holding them up to his body for scale and just quickly drew armholes and neck line just by eyeballing it. It worked out fine. I was surprised how well it worked out. Trust your eyes, they do a good job of judging fit and calculating measurements.

 

I do it when I don't have a pattern and want to make something. I also Google adult clothing patterns and freehand draw them onto paper to the size of my doll. Not always great, and wind up trimming a lot but it works. Measuring and having your doll's measurments beside you helps out greatly. You can also measure clothing your doll already wears, trace them as a pattern and add around a half inch for seams. I'm cheap, these are just some things I do.

 

I use patterns found online too. I print them out as diagrams (not full human scale) and measure across the chest or hip. I measure my doll and do a ratio calculation from the doll and paper pattern print out. Then I know the percent increase or decrease to make a new scanned and adjusted printout. Then I tape the pattern together seam to seam to get a idea of the fit and alter the paper if needed. Finally I add seam allowances, cut out fabric and sew it up I am cheap too plus it's fun to try out patterns and get an idea of how clothes are constructed.

 

I have made clothes from tracing around my doll, but only when using very stretchy material and socks...I think @tinyseams said something really important, about how clothes are constructed. That's key to everything with a fitted or tailored look. Also, Practice and experiment with the paper towel draping method, plus be prepared to do a couple of trial runs with old fabric before using the good stuff. Look at pictures of pattern pieces, and most important have fun...
Edit- when speaking of using stretch material, I meant more to use the drape and pin method to construct the clothing. It's really effective and super easy plus it's hand sewn all the way. I did not mean to make paper pattern pieces then transfer that to the stretch.

 

if you use the pattern from drawing around your doll just remember Stretchy Material that was my downfall with doing it that way.

 

You can trace the doll, but you will have to add on more for seam allowance and so it will fit. I do a tracing (for jeans for example). Then add on some on the sides. Check to see it will fit - add more if necessary. If its a bit big you can always make it smaller, but if too small it can be a real job trying to add on to make it fit. And remember for pants/jeans the back needs to accommodate the dolls behind or it will show when he/she sits.

Check in the tutorials section. There is something (think its still there) by Rae White Wolf showing how she does her pants.

Don't give up cos you will get better at it the more you do it.

 

/tutorials/easy-pants-or-jeans-for-any-doll-a-handsewing-tutorial.31/

hope this works

 

Also, perhaps not all that related, but maybe these (1 2) could be of interest as a substitute for your dolls or at least make it easier to trace, and work out patterns, for non-close-fitting clothes.
(since you can pin fabric to them and not have to worry about getting your doll dirty or smudged)

 

So far, the best patterns that I have came about from tracing around the doll and using scrap fabric to test it. While a bit trial and error, it is a nice way of making a personal pattern. While it may be 'reinventing the wheel' it's *my* wheel that I designed. =3

 

I've done a few (mostly) successful patterns by tracing MH dolls. I haven't done it on a BJD yet but I'm planning on it soon haha. MaddPuss describes it perfectly, you have to work at it and it may not technically be the "right" way to make a pattern haha but with effort you should get what you want and not have to compromise on patterns that are only close to your vision. that's how i see it, at least

i did do one dress that had a bit of a fitted bodice, but again this was on MH which are so slim and flat in the chest area so it was relatively simple. i have a Doll Leaves MSD i'm planning to make things for but she's got fairly large breasts that stick out and aren't round like you'd see on a minifee for example. i'm expecting some difficulties because of this but my sewing has improved so much just by doing the traced MH dresses that i figure some trial and error with my MSD certainly can't hurt!

 

Porportional Wheels Scales

are quite handy for working out scales and things.

 

Tracing a doll would really limit what kinds of garments you can make.

I recommend drawing up a sloper for the doll, then developing patterns from the sloper, as you would for a human.

Tutorial:
draftbasicbodice

 

I find it easiest to drape fabric over a doll and cut that up as a pattern, then pin my fabric pattern pieces onto the fabric I'm using for the dress or whatever, so I can put a seam allowance on. Paper is just too stiff, even tissue paper - and dolls are very slippery so it slides off all the time. Fabric patterns are much easier to cut, if you've got an old sheet or something to use - something soft and thin

 

Wow! That's super detailed and helpful. Thank you!