I love sewing my own doll clothes patterns (and anything at all for that matter) because when I have finished making the outfit, I know that it is a ‘one of a kind’. No one else will have exactly the same outfit made from the same material and with the same finishing touches and I know my daughter feels pretty special when she dresses her doll in clothes that no one else has!
But what I love the most about making doll clothes is experimenting with different finishing touches as it is these little things that make all the difference. It is amazing how just adding that little something can transform a plain outfit into something that is really special. And have you ever noticed how using the same fabric but by adding a different color ribbon or lace, you can totally change the look of the outfit?
Some of the things I do to finish off an outfit include adding a bow, a sequin or motif to the bodice, some ribbon and/or lace to the hem line, a fancy button as a feature, some lace around the edge of a sleeve, ribbon around the bottom of the bodice, a contrasting trim around the waist and/or hemline and little tags sewn into the side seam. The photos below show the variations and decisions I had to make when finishing off a dress for a My Child doll. The colour of the trim was first, then I added the lace and …
1. Dress after adding lace to hem
3. Do I now add butterflies?
5. …or two bows?
7. My final decision was to go with some butterflies and a bow
2. Added ribbon on top of lace
4. …or a bow?
6. Does the second bow look better here
When sewing doll clothes patterns for your child, ask them what things they may like on the outfit to finish it off. Or if they are sewing the outfit themselves, make sure you have lots of little bits and pieces handy and encourage them to experiment with them. Sometimes, what you first think will look great may not be quite right, and then what you least expect to look any good turns out being perfect!
It’s funny how when you realise just what a difference these finishing touches make to an outfit, you suddenly find yourself rescuing buttons, motifs and lace from old clothes before throwing them out. Picking up little bits and pieces from the thrift shop (charity shop) and buying more craft ribbon when it is on special.
In my How to Make Doll Clothes online course I show you how to attach all these wonderful finishing touches so that when sewing your own doll clothes, you too can transform a plain outfit into a stunning creation! So go on, tap into your creative juices and experiment with all sorts of different finishing touches next time you sew an outfit for your doll. It really is amazing what you can create with some little bits and pieces and a little imagination.
Happy Sewing
Thanks Rosie, that’s really helpful!
My pleasure Ruth 🙂