Here is a method I use to create patterns, which I recommend for medium to advanced sewers.

I lay my doll on a sheet of soft paper, such as a good quality paper towel or tissue wrapping paper, and using small scissors and dressmaker pins cut and pin the paper around the doll into a shape for the bodice.

After all is trimmed and pinned lay the pieces out flat and trace on to sturdy paper for your long-term pattern. Repeat procedure for sleeves, being sure to leave enough room to pull over hands.

Skirts are the easiest to design. For a medium full gathered skirt double the waist width and for a very full skirt triple the skirt width.

Same procedure for slacks with folding the paper towel around the doll, snipping out unwanted paper and pinning. Be sure to allow enough fullness so doll can bend its knees and enough width at low edge to be able to slip over the doll's foot.

If you find paper towels rip too easily or are not flexible enough, use old sheets. They are soft and make a lasting pattern piece.

Make a trial outfit first

Sew the outfit using old material the first time, and make the final alterations. When you are satisfied with the result use the real material to make your outfit - you will be very glad you took the time to be careful!

Bring your doll making questions to the forum at the foot of this article.

How to Design Doll Clothes Using Body Template
Index of Special Doll Making Techniques
How to Knot on Yarn Doll Wigs

Charity Note:
I'd like to suggest that if you spend time making doll clothes, anyway, that you collect a few dolls from friends and neighbors and sew a wardrobe or a complete outfit for each doll. Then donate the doll in the completed outfit to a charity that distributes used dolls and toys to kids that otherwise would not have any.

Article by Susan Kramer