If you want to get into doll making and you don’t know where to start, here are five awesome patterns suitable for beginners!
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Back in 2010 or so, I got really into sewing. Not anything practical, mind you. I was scrolling Pinterest and came across the cutest little hand-sewn dolls. I’m a little too confident in my artistic abilities sometimes, and this was no exception. I made dozens of little hand-sewn dolls and gave them to friends, family members, and random strangers. What was I going to do with them?
Eventually, I got tired of making these little dolls, mostly because I realized I really don’t like sewing by hand. I moved on to other projects.
Then, a couple of years ago, my best friend had a baby girl. The subject of dolls and all things cute came up and I realized I wanted to tackle the doll-making process again.
But this time I wanted to use my sewing machine.
And, of course, because the doll was going to be for a baby, safety was of the utmost importance. This meant no little pieces that could come off, etc.
Challenge accepted.
I’ve made her several dolls since, trying a new pattern each time. And so I’ve compiled this list for you with five awesome doll patterns. I’ve tried all of them, and I absolutely love each and every one. I hope you’ll find some inspiration here and give one (or all!) of them a try.
Why Make Dolls?
Dolls make great, heartfelt gifts that can last for years—if not a lifetime! Plus you can customize them to the needs of your recipient or make a doll that represents them in ways that are hard to find in mass-produced dolls.
You can find a fabric that matches their skin tone perfectly, for example. If they have a scar, you can give their doll a scar. If they wear glasses or a hearing aid, you can make them a doll that mirrors them in that way. Because you are making the doll, you can make any modifications you want to make sure that you’re creating something the recipient will love.
Or, if you’re gifting this doll to a loved one who lives far away, why not make the doll look like you?
Plus, I’ve found that there’s something really satisfying about seeing a project like this come together. There is a long history of dolls and dollmaking, and although our methods are different today than they were even a hundred years ago, the process of doll-making still connects us to the past.
Supplies You’ll Need to Get Started.
All of the dolls on this list recommend the use of a sewing machine. Although you can hand-sew them, this process will go a lot quicker, and be a lot sturdier, if you use a machine. If you’re looking for a new machine, or in the market to buy your very first sewing machine, I recommend this one. It’s inexpensive but works great. It’s what I currently use and what I used to make several of the dolls on this list!
You’ll also need fabric. I have used so many different types, including felt, canvas, linen, quilting cotton, and this double-brushed interlock. For ease of sewing, I found that quilting cotton was probably the easiest to use. However, the double-brushed interlock was my favorite in terms of the finished product. It had a gorgeous stretch to it and felt oh-so-soft.
Depending on who the doll is for, you’ll likely want something easily washed. Softness and durability/longevity are also something to consider. I don’t order fabric online unless I’ve first seen it in person, so I highly recommend that you get yourself into a fabric store and feel the fabric options available to you.
Of course, you’ll need thread. Go with something quality, as dolls usually get some pretty rough play and you want it to hold tight. I’m a big fan of Guterman thread (like this).
Something you don’t want to skimp on if you’re going for a long-lasting doll is the fill you use. I love Poly-fil because it is machine washable. (Check it out here.) This is a huge perk when it comes to fabric dolls, it means you can toss the whole doll into the washing machine instead of spot-cleaning.
You’ll also need your pattern (check out the list below!), scissors (if you don’t yet have a pair of fabric scissors, get some! They’re a game changer!), sewing pins, etc.
Depending on the type of hair you’re making, you may also need felt or yarn. I tend to gravitate towards dolls with felt hair because it can be sewn right onto the doll and you don’t have to worry about it getting messy or coming out. This is great for younger kids. But for older kids, or adults, yarn or wool can make great hair for your doll!
Now let’s get into the patterns!
My Top Five Patterns for New Doll Makers
01. Gingermelon’s “Sparkle Starlet” Doll
Gingermelon is first on the list because Gingermelon’s patterns are the first doll patterns I ever used! Her little hand-sewn dolls are the ones I started out with. However, the pattern on this list is a doll you sew with a sewing machine, and is the first sewing machine doll I ever made. I love it and I’m confident that you will love it too.
02. PetrasWonderland’s “Lady Ena” Doll
The Lady Ena doll is the first doll I made for my friend’s daughter. What appealed to me about this one was the way the hair is sewn right onto the head which was great for a young child. I would absolutely make this pattern again, but probably not as a gift for a kid. It doesn’t really have the cute factor that you’d generally look for in a child’s doll. However, I’m a huge history nerd (starting a Ph.D. in history this fall!) and would 100% make this doll again to make historical dresses to put on her. It is a great doll pattern, and suitable for beginner doll makers.
03. Blossom & Friday’s “Blossom” Doll
Isn’t this doll absolutely gorgeous? I think so. It is the perfect size for playing and cuddling and has the cuteness factor that one is typically looking for in a doll for a child. Plus Blossom & Friday has a bunch of adorable little add-on patterns to make this doll even more magical. The pattern is really well thought out, and I love it. It’s high on my list to make again, even if I’m not sure who I’ll give it to.
04. David & Charles’ “My Rag Doll” Doll
This was the second doll I made for my friend’s daughter. Well, second AND third, because I actually made two that year for her—one with light skin, and one with dark skin. Both turned out beautiful, and this is where I first used that double-brushed interlock fabric. I don’t think I’ll EVER use anything else! This one was a little trickier because of the feet, but I love the finished product. And there are tons of gorgeous clothing patterns you can buy to make more dolls.
05. Heidi & Finn’s “Mini Pals” Doll
Heidi & Finn have so many cute patterns beyond just the mini pals dolls. Like some of the other patterns above, these dolls have fabric hair which is a feature I LOVE (I really don’t like working with yarn hair!) and there are so many add-on patterns for adorable outfits. There are seasonal patterns, fantasy patterns, and additional accessories. You can really make something specific to your doll’s recipient.
You can make gorgeous dolls too!
If you’ve ever wanted to get into doll making, there’s no time like the present. There are so many resources out there to help you on your journey and the patterns on this list are an amazing place to start. As I said, I’ve personally made all these dolls and I love each and every one of them.
Let me know in the comments which dolls you’ve made/will make! And post your gorgeous creations on Instagram using the hashtags #theserialcreative #dollmaking #dolldiys
Looking forward to seeing what you make!
For more fun projects you can make, check out my Crafts & Hobbies archive of posts.
