5 Doll Making Patterns to Try for New Doll Makers

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!

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.