Doll Clothing, Patterns and Tutorials
After searching for the right handmade Waldorf doll and then waiting eons to receive it, now you have a sweet (or several) little wool-stuffed creatures in your hands.
Although he or she came fully dressed, in a thoughtful and suitable outfit that compliments their personality and is suitable for local weather, now you feel the need to get more doll clothes.
Or, perhaps you have spent hours creating a doll of your own, for you, your child or a loved one, and you are confronted with the obvious: how do I dress this doll?
Well, ponder no more. I have quite a selection of Waldorf-inspired doll clothing makers, DIY patterns and even some free tutorials for you to choose from.
Lots of different styles of doll clothing, for your waldorf inspired or natural fiber art doll, by Fig and Me.
Tips regarding doll clothing
Waldorf-style dolls (or their newest incarnation: natural fiber art dolls) can vary greatly in proportions from maker to maker, and they rarely fit in American Girl clothes or any other mass-produced dolls out there.
Most commercial clothing patterns that you will be able to find at the sewing shop or in Grandma’s vintage bin will definitely need to be adjusted to fit your doll, a feat that if you’ve just started sewing can be daunting. I know it was for me!
So, my recommendation would be to buy clothes and/or patterns from doll-makers who actually make this style of doll.
And while I mention they vary greatly, by checking the measurements of the finished outfit and measuring your doll, you can get an idea wether the clothes will be able to fit your little natural fiber art doll or not.
On a side note: If you just happened to discover Waldorf dolls and would like to know a bit more why they are called Waldorf, about the philosophy behind their all-natural and simple facial features, plus a few resources on how to create one, head over here to this post.
Doll Clothing for Waldorf-inspired dolls: the knitted kind
We will start with knitting patterns, as is much easier to make something knitted fit a doll than something sewn. Knitting fabric stretches and can be easily folded up, tied tighter or loser, etc.
Dolls wearing knitted clothing do bring something very special, they conjure memories I suppose, they bring us back to dolls of our childhood or flashbacks of seeing babies when we were growing up, all decked out in their maginificently knitted outfits.
1. Ready-made knitted doll clothing
If you would like to buy ready-made outfits for your dolls or even order something custom made, please check among the following crafters.
They produce (to my eye) high quality items, made with beautiful yarns and attention to detail but do please check their stores and read customer reviews.
If you would like to create a knitted outfit for your doll, then the possibilities are endless. There are tons of free knitting patterns online, but you can also buy them.
I offer simple ones, geared to the very beginner, because I want to encourage doll mothers and children to get going with their own crafty adventures and since I learned to knit with doll patterns I think is the perfect, most simple way to start clicking those knitting needles.
2. Doll clothing knitting patterns
I am giving you direct links to stores stocked with all sorts of Waldorf-style doll knitting patterns or giving you a direct link to a particular pattern that I find very endearing.
Hope you agree with the selection:
Winterludes - advanced patterns for the courageous knitter. Very stylish.
Fig & me - patterns for the very sweet beginner.
Poppenliefde - a lovely cardigan with a soft and ruffled collar.
Luletti - Sweet and romantic knitting patterns for your girl doll.
Dahlia Dress by October Rose Dolls - instruction in 3 sizes for an endearing dress.
Naturkinder - a simple and minimalistic jumper with raglan sleeves.
Ewe Need Darling Knits Darling Little Tights - You can't go wrong with this pattern, fits many dolls sizes.
3. Free knitting patterns
All of these lovely makers (myself included, ehem) have provided a freebie or two to encourage you to get those needles and yarn in your hands. Some are easier than others, but hey, they are free!
Meadowfinch sweater - a cute top down cardi for your wee doll.
Winterludes Socksies - socks in few different designs, which as usual comes with a very interesting story.
Fig & Me Simply Baby bonnet - a super simple topper for your baby doll.
Maizy Moo Knits Classic Beret - a quick knit suitable for beginners with a pension for fashionable accessories.
Fig & Me Knitted Doll Collar - so simple and with cute embroidery.
Doll Clothing for Waldorf dolls, the Sewn Kind
If you are more venturesome, then sewing can be your ally when trying to achieve a large wardrobe for your doll.
I remember very well how frustrated I was when I started making dolls because my sewing skills were so lacking! But I persevered, vied to learn something new with each outfit, if not because the dolls loved it, at least because then I would understand clothing construction a bit better.
I started with simple peasant-style tops and wide leg pants, two piece hats with bought ribbon for ties and bloomer-style underwear.
Then I carried on adding puffed sleeves, elastic on cuffs and legs, front bibs, super gathered dressy skirts, fancy pockets, more stylish overalls, etc.
We moved on to collars: Peter Pan, circular, collars with a stand, shawl collars on linen jackets; kimono tops with fancy construction, side in-seam pockets on trousers, top hats for boys, newscaps, and the list is quite endless.
I say all this not to brag, though I should because really, the first time I used a sewing machine I never brought down the presser foot and I sew the whole thing winging it!
I say all this to show you that you don’t start sewing the hard stuff to begin with. You pace yourself.
You start with something that has but few pattern pieces and is more minimalist in design, then you start adding details to this shape, or move to something that has more steps to be constructed.
That’s how I learned and how I recommend others do, because sewing doll clothes is extremely satisfying. You can make doll clothes with little material (compared to sewing for humans) but it can also be extremely frustrating trying to wiggle little sleeves or hem tiny underwear. Pace yourself, be gentle, be prepared and you won’t regret it.
1. Ready-made Doll Clothing
If you want to buy Ready-made doll clothes for your lovely doll, then I encourage you to pay a visit to any of these highly-skilled doll dressmakers. They create based on their aesthetic and you can almost identify their clothes on dolls because they have such a peculiar style.
Mon Pilou - Anouk is an accomplished seamstress that makes extremely functional clothing with a very elegant style.
2. Sewing patterns for Doll Clothing
If you want to try your hand at creating doll clothes with proven patterns, I am linking you directly to specific patterns that make lovely clothes or accessories.
Bib Yoked Dress and Romper - by Dear Little Doll.
Little Penny Overalls with Knee Patches and Shirt - by fig&me
Cloudberry Sundress - by Meadowfinch.
Sami Dolls Reversible Overalls - simple and cute, with side pockets.
Apalipalka Simple Dress - A beginner dress for those just starting to sew for their dolls.
Jersey Doll Pajamas - by Petit Gosset
Baby Doll Dress Pattern - by Reggie’s Dolls
3. Free DIY Patterns for Doll Clothing
If you would like to try some free patterns first, to get your feet wet with sewing for dolls, by all means go ahead. I have seen doll clothes made with these two tutorials, albeit they both make undies, and they come out quite fetching.
Notes from Björkåsa undies - boxer style undergarments, for boy or girl.
Fig & Me Sewing doll underwear - It comes in two sizes, and is available as a handy PDF. Unlike the version created by my friend Juliane, this one is a one piece affair.
Inspiration
If you are the maker type and would love some inspiration to get started, there are a few doll clothing gallery groups where you can see patterns used, and also what other clothing items go well with a specific dress, etc. I personally recommend the following two (I have been a member since forever).
Waldorf doll clothes on Flickr - varied photos from makers all over the world.
Waldorf dolls on Ravelry - This group is of amazing help to the knitter, as you can see how the clothes made with a specific pattern fit different dolls. Especially helpful is that you can note different yarn choices as well as pattern alterations or modifications.
Also be sure to check out the Doll Dresmaking series by Lisa at Phoebe & Egg. Although she doesn’t create waldorf-style dolls, she walks you through several design techniques that you can easily adopt or implement on whatever pattern you are trying to sew up. Kind of takes the mystery out of certain techniques.
And last but not least, hop over to my two new Pinterest boards where I will be sharing many beautiful images of doll clothing from makers around the world, and as a bit of an inventory of all the things I have added to my clothes as well. You are bound to find something intriguing enough that might inspire you to grab a sewing book or two, google a tutorial for a particular technique and get started.
Knitting for Dolls on Pinterest
Are you feeling inspired now, to try something new in your sewing career? or even to begin making clothes for your little doll? Do you have a shop where you provide clothing for this kind of doll? Well, don’t be shy and write your address in the comments so that we can find your store and see your selection.
Lots of inspiration and helpful links to create or buy doll clothing for your waldorf inspired or natural fiber art doll, via Fig and Me.
I hope this post opened your eyes to the possibilities when it comes to doll clothing. The list is endless. All you need is determination and a little patience. You are bound to come out the conqueror.
And, if you happen to create something from any of the above mentioned tutorials or patterns, don't forget to let me know. I would love to see what you create. Remember, if you make clothing, design patterns or have any free tutorials for doll clothing geared to this special kind of dolls, don't forget to include your info in the comments so we can all check it out.
Fabs out!.
