Doll Clothes Sewing Patterns

doll clothes sewing patterns

Which sewing machine do you recommend?

My dad gives me $400 for Christmas, and I really want a sewing machine
(nothing super professional, but something I could just take out and put away easily like the ones at wal-mart)
My mom is an expert at that stuff, but I will not even ask her because she’ll just go on and on.
I like customizing my clothing, sewing custom Barbie doll outfits, and recently, I’ve been really interested in buying patterns for myself. Up until now, I’ve done everything by hand (takes forever) but I think I’ll be better off with a machine as far as buying patterns go, so what do you recommend?
(Any department store links would be good)

Take a look at Kate Dicey’s essay on choosing sewing machines at
http://www.katedicey.co.uk (and take a look around at her site…
there are a lot of nice little tutorials there!). The FAQ she
refers to is at http://web.archive.org/web/20071021104932/htt
p://cet.com/~pennys/faq/smfaq.htm now.

What I want for beginners in sewing:

- a machine that doesn’t scare you

- a machine that isn’t balky (cheap new machines are often very
balky or need adjustments often and are rarely repairable — just
too frustrating to learn on!)

- very good straight stitch

- good zigzag (4-5 mm is fine, more than that is gravy)

- a method of making buttonholes that makes sense to you

- adjustable presser foot pressure (which helps some fabric
handling issues)

- accessory presser feet that don’t cost an arm and a leg
(machines that use a “short shank foot” typically handle generic
presser feet pretty well. Some brands of machines use proprietary
or very expensive presser feet)

If the budget stretches far enough:

- blindhem and stretch blindhem stitches

- triple zigzag (nice for elastic applications)

- a couple of decorative stitches (you won’t use them nearly as
much as you think)

- electronic machine because of the needle position control and
because the stepper motors give you full “punching force” at
slow sewing speeds — mechanical machines often will stall at
slow speeds.

Please go to the best sewing machine dealers around and ask them
to show you some machines in your price range, *especially* used
machines you can afford. You’ll get a far better machine at a
specific price buying used than new and a good dealer is worth
their weight in sewing machine needles when you get a machine
problem — often they can talk you through the problem over the
phone. While you’re trying things out, try a couple of machines
(sewing only, not combo sewing-embroidery) over your price limit,
just so you can see what the difference in stitch quality and
ease of use might be. You may find you want to go for the used
Cadillac. Or you might want the new basic Chevy. Might as well
try both out.

Suggested reading: John Giordano’s The Sewing Machine Book
(especially for used machines), Carol Ahles’ Fine Machine Sewing
(especially the first and last few chapters) and Gale Grigg
Hazen’s Owner’s Guide to Sewing Machines, Sergers and Knitting
Machines. All of these are likely to be available at your public
library.

Used brands I’d particularly look for: Elna, Bernina,
Viking/Husqvarna, Pfaff, Singer (pre 1970), Juki, Toyota

New “bargain brand” I’d probably pick, if new, decent and budget
was my choice: Janome (who also does Kenmore).

The Mary Frances Sewing Book 100th Anniversary Edition: A Children’s Story-Instruction Sewing Book with Doll Clothes Patterns for American Girl and Other 18-inch Dolls $13.34 This delightful book is a unique treasure for its endearing story, charming illustrations, comical characters, abundance of nostalgia, and practical instruction that introduces children to the world of sewing in a gentle and encouraging way while preserving a valuable collection of doll clothing patterns from the Edwardian and Titanic fashion era. Join Mary Frances as each item in the sewing ba…

All Dolled Up: Sewing Clothes and Accessories for Girls and Their 18-Inch Dolls $10.38 Stylish Outfits for Girls and Their Dolls! A girl and her doll are fast friends indeed. Add in coordinating outfits, and nothing could be cuter! You can make adorable coordinating outfits for the girl in your life and the doll in hers with the help of All Dolled Up! From flowered party dresses, summer tops and Capri pants to fleece vests and messenger bags, the projects inside All Dolled Up provid…

Sew the Contemporary Wardrobe for 18-Inch Dolls: Complete Instructions & Full-Size Patterns for 35 Clothing and Accessory Items $12.17 This book provides 35 patterns for clothing and accessory items that can be mixed and matched to create an infinite number of outfits to fit the ever-popular 18-inch dolls. The wardrobe includes all the latest fashion items for girls, such as a jean jacket, flared jeans, all styles of t-shirts, special occasion dresses, nightwear, purses, and hats. Suggestions for other fabric, embellishment, and …

Civil War Period Doll Clothes Pattern in 2 Sizes: For 18 American Girl Dolls and for 18 Slim Dolls $9.95 Doll Clothes Sewing Pattern for 1860′s Civil War period Dress and Walking Suit. Includes components and sewing instructions for two popular size dolls: the American Girl dolls and the 18 in Slim Dolls like Magic Attic and Carpatina, Printed in USA…

Our Generation Sewing And Dressmaking Set For 18 Dolls $17.88 …

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