Cloth Doll Pattern Styles
Cloth doll making usually starts with a basic pattern. There are many styles of cloth doll patterns. Some doll makers design their own pattern to make a one-of-a-kind creation; however many dolls are made using a pattern that was designed by someone else. Patterns vary in many ways from beginner to advanced.
The style of pattern that is chosen usually depends on the experience and creative talent of the maker.
For a beginner, simplicity is the key which translates into the fewest pattern pieces and techniques. The simplest cloth dolls are made from a cotton sock or stocking. Another Contributing Editor here on Suite101, Lori Seaborg, has written a very nice article describing how to make a sock doll. It can be found here:
http://www.suite101.com/article.cfm/need...
Here is a source for another sock doll pattern by Lobelia:
http://fan.theonering.net/writing/arts/f...
Pancake Style Pattern
Years ago as a Brownie Leader, I helped my troop of 7 year olds put together this type of doll using needle and thread and a running stitch. We were all pleased with the results despite limited sewing abilities. One little girl became amused when she sewed her dolly to her own skirt.
This "cookie cutter" pattern style was used by Edith Flack Ackley, a vintage cloth doll designer, in her popular books and patterns. Even though they are no longer in print, these patterns are still sought after and can be found at auctions and from on-line doll makers and suppliers. Her designs are usually made from white cotton fabric using one front and one back piece. The top of the head is left open for stuffing. In her books, she presents several family members in large and small sizes using the same basic format for the patterns. The clothing is a little more intricate, but simple enough that a beginner can create a delightful doll and a more advanced doll maker can easily add extra embellishments to the basic design.
This type of pattern is known today as "Pancake" style which describes the flat nature of the finished doll.
See an example of this type of pattern here:
http://www.cely.com/doll/images/dollypat...
Note: This is a free pattern offered by Antonette Cely to be made only for charity. Complete details for making this doll are here:
http://www.cely.com/doll/dhugsdressed.ht...
A variation of this basic design is the a two part body with attached limbs and/or head. I have seen Raggedy Ann and Andy patterns where the head/body sections are sewn together first and legs and arms attached separately after stuffing. The Cabbage Patch Pal is a basic two part torso/arms/leg piece with the head attached after stuffing.
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