Before the sewing begins, it is necessary to prepare the machine. If you are not already familiar with the machine, be sure to read the manual and discover the proper threading and sewing techniques for your particular machine. Check the settings for the type of fabric you will be using and sew a test seam just to be sure that it is set properly. In most cases the stitch width will be very small. The actual number setting will vary with each machine. Sewing some practice curves is a good idea for the novice doll maker. It may be helpful to do some practicing with no thread on paper. Either draw lines or sew on a simple picture to get the feel of turning in small spaces and control of speed and accuracy. Be sure you are comfortable and relaxed before you begin your cloth doll project. Take enough time to be accurate and the results will be more successful.
The Needle and Thread
Always start a new project with a NEW sewing machine needle. Tiny nicks and flaws on the needle point can cause considerable damage to the fabric and distort the final project. When using a knit fabric, a ball point or gold band needle is better. It goes through the spaces between the threads. Woven fabric needs a small sized sharp needle for best results.
It has been suggested by Judi Ward and other professional doll makers and designers that the best sewing machine needles are Schmetz
Stretch or Schmetz Universal in a size 10 or 11.
Choosing the correct thread for sewing doll projects is most important. Choose a color that matches your doll's skin fabric. Metrosene/Mettler poly/cotton type stands up best to firm stuffing. It is available in stores that sell top of the line sewing machines and quilt shops.
Gutterman thread is the next best.
After a practice session, sewing on the actual fabric is next. If using the freezer paper method, simply stitch around the edge of the paper on double fabric, right sides together. This is a good method for putting together shapes like arms, legs and some faces that are exactly alike (profile design). If the pattern calls for it, be sure to leave an opening for turning the pieces. If the torso or body is the same front and back, this method is also acceptable. If there are more than two parts to the piece, a seam allowance will be needed on the sides that are not exactly alike. For example, two body fronts can be sewn together on the paper line, as well as the two identical back pieces, but to put the back and front together on each side, allow for approximately 1/4 inch extra fabric as a seam allowance.
