How your doll will look is probably established before it is all put together since the clothing for the doll may be a part of the original pattern. If you are creating a one-of-a-kind or original, you may need to wait until the body is done to decide how you will embellish your creation. Creating the body may not be difficult, but when it comes to deciding and sewing the costume, some doll makers get stuck. It helps to realize that there are no hard and fast rules when it comes to dressing a doll. Individual differences play a major role in the personality of your doll.
The two most important aspects of the finished doll are the face and the clothing. Having the knowledge of basic clothing construction for humans is certainly an advantage when it comes to developing a costume for your doll. All the pattern pieces are basically the same except smaller. If you are already skilled in putting in sleeves or fitting the bodice, for example, then transferring the techniques to doll clothes is relatively simple, except for the scale. However, the rules of clothing construction can be bent and stretched when you are sewing for a doll. If you are using a pattern that includes clothing and you are content to stay within the limits set up in the pattern, then the best method, especially for beginners, is to follow the instructions in the pattern and the clothing will fit your doll. Your doll's personality will be established by the colors, textures, and style you decide on.
If you are more adventuresome and want to create a doll that is more your design, altering the pattern pieces is always a possibility. If the doll in the pattern has long sleeves or long pants and you would rather have short sleeves or pants, trace the pattern on a piece of paper and cut it to suit your taste. Combining pattern pieces or deleting parts of them also gives a personal touch. If you want your doll to have a vest, use the shirt or blouse and leave off the sleeves. In that case you would want to hem or bind the sleeve opening with a lining piece or bias tape. Here is where you become a fashion designer.
The function of the doll should be a primary consideration when choosing the type and style of clothing. Some cloth dolls are "dressed" as they are created. Arms and legs can be made from colored or print fabrics that will serve as the final clothing. A doll that is meant to be played with really needs to have clothing that can be removed. This type of doll may have more than one outfit that is interchangeable. This enhances the appeal of a doll for the child (or adult) who wants to increase the options for the dolls overall look and personality.
