My first self-sewn clothes for a baby doll

Hello dear friends,

my little granddaughter received a baby doll for her birthday. It only had on the clothes it was wearing when it was bought. So I sewed some things for her dolls. And because I wanted the clothes to fit, but she wouldn’t have lent me the doll, I bought the same one for myself (17 euros, that’s doable). Now we have doll siblings and can have fun playing together with them too.

This was my first time sewing doll clothes, and I was a bit skeptical because everything is quite small after all. But my sewing machine and I managed it well. You’re welcome to take a look at my sewing results.

I had so much fun. Whenever I finished one piece, I felt like sewing another one to match it. And since it only takes a little fabric, you can really let your creativity run wild. No doll mommy will ever say, that’s too much, she’ll grow out of it. And I also sewed some matching-look pieces. The fabric with the ice cream on it is the same fabric I used to sew a little dress for my granddaughter, which is her favorite dress. So she will especially like that.

There was a little dress, neckerchiefs, hats, a headband, a long-sleeved shirt, short and long pants, rompers, and jackets. I hope you enjoy looking at them.

Best regards, Ina

The outfits turned out absolutely charming, Ina, beautiful, your granddaughter will be thrilled

Best wishes, Inge

It turned out really beautiful!

All the outfits turned out beautifully.

Yes, I think the little one will be very happy about the matching outfits with her baby. 

You’re a jack-of-all-trades, dear Ina. 🌹🌹 These turned out so adorable—and they’re even matching outfits.

How big is the doll, and does sewing go faster than crocheting or knitting?

Have fun, both of you, with your doll siblings.

@everyone
Thank you so much for your compliments—I really appreciate them.

@Marlies
The doll is 36 cm tall, so she’s on the small side for a baby doll. But my granddaughter Lisann is only 2, so a small doll is just right for her. She takes it everywhere with her. Soon I’d like to build a doll bed for her. Actually, I’ve already started.

I prefer sewn doll clothes to knitted or crocheted ones because you have more options when it comes to fabric selection and design. And you can combine the outer fabric with the lining. You can’t do any of that with knitted or crocheted items. Plus, there are always stitches where the little ones can get caught when putting the clothes on. The patterns on the fabrics have their own special charm—something wool just can’t replicate, even if it’s knitted really well and looks pretty. Kids’ eyes are drawn to the motifs on the fabric—that’s simply an unbeatable advantage.

It’s also faster for me. Once you’ve cut out the pieces, you can start sewing right away. Then you add snaps if needed, and the garment is done. Knitting or crocheting takes longer. With what I know now, I’d only knit cardigans for dolls, but otherwise I find sewn items prettier and more practical.

Best regards, Ina

Wow, your dolls sure do get some great outfits!

Dear Ina, I’ve already admired your outfits on the blog. You’ve done a wonderful job, and the baby doll looks absolutely adorable in them. Each piece is prettier than the last.

I’ve gotten hooked on sewing now, too, and have sewn quite a few things, including doll clothes. I’ll show those in a separate thread soon.

But the idea that I’d stop knitting doll clothes because of that—I wouldn’t even think of it. Each has its own charm. I feel that knitted items are even nicer than sewn ones, especially for fall and winter. They look warmer and cozier.

Marlies, yes, sewing really is faster, but as I already wrote, each one is beautiful and unique in its own right.

I hope you all have fun with whatever you’re creating and enjoy the upcoming holiday with plenty of sunshine.

Ina, these outfits turned out really great!

Yes, Ina, I also think you have more options when sewing.  And kids prefer wearing sewn clothes over knitted or crocheted ones. Unfortunately, I’m not very skilled at sewing, so I can only make very simple things.

I’m curious to see if you’ll ever try your hand at sewing for your fashion dolls. I suppose that involves a lot of handwork, but it might also lead to some completely new ideas...

Dear Ruth, thank you too for your comment. In fact, once I’ve learned enough, I plan to try my hand at making doll clothes for my little fashion dolls. I suspect that will require a lot of handwork, too. Even with the clothes for the baby doll, I had quite a time getting the cuffs under the sewing machine foot. We’ll see. I’m not quite there yet, but I’m moving in that direction. And you’re right—it opens up a whole new world of possibilities.

Warm regards, Ina