Collar Tip #5: Use Bias Tape
This is my final segment offering my five tips for creating doll clothes collars that really work, and it’s the one I truly use most.
I’ve been using bias tape for collars since I was in high school. It’s such an easy solution to the collar conundrum, and most sewists have a plethora of bias tape in their collection, which makes the bias tape method very accessible.
For 12 inch dolls and smaller, I recommend using 1/4 inch folded bias tape, like the bias tape you see here:
For 12 inch to 17 inch dolls, you might want to use 1/2 inch bias tape. For 18 inch dolls and bigger, a full inch or 5/8 inch bias tape may work best, depending on the look you’re going for.
Be wary of using bias tape that’s too big for your doll. Instead of a garment that looks like it has a nice, finished edge, like the pajama top you see below:
you’ll end up with a garment that looks terribly uncomfortable on your doll:
Ugh! Who wants to sleep in that funky space suit? Not my Barbies!
But with bigger dolls, a bigger bias tape is acceptable.
If you’re not sure how to apply bias tape to a doll’s garment, I recommend that you revisit one or both of the following videos:
- My “How to Sew Bias Tape” video
- My “Make a Dress for Lottie Dolls” video
The methods used in the Lottie Doll dress video can be applied to lots of shirts and dresses for every size doll. But this could be tricky if you’re new to doll clothes alterations.
Of course my Creative Spark class, “How to Alter Doll Clothes Patterns” which is now live on the Creative Spark platform would give you all the background information you would need to adapt and alter your shirts and dresses.
Maybe you’re hesitant to invest in a course that you fear you may not have time to finish. If that’s the case, don’t worry! For any class on Creative Spark, once you’re signed up, you can take as long as you want to finish it. You’re not under pressure or a time constraint to finish your lessons. It’s all about YOU, and the amount of time you spend on your lessons is totally up to you.
You can just take your time and learn at the pace that suits you without ever having to pay a subscription fee or a secondary “late fee” because there’s no such thing on Creative Spark.
If you enjoyed today’s sewing tip for making doll clothes collars, and you’d like to see what other helpful doll clothes sewing tips I have offered on this website, please visit the “Helpful Tips” page.
And I have one more piece of advice to offer regarding doll clothes patterns… Most of the commercial patterns I display and talk about here on ChellyWood.com are also available for sale on eBay. However, if you’ve never purchased a pattern on eBay before, it’s a good idea to read the article I wrote called, “Tips for Buying Used Doll Clothes Patterns on eBay.” It will save you time, money, and will likely prevent buyer’s remorse.
And by the way, if you use the links I’ve provided to make your eBay purchase, this website will receive a small commission, which helps fund the ChellyWood.com website, so I can continue to provide you with all the free patterns and tutorial videos offered here.
Disclaimer/Credit/Affiliate Marketing Link:
*ChellyWood.com earns money by linking to JoAnn Fabrics, Amazon, eBay, Etsy, and other online affiliate programs. Links provided above may be affiliate links. For a full list of my affiliate programs, and to understand how cookies are used to help this website earn money, please see my “Privacy Policy” page.
Chelly Wood and the ChellyWood.com website are not affiliated with the pattern company or companies mentioned in this blog post, but Chelly finds inspiration in the doll clothes designed by these pattern companies. To purchase patterns from Simplicity, McCall’s, Butterick, Vogue, or other pattern companies shown and discussed in this blog post, please click on the links provided here. These links below the “Disclaimer” section do not help raise money for this free pattern website; they are only offered to give credit to the company that made these patterns.