The rules have changed for bloggers. When I first started this website, back in 2014 (yep, it has been 10 years), I could learn a lot about my followers from the analytics provided by my web hosting service. I knew how old they were, what part of the world they lived in, and whether they were male or female.
I could even see what search terms brought them to my website.
Back in those days, if I saw that people were searching for a “Barbie wedding gown,” I could design some wedding gown patterns and post them because I knew that was what everyone was looking for.
But legislation has passed to protect people’s right to privacy, and that’s a good thing. Back in the so-called “good ol’ days,” of blogging, bad people would gather information about you and sell it to the highest paying ad company — or to telephone marketers — or to only God knows whom.
So I’m glad we can choose our privacy settings today, but that does put blindfolders on honest bloggers like me, who really just wanted to know what all of you would like to learn from me.
I understand that 99% of the people who stumble across my website are actually looking for free doll clothes sewing patterns. I get that. It’s a no-brainer.
But who are you? What do you make/ sew/ sell/ create/ craft? Is there more I can offer?
So today’s blog post has a series of five questions I’d like to know the answer to. If you choose not to answer, that’s okay.
But if you do choose to answer, it will help me understand my audience better, and with that, I can try to make my blog posts more meaningful to a greater number of you.
Please do not feel obligated to answer all five questions. Just answer the ones you are most comfortable answering and/ or the ones that “float your boat,” so to speak.
Question #1: Why do you sew doll clothes?
Are you making doll clothes for your own children or grandchildren? Do you make doll clothes to sell them at outdoor craft fairs or in an online venue like Etsy?
Or perhaps you’re a serious adult doll collector who likes to display his/ her own dolls in curio cabinets. Or maybe you sew doll clothes to give to charities.
In the comments section at the bottom of this page, please let me know the purpose of your hobby and/ or business, so I can better understand the types of blog posts that might interest you.
Question #2: How would you rate your sewing skills?
Are you new to sewing? Or have you been sewing for many years? Or are you somewhere in-between?
If you are skilled at sewing, do you still enjoy my blog posts on sewing techniques/ sewing topics? Or do you skip over those blog posts?
Question #3: Where do you buy your sewing supplies?
Do you tend to buy your sewing supplies online? Or do you go into a brick-and-mortar store when you need things like rickrack trim or snaps?
If you buy online, do you have a favorite online store? And what items do you buy most frequently? Fabric? Snaps? Patterns?
What I’m getting at here, is this: should I offer more links to JoAnn’s Fabrics, Etsy, Amazon, or some other online store, for your convenience? And what items would you be willing to buy, using links provided by the ChellyWood.com website?
(When you buy sewing supplies using my links, the price isn’t marked up, but my website can earn a commission, so this is very helpful to know!)
Question #4: In addition to sewing doll clothes, what other crafty hobbies do you enjoy?
Do you crochet or knit doll clothes too? Do you make tiny doll quilts?
Do you build doll houses, dioramas, or doll furniture? Are you involved in the miniature collecting community?
With this question, I’m wondering if I should seek additional experts to interview on my website, for guest blog posts. So if you do any of these hobbies (or one that’s doll related but not mentioned above) would you be interested in doing a guest blog post?
Question #5: What are some topics you’d like me to cover in the blog posts?
I realize that most of you just come here for the free patterns, but (sadly) I don’t have time to create a new pattern for you every single day.
However, I do have many years of experience sewing for dolls. I’m happy to share my knowledge with you in these daily blog posts.
Feel free to offer criticism (posts you don’t find interesting and why) and suggestions (questions you have that you’d like me to answer or topics you’d like to see me write about).
I do hope every single person who reads this can take the time to leave a comment. Please don’t choose to not comment just because there are too many comments already.
I promise I’ll read each one!
Furthermore, I need to say that I was sick last week, so I’m struggling to keep up with the daily blog posts. I hope you’ll be forgiving if I re-post old content, to allow me time to catch up.
If you enjoyed this blog post, and you’d like to see my videos, you might want to navigate over to my YouTube channel, ChellyWood1 to look through my playlists.
If you would like to make a donation to this free doll clothes pattern website, please click here. There’s also a “Donate” button in the main menu.
For anyone who would like to expand their dolls’ wardrobes, you should really check out my “How to Alter Doll Clothes Patterns” course and my “Design Your Own Doll Pants Patterns from Scratch” classes on the Creative Spark online learning platform. Here’s my bio page on their website, where you can learn more.
For any class on Creative Spark, you don’t have to follow a schedule. Just sign up when you’re ready.
It’s a one-time fee for the course, and there’s no specific time limit to finish your course. You can just take your time and learn at the pace that suits you. So go check out my paid courses on Creative Spark, using this link.
As always, feel free to pin, like, or tweet about my free patterns and tutorials.
To read more about my free sewing patterns and tutorials, please visit the “Helpful Tips” page.
Disclaimer/Credit/Affiliate Marketing Link:
*Please note: when you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include Amazon, JoAnn Fabric, Etsy, and the eBay Partner Network. As an Amazon affiliate, I earn from qualifying purchases. To learn more about how my website uses affiliate marketing, please visit the website’s Privacy Policy page.
Chelly Wood and the ChellyWood.com website are not affiliated with any of the doll or toy companies mentioned in this blog post, but Chelly enjoys designing her doll clothes to fit a variety of dolls. To learn more about the doll companies mentioned in today’s post, please visit the doll or toy company’s website.
#1 I love making period doll clothes. I have satins and brocades left over from my theatre costuming period. I exhibit at KY State Fair, won many ribbons. I have been sewing for over 60 years. #3 WAWAK–prices can’t be beat–used as a costumer and continue for my home sewing (made over 3,000 masks for the pandemic), Etsy, Pixie Fair, and other period sites. #4 crochet, knitting, leatherwork, basketry, weaving resin, fine arts, flower arranging, etc. I love the Barbie and Ken patterns. Most of my dolls are 18 inch, but I am getting into 8 to 12 inch dolls, so I would like to see patterns for these sizes. I can make my own patterns but it saves time if I can find patterns that I want to make.
Kentucky State Fair? That’s awesome!
Since you both crochet and knit, may I ask you a question? Do you know of any websites that offer free knitting and crochet doll clothes patterns? I used to re-direct people to Stick-a-til Barbie, but they no longer run the site as an active “free pattern” site.
People sometimes reach out to me, asking where to find similar websites with free knitting and crochet patterns. I don’t really know where to send them anymore. Do you have any suggestions?
Thank you for taking the time to write an extensive and detailed response. I really appreciate it!
Personally, I mostly use Ravelry, which has a large database of knitting and crochet patterns. While it’s not specifically for doll clothes or free patterns, it has a good search function, as well as a way to save your favorite patterns.
Oooh! Thank you for the tip about Ravelry! Whenever people would ask me for crochet or knitting patterns for doll clothes, I used to send them to Stickatill Barbie, which is no longer available. However I’m under the impression that the person who was in charge of Stickatill Barbie is now the head honcho over at Ravelry.
So thank you for telling me about her new, pay-for-the-pattern website. It’s still an excellent resource to help people when they ask!
Hi, Chelly. I sew doll clothes not just for my own dolls, but I would like to sew for my nieces’ dolls as well as for other people. I buy my sewing supplies online and at brick and mortar stores. Lastly, I enjoy reading your blog posts and printing out your free doll clothes patterns. Thank you for keeping me educated and entertained since 2016 or ’17.
Oh wow! You’ve been following for that long? I am truly honored.
Thank you for taking the time to write a comment.
I’m a 73-year old grandmother who started sewing for her own kids and their dolls way back when. Then for my grandkids. I know this story is sounding a little cliche already.
Some 15 or maybe it was 20 years ago, a friend got me started on cleaning and dressing dolls for donating to charity. It felt good. Giving children nice dolls with combed hair and clothes instead of the naked, messed up ones they were used to getting. And that’s how I found you.
Looking for patterns for an odd sized doll. I have an impressive collection of fashion doll patterns but they wouldn’t work for a midsized toddler doll. But your patterns did. And I’ve been telling everybody I can about your site ever since. I’ve been sewing for over 50 years now and your site is a godsend for someone like me.
Thanks aren’t enough, I know, but I’m a retiree. When I win the lottery or publishers clearing house, you’ll get half. I know, not very likely. My kids and grandkids are grown now. And age is slowing me down more than I’d like, but I’m spreading the word. And when I find a $1 Chrissy at a yard sale, I know where I’ll find clothes patterns for her.
You are so very kind. I do want to make more Crissy doll clothes patterns! She’s such a lovely doll to dress.
Thank you so very much for spreading the word about my website. It helps a LOT!
I am 77 years old, been sewing most my life. I don’t think there is anything out of a textile I have not made, from shoes to food bar covers to axolotl costume and everything between.
Currently making Ken (Barbie) clothes
(6 Ken’s). I have 20 Barbies waiting for their turn I make them t shirt, jeans, pajamas, bathing suit, sport shirt, beach towel, blanket (or afghan), hoodie or knit sweater, and maybe another pants or shorts. Included in the box is a backpack with computer, extra shoes, ball or toy or food item, books and pencil. Barbie gets much the same but dress and fancy dress (not wedding). Except for jeans and bathing suits, no two are the same. All the dolls are of color, some with different physical challenges.Then I take them to the Boys and Girls club for Christmas gifts.
I’m thinking when this Barbie crowd is done, of switching to 18” dolls.
Since we live in a rural area, I get most the supplies online (Amazon) and my stash. I might go to JoAnn once in a while.
I also enjoy knitting, and machine embroidery. The above T-shirts have some embroidery on them. Some of the fancy dresses may have some kind of pattern on them also.
I used to see for my children ( now grown) and grandchildren (now fussy teenagers). Our cats don’t appreciate the pjs I made for them. When the scraps are too small for doll clothes they are used for quilts, beyond that they go to the fabric recycle at St Vinnies.
I was skeptical at first about your use of linings for the bodices and shirts, but after a few times appreciate them. They make an easier, nicer, and stronger edge. I use the machine and serger as much as possible.
I hope this helps in your view of a user of your patterns. Thank you for the basics.
What an extensive response! Thank you so much, Jo! You are amazing…
Your statement about “Our cats don’t appreciate the pjs I made for them” really hits home for me right now. My kitty had a medical issue recently, and because of that she had to be shaved. I was thinking about making her a sweater (she complains about being cold), but I’m afraid she’d be like your kitties… non-appreciative!
I do not recall how I got to you exactly but it was as a result of the puppetry course I started and looking how to put clothes on marionettes. Free patterns, yes, great, but even better are the paid classes as to how to work with those patterns.
To answer your list
Question #1: Why do you sew doll clothes?
It will be (yet to start) for my marionettes, though I have discovered they tend not to make complete costumes but for instance sleeves that are fastened at the top of the arm but not to the bodice which meets at the sleeve but is not attached. It is all about making sure the puppet can still move, so very light fabrics too.
Question #2: How would you rate your sewing skills?
Been a while. I was lucky to have sewing in school days. I own a sewing machine and know how it operates, hand sewing I’m not great at (too much of a perfectionists). Just need to practice.
Question #3: Where do you buy your sewing supplies?
For fabric I go through a bin of off cuts at a local fabric store and also an emporium we have here. Sometimes I get sewing gadgets through Aliexpress. I do find links helpful and sometimes I discover a new “toy” that way. I’m in New Zealand so links for places like Joan’s would not be of use to me but as I say the link may be as far as finding out about a new to me product I had not heard about.
Question #4: In addition to sewing doll clothes, what other crafty hobbies do you enjoy?
About to get started with marionette making, also wooden pendants for necklaces. There will be Papier Mache done in the process of the marionettes as well. Painting is another interest, again not yet done. I’m a sucker for researching all sorts of creative ideas and not doing any. I love seeing all sorts of crafts and in particular what could be considered the dying arts, for me, being Dutch born, clog making the traditional way is one of those.
Question #5: What are some topics you’d like me to cover in the blog posts?
The problem here is that you don’t know what you don’t know. I think no matter how much you know about something, to think you don’t need yet another class, book, or whatever other education, as you “already know it all”, is a HUGE mistake some people make. i always find no matter how many sessions I’ve had learning something, to the point where you feel you have it all covered, you still manage to learn something new every time.
General tips: Knowing your upcoming goals (“retiring”) I would focus on more paid classes, teaching techniques, small affordable individual classes rather than one big class with a big $ tag but small $ classes teaching a technique in each. Beginner/medium and advanced skill levels. From basic hand stitching in the various types to the most complicated thing you can think of. Emphasises on the differences sewing for puppets rather than people. Eg. Fabric choices.
People need to get over the idea that everything online should be free.
Thank you, Petrik, for all the great feedback here! This is a wellspring of information!
I do plan to make more classes — including smaller ones on specific topics — and I’m so glad you’re enjoying the one you’ve signed up for!
All the best wishes in your puppet-making adventures!
1. I sew for dolls as an adult collector. I don’t have fancy display cases or anything but I do like to display my dolls in places the cats can’t get to. I sew for American Girl primarily but also for BFC Ink, Les Cheries, Hearts for Hearts, Wellie Wisher, Barbie, Monster High… I want to sew for LOL OMG dolls and Rainbow High too but haven’t gotten around to it yet.
2. I would rate my sewing skills as intermediate based on Pixie Faire patterns. I’ve been sewing since Mama gave me a real needle at age 2 (I’m almost 40 now) but I’m still learning so much! To be honest I usually do skip the skills posts because they offer information I already know, but I always check the topic just in case.
3. I buy sewing supplies at brick and mortar stores. For knits I buy used clothing and upcycle. I don’t really feel a need for links but I guess they might be helpful for others.
4. I also crochet for dolls and am working on an American Girl-sized patchwork quilt. I’m just learning quilting. I want to knit doll clothe but my skills just aren’t there yet.
I do hand embroidery but have yet to combine it with sewing doll clothes.
5. I would love to see more LOL OMG patterns and patterns for Les Cheries dolls. I dislike using felt for small doll clothes even though it is easier so those patterns are ones I won’t be using.
I do plan to make a few more LOL OMG doll clothes patterns. I ran across my LOL doll at a second hand store, and I was very surprised by how much fun it was to sew and dress these dolls! (I guess they looked sort of one-dimensional when I first saw them online, but they’re really not.)
Wonderful feedback, Christie. Thank you so much!
Content suggestions and comments: I love your free patterns and tips for sewing with kids ie: use felt for no freying and less frustration. While I am an expert sewer, tiny doll clothes are different: machines like to swallow up tiny seam allowances and it’s hard to finish the insides of garments. Thanks for the work you do!
Sewing “machines like to swallow up tiny seam allowances…” — THEY DO INDEED!
Thank you, Brenda, for taking the time to leave a thoughtful comment. If you think of additional content suggestions, feel free to comment some more. I’m up for ideas!
Sometimes they are free on Pixie Faire, but lately you have to buy one to get a free pattern. If I come across any other site, I will let you know,
Okay. Good to know.
I am in a couple of Facebook groups with designers from Pixie Faire. I’ll chat with them.
You can usually get a single hole face plate for your type machine. If you have a zig zag machine, don’t forget to change back to your regular face plate, or else you will break needles. Sewing Parts on Online usually carry parts in all brands and models.
Ugh! I hate when my needle breaks!
Sewing Parts Online… I will make a note of that. I usually buy parts from a local sewing machine store (the one where my husband bought my Viking), but they haven’t been carrying a few of the things I’ve needed/wanted lately. So it’s good to hear about an online source that you can trust!
Some sites on Etsy have outdated crochet and knitting patterns for Barbie and Ken that you can download. These are the same patterns that I have from the 60’s and 70’s. The charge is minimal. I also do millinery work–I had to learn as I went when I costumed our award winning high school theatre. I can make Native American war bonnets to making layered metallic plate costumes for Beauty and the Beast. I’ve made Lord of the Rings capes for a wedding for one of my theatre students. I’ve altered a wedding dress by adding more and more crinoline under the dress as I could not hem it and it had to be shortened by 3 inches. I can make my own patterns and alter any pattern to fit other sizes. 15 years as a costumer gives me many, many skills.
Good heavens! That’s quite a resume! I’m flabbergasted.
It sounds like I could learn a lot from you!
1. I sew doll clothes to cover my dolls’ nakedness and also to make specific clothes for dollhouse dioramas.
2. I am able to mend and sew simple patterns by hand and machine. I have made some clothes for myself. I don’t like to do fiddly things like buttonholes.
3. I pick up material, trim, etc., at my local thrift shop.
4. I have a dollhouse that I decorate differently each month. This involves buying and making some furnishings and getting double duty out of various types of figurines and dolls.
5. Some simple playclothes patterns for vintage dolls, such as Patsy Anne would be helpful. Also, more simple patterns for smaller dolls (e.g. 6 inch dolls and ball joint dolls).
I love your idea of decorating a dollhouse a little differently each month. How fun!
I do have quite a selection of 6 inch Topper Dawn / Palitoy Pippa doll clothes patterns and tutorials that are lined up, waiting their turn to become blog posts in the near future. Hopefully those will be helpful to you.
I don’t own any true BJD’s yet, but I really want to! They’re so lovely to see in photographs!
Wow lots of responses!
1. I too sew to cover doll nakedness lol but I have 4 granddaughters as well. My favorite size is the 13 inch cuties I have found mainly naked at thrift stores. Glitter Girls, wellie wishers, Paola Reina. I do collect others mostly for myself.
2. I’ve been sewing since before I remember. My mom, grandma, and great-grandma were quilters and genius seamstresses. I’m no genius, but I have everybody’s machines from treadle to vintage Singer, to my computer driven Janome. I’ve drafted a few adult size patterns and a few doll ones. I hope to try one of your classes.
3. For doll clothes, I use the good parts of old clothes, thrifted clothes, and occasional pieces from Joann’s or Walmart, or wherever I can … I worked in a quilt store, so… I don’t buy much. Except velcro. I have generations of buttons, etc. And trims! I did buy some mini lace, and elastic, since generational elastic doesn’t work well 🙃
4.crafts, you name it, I probably tried it. I have enjoyed a wide variety.
5. Topics. I enjoyed your Black history series. I have a few around the world type dolls, that would be interesting, and maybe, for example, a Scottish kilt for Ken 😆
And for Itty bitty seams, try sewing with a coffee filter (iron it first) under your seams. It rips away easily. Copy paper also works, but harder to separate. Works for me.
What a great response! Thank you, Linda!
I’m glad you liked the Black History Month series. I have thought about doing more like that. I also find traditional clothes from around the world very interesting to study.
Sewing with paper… Hmmm… I’ve done that when making a doll’s wig or yarn hair for a doll. I think I’ll need to explore this topic quite a bit on my own before I’ll feel confident about adding a new blog post on this. I have some soft-bodied doll designs in the works, so it’s quite possible that I’ll give your coffee filters a try in the coming months when I create their hair.
About a year ago, my husband and I bought a new coffee pot that doesn’t require coffee filters, and I kept the filters. So that’s perfect!
Does sewing on paper help move the fabric when working with slippery stuff like nylon and satin? Is it easier to work with than a walking foot? I’m just curious.
Thanks for the ideas!
1. I sew for my family, not just dolls outfits, but fancy dress costumes and clothes
2. I’ve been sewing since school and now just turned 60. I’ve always had a sewing machine and the latest is computerised, so a lot of new techniques to learn.
3. I’m in the North East of England so am lucky enough to have a local store called Boyes which sells lots of ribbons, buttons and material.
4. Crafts, I have tried many, however I return to sewing, knitting and crochet.
5. I have no ideas to add I just enjoy seeing your posts. I would think once per week rather than daily would be a great way of giving us something and yourself time to create.
You’re in the north eastern part of England… Which county? Northumberland? Yorkshire? County Durham?
My husband and I watch Escape to the Country re-runs on YouTube almost every night. We love that show! My favorite presenter is Nikki Chapman. (She dresses like a Barbie doll!)
Recently an English fabric and crafts company reached out to me, to see if I’d like to add them to my affiliate marketing program. They’re called Minerva Crafts. Have you heard of them? If I add them to my links, folks who live in the UK will find shipping less expensive, I believe. What are your thoughts…?
Thanks for contributing to the conversation! I’m learning a lot!
Hi Chelly,. As you know I do not sew but enjoy seeing your creations and information.
I make my minis and sell shoes and such for Barbies. I had a lady who saved 10% since she mentioned you before check out. So hope you are feeling better. And thank you so much for all your information.
I’m definitely feeling better. Thank you Dodi.
And thanks for adding to the comments!
First of all I love your website and the free patterns. Someday when I can I will take your courses. For now I am in Quarantine and trying to stay healthy. I have been diagnosed with Colon Cancer and a hereditary syndrome that runs in my mothers lineage. I was taught to sew my dolls their clothes when I was a child. I am above 70 years old, retired and I love to sew doll clothes today. I LOVE YOUR E-MAILS. So to your questions. #1 I have been a professional oral traditional storyteller for over 24 years. I use sock puppets in some of my stories and others purchased puppets and puppets like dolls need clothes. I also paint glass jars as gifts. See tabs on Storyhub.com, our website.
2. I am a medium skilled at sewing but love sewing when I can get down to it.
3. I purchase through my rag bags a lot, or online Amazon, Walmart, Jo Ann’s Fabrics (is great for teddy bear fur), and sometimes friends who know me well enough dump used stuffed animals and cloth and etc. on me.
4. I have directed and written several short films, coached youthful voices, I have made my own costumes and love making dolls which I just started doing.
5. Some day I hope to take your courses. Just not yet because of health issues. We are still fighting just to keep the “good” days in the majority.
6. I know there is no question #6. But I love your encouragement and all you do. You are so creative. Thank you.
First, Susan, I wish you the very best of health. Bless you.
Second, thank you for contributing to the dialog here.
I, too, have been trying to make my own dolls, but with limited success.
I visited the website Storyhub.com, and I’m guessing you’re “Storyteller Susan” on the site. You have a remarkable background in this skill! Keep up the good work!
Hi, I just found your blog today. I liked this blog and thought it would be fun to answer your questions and contribute to the conversation.
1. I see doll clothes because it’s fun. I did make one of my dolls and myself matching outfits recently.
2. My sew skills are not great. I’m self taught and it shows.
3. I love to source as many of my supplies for free. I do that on Marketplace, at my local reuse center and from friends. I am an upcycled and often use my own clothes for fabric for doll clothes.
4. I have a lot of hobbies that bring me joy. I like to make jewelry for my dolls from vintage jewelry,I make horror dolls, junk journals and thrift flip.
5. As this is the first blog I’ve read I don’t know what I want you to cover but I will read through your blogs to see what you have covered.
Thank you
Thanks for contributing to the conversation, Angela, and welcome to my website!
I see your username is “Angela Afterlife.” Are you a near-death experiencer? Just curious…
Not in the way I think you mean.
1. I mostly sew for my own collection of dolls. I have a decent number of Barbie and Monster High dolls, but my main focus currently is vinyl BJDs like Dollfie Dream and Smart Doll. While they’re quite a different size from most of the dolls on your site (they’re more comparable to Tonner fashion dolls, but closer to 24″ tall) some of the larger patterns can be adapted for them. I also just like looking at patterns and seeing how things are made, even if I don’t plan to sew them myself.
2. I have a decent amount of sewing experience, but my knowledge of hand sewing is somewhat limited, and I’ve found that sometimes it can be faster than trying to get my sewing machine to behave for tiny pieces. So I appreciate the hand sewing tutorials a lot.
3. I prefer to buy fabric in person, so I can see the weight and scale of the pattern for myself. I usually go to local craft stores like Joann, or buy used clothes to upcycle at Goodwill. For doll-scale notions, I tend to use Etsy.
4. Recently I’ve learned to crochet, and have been making items for my dolls with that. I also customize my dolls by rerooting their hair and sometimes repainting them.
5. Personally, I find the comparisons between different dolls, such as vintage and modern Skipper and Stacie dolls, to be some of the most interesting.
This is all very helpful information. Thank you for letting me know more about you, as a member of my reading audience.
I hope other people join the discussion, so I can get a well-rounded picture of what people like to read about on the blog. It helps me plan for the year ahead, as I move forward.
Your feedback is deeply appreciated, Elizabeth! Have a fantastic day…