I’m often asked where to find small-scale materials and supplies to use when sewing doll clothes patterns. For example, it’s difficult to find light-weight ribbed knit trim to use on the cuffs and waistbands of your doll’s hoodie. The adult-sized trim looks too bulky on your American Girl, or other 18 inch doll.
Find used baby clothes in good condition, and recycle the ribbed knit trim:
Try this idea. Go to your local thrift store and look for infant clothing. Babies outgrow their clothes so fast, it’s easy to find outfits in great condition. Many show very little wear and are very inexpensive. Recycle the baby clothes by removing the ribbed knit trim from the sleeves and around the neck. Then reuse the baby’s knit trim for your doll clothes patterns. The buttons on baby clothes also work perfectly for dolls.
One of the secrets to maintaining a great source of materials is to go to the thrift store often. Get to know the people who work there, and let them know what you’re doing. Tell them you’re always looking for baby clothes with white knit trim, …or whatever colors you use most. As they get to know you, they’ll start setting things aside for you. You’ll soon have all the supplies you need for your doll clothes patterns.
May 10th, 2009 at 4:37 pm
Love the play money! Thanks. We are printing it out now… it’s always great to find sites like yours.
June 18th, 2009 at 1:02 pm
Thank you so much, spent the afternoon printing and cutting the play money. Now on to making the Hobo bag….my granddaughters will love it!! Thanks for this website that I just found with all the great ideas and hints. Now that my granddaughters have an American Doll each..it is time for me to sew clothes.
August 20th, 2009 at 1:00 pm
love the play money I’m going to make the hobo bag. I had gone to arts craft
show last week my granddaughter saw all the clothes made for american girl dolls I looke at the clothes adn knew if I could find patterns I could make them much cheaper then they were selling. I went home and found this web site. Now I’m going to make doll dresses for my two granddaughters who have 6 american girl dolls between them.
August 27th, 2009 at 2:40 am
You can find the white ribbed knit at JoAnn stores and usually the off white too. But the colors are hard to match.
October 7th, 2009 at 3:51 pm
Where can i find small lace and eyelet trims for doll clothes. I am having a hard time finding some.Thanks
Pat
October 9th, 2009 at 12:18 am
Pat,
Rip them off of used baby clothes and recycle them. Look in fabric stores, like Joann Fabrics. You can also do a Google search for tiny materials, zippers, lace, etc.
Peggy
October 22nd, 2009 at 11:45 am
Thanks for the cute hobo bag pattern and play money! I’m getting set for Christmas early!!
Also thanks for the tip about used baby clothes. T-shirt material and rib knit is difficult to find this year.
October 25th, 2009 at 7:56 pm
I LOVED your pattern for the Hobo Bag. I just got finished designing a wallet for it. Is any one interested in the pattern?
My granddaughter will get her doll for Christmas. Even though she went to Chicago to pick it out.
She left the doll with me so I could make a new wardrobe for it. Guess I know what I will be doing till Xmas.
Does anyone have any other patterns that we can exchange?
October 29th, 2009 at 9:08 am
Thanks so much for the hobo bag pattern, and now the money to go in it…I am starting on my granddaughters Christmas presents. I also liked your tip on using old t-shirts for tops, etc. Last year I “looked” carefully at a boughten pair of panties and made my own for their dolls. FUN!
November 15th, 2009 at 5:03 pm
I have one pattern that calls for a 6″ front zipper but only on the top bodice, not the full lenth of the top. Where would I find such a small zipper?
November 21st, 2009 at 2:22 pm
I have a doll named malary. I have a room for her too. I sighned up on you website a few days ago and I am just dieing to get the email.
great ideas! Malary will be happy!
November 21st, 2009 at 2:24 pm
Have you ever herd of our generation dolls? That is the kind of doll I have.
November 21st, 2009 at 2:33 pm
Does anyone know how to make more doll purse stuff?
December 4th, 2009 at 1:36 pm
Brenda;
I would love to have the pattern for the wallet you designed. I’m making the hobo bag this weekend. I just found this site myself and am new to making doll clothes but am very flattered that my daughter-in-law asked to make some.
Peggy,
Thanks so much for sharing what you have. I’m hoping there will be more updates in the future.
December 16th, 2009 at 6:39 am
Thanks for this adorable hobo bag pattern and the play money. Can’t wait to make this for my granddaughter! Any patterns for Bitty Twins Boy? Love your site.
December 16th, 2009 at 4:16 pm
Sorry Judy, no Bitty Boy patterns yet. Maybe in the future.
Peggy
December 16th, 2009 at 4:20 pm
Note to Joyce (above) – For tiny zippers, go to TinyZippers.com
Peggy