Doll clothes patterns can be confusing when it comes to achieving a proper fit. The first thing I discovered when I started sewing for my American Girl dolls is that not all 18-inch doll bodies are the same size. That means your doll clothes patterns require small adjustments and alterations to fit each doll. So, lets look at several different dolls and compare their body sizes.
The dolls shown in the photo above are (left to right):
- Lindsey, a Springfield Collection doll
- Julie, an American Girl doll made in 2008
- Girlz, a Madame Alexander doll
- A German doll made by Heidi Ott
- Kaya, an American Girl doll made in 2002
As a group, these dolls appear to be very similar. However, there are slight differences, even among American Girl dolls that will affect the fit of the doll clothes patterns. Because the 18-inch dolls have cloth bodies that are made by humans in sewing factories, quality control is sometimes an issue. I had to return my first Julie doll to the American Girl store. Her head was not attached halfway between her shoulders, but was mounted closer to one of her arms. Her body looked distorted, especially in a short-sleeved top. My point is… Even among the dolls made by one manufacturer, there are variations in body size. Sometimes seamstresses take larger seams, causing the bodies to be smaller. They may use more or less stuffing, which will change the size of the doll’s waistline. If the doll is not stuffed tightly enough, it will be difficult for her to stand on her own. She’ll need a doll stand, like the one shown in the photo above.
I have two American Girl dolls: Julie, made in 2008 and Kaya, made in 2002. Kaya, the older doll, is shorter. Much of this height difference is because the 2002 doll’s neck is considerably shorter than the 2008 doll’s neck. Although they’re different heights, it isn’t much of a fitting problem because the length of the neck doesn’t really affect the fit of the doll clothes patterns.
But, if you look closer at the photo, you’ll notice Kaya’s thighs are larger than Julie’s. This can be frustrating when they’re sharing doll clothes, like tight pants.
So, if you’re sewing for more than one doll, or you’re making doll clothes to sell, consider how the doll clothes will fit the different body types. Before you start sewing, you need to know how to adjust your doll clothes patterns to fit a variety of 18-inch dolls.
In the next blog post, we’ll look at three of the most popular 18-inch play dolls:
- American Girl dolls
- Gotz ‘Precious Day Collection’
- Madame Alexander ‘Girlz’
I’ll compare their exact body measurements to give you the information you’ll need to start adjusting your doll clothes patterns for a perfect fit.
November 7th, 2008 at 3:51 pm
First time on your site. I love the posts and the patterns – they are so cute.
November 18th, 2008 at 12:59 pm
Would love to try and make 18″ doll clothes for my granddaughter for Christmas. I see you may have some free patterns. Would like to try first, not used to making “small” clothes. If I can do okay, would like to get your book or books. Anything I can try from your website or blog?
Thanks, Penny
January 19th, 2009 at 2:48 pm
Hey! I saw your patterns and I really like them! Cute! But do you have any online that I could look at? Thanks!
P.S. Email me at i8chocolate3@live.com. Thanks!
February 12th, 2009 at 3:15 pm
The hobo bag will be on the site soon. Watch the homepage for a sign up form. When you sign up, I’ll email it to you as a FREE gift.
I’ll also be adding patterns of complete outfits, for sale soon, including accessories; like boots, hats, purses, etc.
Peggy
May 12th, 2009 at 4:34 pm
I would like to know where you are getting the Madame Alexander dolls. We got one at Costco last Christmas and I’m unable to find a retailer in the Coeur’d Alene, ID, area. We have a Madame Alexander and another 18″ doll from ShopKo “Our Generation” and yes the clothes are a little tighter on the ShopKo doll. Thank you for the info!
May 12th, 2009 at 7:43 pm
Hi Debbie,
I got my three Madame Alexander dolls at Costco too. I’ve seen both Madame Alexander and Gotz dolls at Tuesday Morning. They have a store on Appleway Ave. near you. They used to sell beautiful dolls on a website, but I don’t remember the web address. If you phone the store, they can probably help you. Have you searched Google for Madame Alexander?
Peggy
June 18th, 2009 at 11:27 am
Hi
I’m interested to know what the measurements are for the Springfield Collection Dolls. I’m having a replica of my wedding dress made to fit. I don’t have the doll yet, so I can’t get her measured. Thanks!
September 10th, 2009 at 6:17 pm
i want an american girl doll and i was wondering if there were any in good condition that was around 50 dollars since we cant afford one for 100 dollars i like emily, kit, and julie but any would be fine i hope i find one
bye
September 10th, 2009 at 6:33 pm
Avery,
I purchased an American Girl doll on Ebay for under $50 last year. The doll was in excellent condition, but her wig required lots of work. It still doesn’t look like a new doll.
Madame Alexander Girlz (the doll with brown hair in the “headband” blog post) and Gotz dolls are both around $30-40. They’re very pretty too.
Peggy
September 22nd, 2009 at 10:35 pm
there is a madam alexander store in 131 and 12th ave in manhattan ny their 18″ dolls cost only $25 and in my opinion the dolls look just as good or better than a pricey american girl doll the store sells whole sale it is in a factory so it is not retail pricing
November 7th, 2009 at 10:30 am
Madame Alexander now has an 18″ vinyl doll for sale at Walmart. Haven’t purchased one yet, but want to.
January 31st, 2010 at 8:52 pm
I love the free hobo bag pattern. I made one out of light weight denim jeans.It turned out really cute especially after I ironed on some stones. The money is such a kick.
)Thanks for your generosity. I’m anxious for you to have a pattern for the crochet slippers.