Chibi Jack Instructions
Basic Sewing Techniques for Doll Making
Thurs, 29 Mar, 2007
Lee Thompson-Herbert
Check if the pattern assumes stretch or non-stretch fabric. Unbleached muslin is the traditional non-stetch fabric, but make sure that what you buy isn't too thin. It needs to stand up to the strain of being stuffed and played with later. When marking patterns, don't use a ballpoint pen, the ink will run and stain. Buy a pencil or marker meant for fabric. Disappearing marker is best, but remember that you must sew and cut the pattern pieces within 48 hours if you're going to use that option.
Lay out your pattern pieces on a doubled or folded piece of fabric (check your instructions). Many doll patterns provide you with [b]tracing templates[/b], that is, there's no seam allowance. You trace around the edge of the pattern piece, then trace a second line about 1/4 inch outside the first to obtain your seam allowance. This gives you both a [i]cutting guide[/i] (the outside line) and a [i]sewing guide[/i] (the inside line). Don't cut out your pattern pieces yet, just pin the doubled layers of fabric together so the pieces don't move.
When you've sewn all the pieces on a sheet, flip it over and sew every piece again, using your stitching as a guide. It's okay to sew slightly outside your previous line, but try and stay as close as possible. You're trying to reinforce the seam and make it as tight as possible so no stuffing fibres will push their way out later.
Paint around the cutting guide line of all pieces with Fray Check and let dry, then cut out the pieces.
You're going to stuff the pieces with polyfill or wool batting. A good tool to have at this point is a large, thin, blunt object to help you push the stuffing into small crevices. Favored tools among dollmakers are chopsticks, large knitting needles (smaller ones have too much risk of putting a hole in the fabric), long-shafted screwdrivers, and various commercial "stuffing forks" or stuffing tools. You'll need some sort of stuffing tool, a spool of strong thread that matches your doll's fabric (I like to use button twist or upholstry fabric), and a fairly strong needle (I've found that a curved needle is useful too), whatever you're using for joints, Fray Check, 1 pair of very sharp scissors for fabric (never cut paper with these),1 pair of sharpish scissors for paper, straight pins, and a fabric marking pen. Remember that "disappearing" ink pens must be marked and used within 48 hours. Twill tape in white or dyed to match your fabric color in 1/4" or 3/8" width is also useful for finishing certain edges and reinforcing joints, and 1/8" white grosgrain ribbon (not satin, it shreds too easily) also comes in handy.
You'll also need 1 to 1-1/2 bags of polyfill stuffing (depends on how hard you stuff the doll). You want the loose stuff that comes in a bag, not the roll stuff that quilters use (batting). High loft is better. Really high-end teddy bears and dolls use wool stuffing, but I've never been able to afford that. The advantage is that wool does not compress, bunch or break down the way polyfill does.
Fabric paint, fabric markers, or acid-free gel pens for drawing the face. I use FabricMate dye markers and So Soft textile paints on my dolls' faces. Remember to use non-toxic materials for dolls that are meant as toys. Since the face is contoured, it will be difficult to use a simple iron-on transfer. You'd have to break the features up and apply them separately after the head has been completely stuffed.
Whatever you're going to use as an option for hair. I'm going to show how to make braided yarn cord that looks a lot like dreadlocks. It can either be made by hand or with a handy-dandy gadget that I'll demonstrate that cuts down production time to about 1/4 of the time and a lot less of the effort. Depending on how realistic a color mix you want in the hair, you may end up buying anywhere from 2 to 4 balls of mohair-blend yarn.
Beads. I have a sheet you can print out that will help you hunt for specific beads at your local bead and craft shops.
Decide if you want to make a simple ragdoll or a jointed doll.
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