I received an enquiry from Yvette who was desperate to solve a problem she was having.

‘HELP. I just started trying to make doll clothes. I am using 10 oz cotton Lycra blend for this dress. My question is how do you apply Velcro to the back of the dress without a pucker? I do not want to cut the dress ALL the way down in order to get a flush or flat seam. I have just 2 seams down the two sides of the dress and wanted to keep it that way. Can you help? I have been trying to figure this out for 2 weeks. Thank you, Yvette’

Well, I wasn’t entirely sure what Yvette was referring to when she mentioned the ‘pucker’ so replied with suggestions on how to prevent stretching when sewing on stretch fabric. But I missed her point altogether.  What she really wanted to do is to cut the fabric part way down the back and attach Velcro so that it joins back together just the way it was before the cut.

No problem, the solution is:

1. Cut the fabric down the length that you require the opening to be.

2. Take a 1 inch (2.5cm) wide Velcro strip and cut it the length that you want it. It must be long enough to go just a little below your cut in the fabric.  Now take the hook side and cut it lengthwise down the middle so that you have a piece the same length as the loop side but half the width.

3. Attach the hook strip of Velcro to the wrong side of the fabric on one side of the opening ensuring that it extends below the cut in the fabric.

I have used a dark colored thread so you can clearly see where I have stitched, normally I would use white on the Velcro side and a color to match the fabric on the other side.

4. Attach the loop side of the Velcro strip to the hook side with the excess Velcro hanging over the cut edge of the fabric.

5. Close the fabric so that the two edges are together and stitch the loop side of the Velcro to the other side of the opening. 

This may be a little tricky if the garment is small. If that is the case stitch the loop side of the Velcro to the other side of the fabric without it being fastened to the hook side.  Then close the Velcro together ready for the next step.

6. Stitch across the bottom of the closed Velcro strips several times i.e. forward, back and forward again just like when you secure the end of stitching on a seam. This will provide extra strength to the bottom of the cut to prevent it from being stretched when opening the garment to dress and undress the doll.

7. This photo shows the right side of the fabric. You can see that I have used Fabric Solvy to prevent the fabric from stretching as I attach the Velcro.  I will now go and wash it away.

8. This shows the right side with the Fabric Solvy washed off.

9. Now you can open and close the slit and there is no overlap or pucker.

‘OHH….You got it. You are smart. Thank you so much for responding to me. I was stuck until this was figured out. I can’t thank you enough. Have A great day!’

Looks like that was the solution Yvette was looking for…..Yay!

This will only work with fabric that doesn’t fray, such as Lycra, Polar Fleece, or knit and I can see it being used at the back of a leotard or swimming costume.

This technique of attaching Velcro is also handy when you have made a dress that has turned out too small in the bodice to allow for the overlap. By attaching the Velcro in this manner on to the back of the finished bodice you get a little over ½’ (12mm) extra to play with and this may be just enough to allow the dress to be worn by your doll and not thrown away in disappointment.

Hope this tip helps someone else too and remember, I have other great Velcro tips in my How to Make Doll Clothes video course.

If you have a special tip that you have discovered, please feel free to share it here as we’d all like to hear it too!

Happy sewing

Since producing my Learn to Love Your Serger (Overlocker) online course, I have received a number of enquiries about them and this one from Nellie covered most questions so I thought I would share my reply with you all just in case some of you have wondered the same thing.

‘How important is a serger? I’ve sewn for a long time. I’ve never owned or operated a serger. I’m planning on making doll clothes to sell. What is the best one? Also, is it worth the extra for money for automatic threading?’

Following is part of my reply to Nellie.

….When I started selling doll clothes I was the same, I had sewn for years and never owned a serger, or overlocker as we call them here in Australia. Then I decided I wanted my doll clothes to look more professional so purchased a second-hand three thread serger which would allow me to finish the seams more professionally rather than just doing a zigzag stitch. Oh my gosh! I loved how fast it was and how good my sewing looked and also how easy it was to use the rolled hem – oh I could do so much with this rolled hem! Then as I got busier I decided to purchase a 4 thread serger so that I could do the seam and finish the edges in the one step saving me heaps of time. Well I have never looked back. I absolutely love my serger and couldn’t live without it now. I don’t usually use it in my videos as I want people to know how to make the outfit completely on the sewing machine – not everyone has the money to purchase a serger or has the desire to own one, they just want to learn how to sew or make some doll clothes.

It’s difficult for me to tell you which machine is the best one to purchase as we all have different expectations and requirements. If you can borrow a machine from a friend to try it out before buying, that would be ideal. Or if you have a dealer close by, perhaps you could take some time to visit them in person to try their different machines. I use a Janome My Lock 644d and it has been a great machine. It does a lot of work and has rarely given me any problems over the years.

You really don’t need to thread the machine that often as you cut the threads, tie on the new ones, release the tension and pull the new threads through. If you do get a tangle or broken thread (it does happen occasionally) this machine is really not that hard to re thread so I don’t believe that it is worth the extra money for one that threads automatically. My Mum actually bought a Baby Lock Imagine Jet Air Threader overlocker after I raved about mine so much and she agrees that she really didn’t need to spend the extra money.

When you purchase your machine, ask the staff to show you how to use it as you often pick up some great tips from them quickly. There is lots of helpful info in the manual that comes with the machine and I think I even got a DVD with mine. Otherwise you may be interested in doing my Learn to Love Your Serger online course as it covers the basics as well as showing more advanced techniques that can be done with a serger……

I hope this is helpful and if you have any advice to share with Nellie, please feel free to leave a comment below.

Happy sewing

I am so thrilled to release my wonderful new Drop Waist Dress 5 Ways pattern for the 18 1/2 inch Cabbage Patch Kids. As the name indicates, this is a versatile pattern and can be made at least 5 different ways.

Start with the sleeveless option without a collar, then add the ruffled skirt and you’ll have a pretty dress done in no time at all.

Want a little more style? Simply add the collar. When the weather turns a little cooler, make the dress with the sleeves. Then for something totally different swap the ruffled skirt for some pleats.

Start with the sleeveless option without a collar, then add the ruffled skirt and you’ll have a pretty dress done in no time at all.

Want a little more style?  Simply add the collar.  When the weather turns a little cooler, make the dress with the sleeves.

Then for something totally different swap the ruffled skirt for some pleats.

As you can see this pattern is fantastic value with so many options included.

I’d love to hear what other variations you create with this pattern so please share in the comments below and send me a photo. Get your Drop Waist Dress 5 Ways Pattern for 18 ½ inch Cabbage Patch Kids dolls now and start sewing these gorgeous dresses today.

Happy sewing

YES! I am so thrilled to release my wonderful new Drop Waist Dress 5 Ways pattern for the 18 inch and American Girl size dolls. As the name indicates, I show you how to make this super cute pattern 5 different ways.

Funny thing is, as I’m writing this blog I’m thinking, ‘Wouldn’t it look gorgeous as a full-length evening gown AND with a layered skirt too!’ Oh well, they’re easy adjustment that you can make by adding extra to the length of the skirt or adding an additional longer layer, or shorter layer.

This all means that this pattern is awesome value and you can create many more than the 5 variations that I show you.

It sure was a major task planning and getting all the video instructions in just the right order to cover all the different variations included in this pattern but I’m thrilled with the final result and I’m sure you will be too.

Because of its design, this pattern also looks great on other 18 inch dolls that are a little slimmer than the American Girl doll. As you can see from the photo above, it fits the shorter 17 inch Original Baby Born doll too! And as with all my 18 inch American Girl patterns, this pattern includes alternative cutting line for the 20 inch Australian Girl doll.

‘Sew’ get your Drop Waist Dress 5 Ways Pattern for 18 inch and American Girl dolls today and start creating a gorgeous dress or 2, or 3, or 4, or 5, or…….

Happy sewing

When I first did my underpants pattern, lingerie elastic was not readily available in stores in Australia, so I did the pattern using plain 1/8 inch (3mm) braided elastic that can be easily purchased. Now when you go into the fabric store, Spotlight here in Australia or Joann’s in America, you can find lovely lingerie elastic in a variety of colours, you know the pretty stuff with the little scallops along the edge.

So when I was asked a question about substituting this pretty elastic on my panties pattern, I thought the best way to explain it was to do a quick video.  I figured there might be other people who are interested in doing this too so I’m sharing that video in this blog but I’ve also written some instructions to fill in any gaps as the video is only brief.

Do I have to alter the pattern?  You need to cut a little off the pattern because you won’t be folding it over the elastic.  Depending on how much coverage you want the underpants to have you may want to remove ¼ inch from along the top of both the front and back and around the leg holes or leave them to come higher up and just remove the ¼ inch from around the leg holes.

How much elastic do I need?  My best guide is to stretch the elastic out until the scallops are ‘flat’.  With the edges of the elastic and the fabric together attach with some forward and reverse stitches and with the needle down, stretch the elastic out until the scallops are flat and lay over the fabric.

I would have the edge of the fabric just below the scallops so you don’t see it through the scallops.

What stitch do I use?  Because you are stretching the elastic out before attaching it, you can use a straight stitch and I would suggest something at least 3.5 in length because when you relax the elastic, these stitches shrink right up and look super tiny.  Some knit fabrics tend to roll at the edges, this depends a great deal on the quality, and to prevent this from happening you may like to attach the elastic using a zig zag stitch.  I would suggest something about 3.5 in length and 2.5 in width, but you can use whatever you prefer.

Do I need to overcast the raw edges before attaching the elastic? No you don’t have to because knit fabric does not fray, however some knits do unravel if pulled excessively and if you were worried about this happening I would just use a zig zag stitch when attaching the elastic.  If you have a serger (overlocker) and are selling the underpants, you may like to finish off the edges with a three thread serge just to give it a professional look but this is not necessary.  The panties to the right show the edges are unfinished.

My Underpants pattern is one of the bonus patterns that come free with my How to Make Doll Clothes Video course or you can purchase the 18 inch and American Girl size underpants, or 18 ½ inch Cabbage Patch Kids size underpants separately.

Please take a few moments to watch my short video and let me know how you go if you try this on your underpants.

Happy sewing

Things have been a little crazy at my house lately. Firstly, there was the arrival of my first grandchild…. yes, little Lachlan graced us with his presence in early February and is keeping his mum and dad on their toes! And then my darling daughter has packed up and will leave for New Zealand tomorrow where she and her boyfriend are having a ‘gap year’. Although everything will be exciting and new for them, I’m going to miss her terribly!

So to help celebrate the ‘coming’ and take my mind off the ‘going’ of special people in my life, I’ve decided to continue the tradition of March Madness. This means you get a crazy 20% off everything storewide for the whole month of March! Yep, 20% off ALL 18 inch and American Girl doll clothes patterns, 20% off ALL 18 ½ inch Cabbage Patch doll clothes patterns AND 20% off ALL courses! That’s right, you can Learn to Love Your Serger for as little as US$17.55 OR Learn How to Make Doll Clothes and get 8 free doll clothes patterns to get you started from just $US29.60!

With Easter upon us next month, that gives you plenty of time to make some gorgeous new doll clothes to give as Easter gifts instead of, or as well as, the traditional chocolate eggs. So start shopping now and save yourself 20%!
Remember to use coupon code Madness during checkout. Offer expires midnight March 31, 2019.

Happy sewing

Many of you have let me know how much you love my videos (thank you) and so I’m pretty sure what I’m about to share will make your experience viewing these videos even better!

Some time ago a new feature was introduced to online videos that allows the viewer (that’s you) to watch the video at a faster speed or a slower speed and still hear the voice.  This allows you better control so you can, for example, move quickly over a section you understand and then when you need to pay closer attention again, you can slow it back down to normal speed or even half speed.  This is much better than skipping along the video because you really don’t know what you’ve missed or where to start again.

Anyway, because this feature was not available when we did many of our older videos, Brad has gone back over ALL my videos and updated them so that this feature is now available on every single one.  And being the sweetie that he is, he even offered to do a video to show you how to use this and many other features when playing my videos.

So take it away Brad…..

If you ever need reminding of how to use these features and can’t find this blog, we have added a link to it in our Frequently Asked Questions page.

Happy viewing and sewing

Wow, the 18 inch and American Girl version of my new Strappy Dress pattern has been proving super popular, so I’m thrilled to have it now available in the 18 ½ inch Cabbage Patch Kids size. 

This pattern is super easy to sew and will certainly keep your dolls nice and cool in the hot summer months.  It can be worn with or without a belt and you can change the look of the dress by simply moving the elastic from just under the breast, which gives it the ‘Baby Doll’ look, to around the waist for a more traditional look.

I have also included options for making it with or without the trim along the bottom, using contrasting fabric for the strap and provided a bonus cutting line so you can make a top too!

The flexible design of this pattern means that it will fit a large variety of dolls without altering the pattern or resizing it.  As you can see from the image on the left, the top version of this pattern works perfectly as a dress on my 16 inch (35cm) Cabbage Patch doll.

So which will you make first, the Strappy Dress or the Strappy Top?  They are so quick to make, I’m sure you’ll have both made in no time at all.

Add the Strappy Dress with Bonus Top pattern for 18 ½ inch Cabbage Patch dolls to your shopping cart now.

Happy sewing

I’m super excited to be releasing my very first doll clothes pattern for 2019!

To get me into the groove of filming again, I’ve chosen a super easy Strappy Dress pattern and I’ve included a special bonus showing you how to make it into a top.

This pattern featured as a top in the photo promoting my Tights pattern and over the years I’ve continually had requests for this pattern – You might recognize the photo to the right.  Because it wasn’t yet available, I used to always write back with written instructions on how to make it.  ‘Sew’ I’m thrilled that I’ve finally gotten around to releasing it in pdf form along with all my step-by-step videos!

As I mentioned, this is a super easy pattern to make and I’ve included options for making it with or without the trim along the bottom, using contrasting fabric for the strap and altering the position for the elastic to give the dress or top a different look.

It looks great with or without a belt too!

Because of its design, it is an extremely flexible pattern and will fit a wide variety of dolls without adjustment.  In fact, the top version works beautifully as a dress on my 33cm Baby Alive doll.

Have fun making my new Strappy Dress or Top pattern and I look forward to seeing photos of all your lovely creations.

Cabbage Patch Kids fans, I will be releasing your pattern very soon.

Happy sewing

Welcome to my first Share and Tell blog for 2019.  I have a very special story that I would like to start with because it brought so much joy to my heart hearing how my How to Make Doll Clothes course has helped multiple generations enjoy the craft of sewing.  The following is part of an email that I received from Cherrylmaree, one of my very first customers and whom I now consider a dear friend.

‘Hi Rosie,

I’d like to share with you a couple of things that have been happening here. I just wanted to let you know that following your videos and tips has helped my granddaughter to learn how to use a sewing machine and translate that into making toys and pyjamas for herself. It has been a huge confidence boost for her.  She’s not big on dolls but her sister is very keen and has recently bought herself an Australian Girl (so she can dress her). 

Last weekend my grandson, who is 20, asked me to help him make a memory toy for his mother who recently lost her little dog. I found the way you breakdown the process so helpful in showing him what to do and he was very happy with the result. These shared hours are priceless.

Very best wishes,

Cherrylm’

How awesome is that!  Cherrylmaree, thank you so much for sharing this gorgeous story with me.  The bond and memories you have created with your grandchildren through sewing are truly special.  You can see the pride and confidence beaming from your granddaughter’s face – she’s done a fantastic job and I can see that your grandson has a beautiful heart to do something so special for his mum. 

The next two photos are from Mary who has used my Summer Dress pattern to create two totally different outfits.  The first one is true to the pattern and the second one has been altered.  Can you believe this is the first time Mary has sewn with satin, what a great job she did!

‘Hi Rosie,

I am sending you two pictures of the dresses I made from your Summer Dress pattern.  The print one I made first, to try out the pattern, and I absolutely LOVE the way the bodice comes together!  The satin party dress I lowered the neckline and added some silver trim.  Even though I have been sewing for more than 65 years (yikes!), I learned a new trick regarding the bodice!  I had not tried sewing with satin before, and what better way to try than with a doll pattern – if it flopped, I wasn’t out much money!  But I was thrilled with the results (especially using my rolled hem foot for the hem) and may tackle something fancy for myself!  I am so glad I found you and have been recommending your site and patterns to my sewing friends.  My granddaughters, once they see these dresses, are going to be happy I found you, too!  Many thanks!

Mary’

I love it when someone finds my website, tries one of my patterns and then ‘KAPOW’, they’re sewing up a storm!  Regina started with one summer dress and then about a week later had resized that one pattern and sewn new summer dresses for her whole dolly family!

‘Hi there!! My name is Regina and I love cabbage patch dolls (especially vintage ones!!) I live in super rural Australia and the shipping from USA is so expensive to buy clothes for them. I researched learning to sew my own and tried it before and failed. I couldn’t understand what the pattern was on about. Well yesterday I found Rosie’s website, and I ordered my first pattern for a summer dress. I made it today and I succeeded thanks to her guidance and videos!! I found the gathering a bit hard but I will work on it for next time. Clara is super happy to model her new dress and I’ll be making another one tonight for one of my other dolls who I’m sure are all a bit jealous.’

‘Well it’s been a busy few days in my house!!’

And lastly, we have this beautiful story from Lyn. I love hearing how she has transferred techniques from one of my patterns to another that she already had and experimented by adjusting some pattern pieces to create a completely new outfit simply from the inspiration of some fabric.

‘This is a long story, that starts with Thanks to Rosie for helping me find the right place for the videos. With that help I finished the aqua Summer Dress with a purple batik trim (from a jelly roll) for granddaughter, Casey’s doll. On a roll, I then made her a Christmas dress with a Spotlight fat quarter and calico.

Then I thought I would try the same technique on a pattern I already had for my niece’s (and now my great-niece, Sophie’s) 25-plus year old 12.5” cloth doll. Next, I was inspired by a fat quarter of an aboriginal print that included some lovely flowers that made me think of the flower power motifs of the 60s. So I extended the bodice pattern pieces to mini dress length and used the same technique, adding the flower as an appliqué, wrapping over the side seam. Added bonus … it is fully lined.

Hopefully two happy little girls, and their dolls at Christmas. Meanwhile, my two models are looking very smart. Thanks again Rosie. Phoning me to help was definitely “above and beyond” customer service!’

Thanks to everyone for sending me your photos and allowing me to share them here on my blog. I love the inspiration that comes from this sharing and appreciate my gorgeous sewing community so much! Wishing you lots of time to sew and be creative in 2019.

Happy sewing