can't make a doll t shirt

[boricuaqueen327]

Hello.  My dd received an 18 inch doll for Christmas.  The clothing is pricey, about $30 per outfit (at least $10 or more for knock off clothes from other stores).  I have tons of fabric and patterns but the t shirts are just NOT working for me.  I have cut and sewn at least 4 shirts already using different patterns/tutorials and not one fits right.  Does anyone have any suggestions for me?  Perhaps a tutorial that might be easy to follow?  Thanks!

[LaughingHyena]

Dolls clothes patterns seem hard to find. However I find premature sized baby clothes fit our dolls well and there are more patterns available.

I think our dolls are 16 inches and we use clothes for 5 - 7lb. They are sometimes a bit large, especially since our dolls nappies are not as bulky as a real one would be but it makes them a little easier to put on.

I've made a few clothes from patterens here

http://www.bevscountrycottage.com/preemies.html

I've also used the patterns on this site for inspiration though they needed scaling down to fit the dolls

http://babypatterns.atspace.com/overview.html

[nstewart]

I made up my own pattern based on a pattern for a boy's t-shirt just to get a sense of the shape.  You'll have to take measurements (circ. of arms and chest, width of shoulders, etc) and then use the shape of the pattern as a guide.  I also had to cut a slit in the back and then make the collar part longer and put a snap on it at the back to keep the shirt closed so that the doll's head would fit through.  DS's doll is a 15' waldorf doll (Joy's Waldorf Dolls Pattern) that DH and I made, so I think that what you need in terms of a pattern depends on the type of doll, because head size and body shape will be different for each type.