The 2026 12 Days Of Christmas Start Now!

Anja

December 26, 2025

Color

Sharon H

December 26, 2025

When it comes to scale in doll design I am quite particular about getting the right fabrics and design for the different doll sizes.
I think the one exception to the rule though are Blythe dolls. For some reason, with their big heads, big eyes and small slim bodies, somehow they can get away with ‘out of proportion’ fabric designs! Often bigger prints or a big focal point adds to their overall ‘quirkiness’.

Kim

December 25, 2025

I tend to stick with solid colors and miniature prints. I try to imagine if the item i am making is human scale if the print looks right or clownish.

Deborah P

December 25, 2025

Scale is interesting, and I would either eyeball the proportions to see if they look right or purchase some Pixie Packs to see what scale you sell and then apply that knowledge at the fabric store. If I wanted to get technical, I would find or make a scale ruler and look for prints that would be appropriate according to ‘the ruler.’ For example, architecture rulers are available in certain scales, or when I collected miniature doll house furniture I knew the 1" equals 12" rule and there were special rulers for that. Miniature collectors are particular, so I would use a ruler to craft from clay or other materials to make accessories. I also collected some doll houses for doll houses that were 1" = 144". Some other scales are 1:6 for Barbie Dolls & 15" dolls; 1:3 for 18" dolls; 1:4 for 14" dolls; You can see these doll scales are ballpark figures for some sizes, so I would tend to toss away the ruler & rely on my own senses to make the final call. If I was going to print the design & sublimate onto fabric I would probably be more specific about sizing, but for play clothes for my grands I’d just eyeball it, fabric with the absolute best scale isn’t necessarily that easy to find. Imagine how that fabric would look on a doll size pocket… would it only fit 1 or 2 stripes, skip it. Would a huge fabric flower look more like a beautiful abstract design on the doll- it may be a keeper.

Danielle

December 25, 2025

I take a doll shirt to the store with me when looking for notions and trim. It helps me to directly compare the scale that way.

Judith Martinez

December 25, 2025

Honestly, I just eyeball it before I choose my fabrics.

Carola

December 25, 2025

I think because I sewed people clothes for so many years, my eye is naturally trained to create and look for the exact same image in miniature.

Pam

December 25, 2025

I’d say an important consideration is the size of the print on the fabric you’re using.

Nancy

December 25, 2025

The size of a fabric design should match the size of the garment. A fabric that looks appropriate for an adult may not “fit” the garment for a doll.

Janet

December 25, 2025

I struggle with scale. My general rule is no print that is bigger than an inch and the smaller, the better. It has always been so hard to find fabric that is scale appropriate . . . But now that our local craft store closed, it’s impossible. Pictures online often don’t give a true sizing

Maxi

December 25, 2025

The scale of the fabric print or the details really matter in doll clothes. I think of how big a button or snap would be in relation to how big my hand is. For a doll you wouldn’t think those items would be bigger than his or her hand.

Donna B

December 25, 2025

What’s your best tip for determining scale in relation to the doll you’re sewing for?
If the fabric online has a ruler next to the picture, I look for prints with the most repeat within 6 inches.

Marcy Mahle

December 25, 2025

Scale is very important when sewing for dolls. Look for fabric that is the proper print for a dolls size. Same goes for the chosen buttons, lace and other trims. Let your eye decide.

Marian

December 25, 2025

Scale is so much more in design than the print, stripe or plaid of the fabric. As someone pointed out, it also includes notions and accessories. I have frequently seen outfits for golls with poorly chosen buttons that totally destroy the sense of scale. The worst faux pas I ever observed was with a commercially produced (Name brand) doll soccer outfit with a soccer ball the relative size of a baseball.

Caroline

December 25, 2025

I check the distance from the neckline to the waist, and the waist to the bottom hem. If they seem appropriate, I’m happy with the design. If there is no waist, I draw one on the pattern (or mentally) to check the relationships from neck to waist to hem.

Mary

December 25, 2025

My favorite way to create a focal point us with color.

Rebecca Mayr

December 25, 2025

I look at flowers on the print. If they’re bigger than the doll’s hand, the print is too big.

Rachel

December 25, 2025

I look at the doll’s hands next to the fabric to determine if a print is the right scale. Then I look at my hands and the prints I wear, designs like florals should be 1-2 fingers wide.

Madison

December 25, 2025

Day 1. I think fabric print being in proportion is one of the biggest things I look for in doll clothes. I dont like it when the doll clothes look like DOLL clothes instead of magically shrunk clothes. If in person shopping for fabric I always visualize the doll in front of me and compare it to the fabric to see if the print is small enough to be in proportion. Now with online fabric shopping being the way of the future, its harder to see how big a print is. Sometimes they have a coin for scale or a ruler for scale and you can use that and hold it up to your doll to visualize how the print would look on your doll.

Angie Wyatt

December 25, 2025

With doll clothes or build a bear clothes smaller prints work best.

Kathy m

December 25, 2025

Proportion equal design of pattern pan collar cap sleeves or sleeves with cuff button color contrast or matching color or design of fabric small print. Choose fabric i look at pattern picture and era of the pattern each era have different styles of fashion design 40 ‘s are different from 70’s and size of doll 11 1/2 , doll tiny print fabric

KathyS

December 25, 2025

Well I pretty much have to use a pattern which is why I like Pixiefaire with their wide array of patterns. Maybe this is the year I can finally get my sewing room set up and back into sewing.

Debbie

December 25, 2025

I look for the label of ’small scale" and hopefully, a diagram that shows the design with both a horizontal and vertical inch grid.

LilyClaire Gammill

December 25, 2025

I’m new to sewing but I like to find a doll assesory associated with the thing I’m making and use that for scale

Dorothy

December 25, 2025

I am a visual person and look more for color than scale. I can usually tell if the print is to large. But loved the comment that said to turn the fabric on the bias for an alternate choice.
thank everyone for the great hints and ideals. Can’t wait to try some of them soon.

Dorothy

December 25, 2025

I am a visual person and look more for color than scale. I can usually tell if the print is to large. But loved the comment that said to turn the fabric on the bias for an alternate choice.
thank everyone for the great hints and ideals. Can’t wait to try some of them soon.

Sue

December 25, 2025

I have a traced outline of each doll I am shopping on a piece of paper which I carry around in an old envelope. There aren’t any fabric stores near me so i have to upcycle all my fabrics. I lay the paper outline on the shirt, dress, whatever, and see if the fabric pattern overwhelms my outline, also have to check if the clothes have a large enough flat area to cut out pattern pieces. Lately I’ve discovered men’s shirts have a lot of extremely tiny vintage prints which work very well for even the tiniest dolls.

Diana

December 25, 2025

smaller prints on fabric

Beverley

December 25, 2025

I select small prints and prints for babies. .

Lois

December 25, 2025

If we’re talking proportions as when designing an outfit, I usually sketch it out on the full pattern blanks, then step back or compare it to a photo or a person wearing a similar item. I choose fabric prints as the smaller the better, and buttons are a “place and ponder” before sewing on. Then I can step back and see how many and if they fit the scale I was going for.

Lynda Taylor

December 25, 2025

I love looking for small prints for doll sewing. And you never need to buy much.

shelly

December 25, 2025

I like to use baby clothes for fabric for dolls.

sheila

December 25, 2025

I select small prints and prints for babies. they usually work fine.

Cass

December 25, 2025

I’m not great at math and percentages so I look for the smallest prints I can find. I miss all the ditsy florals that used to be available in the 70’s and 80’s!

Conni

December 25, 2025

I have been sewing for over 60 years, starting when I was a young teenager. With that many years of experience plus a God-given gift of sewing, I can usually see what fabric will work with a pattern and doll for which I will be sewing. I just inherited a large amount of fabric. As I was going through it, I would say to myself, “This fabric would be good for this doll and this pattern.” or something for another project that I’m sewing. I think the best thing for anyone to do is to lay some fabric on the pattern picture to see if it will work for that pattern or not.

Rita

December 25, 2025

I use a pattern piece of clear plastic to check the scale. This works for me!

Hannah

December 25, 2025

I find that sticking to prints designed for infants can work well for dolls, but does also limit print choices. I prefer online stores that let you order swatches because that way not only can I see the print in person I can judge how it looks when draped or pleated as well.

Christine

December 25, 2025

When I look at fabric, if I can “see” the outfit I could make in my mind for a doll, it’s a winner!

Renay Parker

December 25, 2025

I look for small designs in fabric. I also use a little square about one inch wide when I have doubts. Prompt.

Kristin

December 25, 2025

As for overall scale, I don’t put a great deal of thought into scale when selecting fabrics. I suppose I do, but not consciously. I tend to select fabrics that “speak to me” for the dolls. The sad part is that it is getting harder to see fabric in person to really be able to gauge the actual scale. When you can only select from a small online swatch, you have to hope they at least put a tape measure in the photo.

Beth P

December 25, 2025

I just look for tiny scale fabrics that look small enough for the doll.

Kristin

December 25, 2025

I was interested to read the comment where the writer dabbles in polymer clay and makes some of her own small-scale buttons in the colors and sizes needed. I also enjoyed the comment that mentioned how sometimes a print that might seem like it would be too big actually ends up working.

Paula

December 25, 2025

I look for smaller designs. When I am out I try to use my little finger for a flower. If it covers it perfect. For stripes I think of the dolls finger.

Sherry

December 25, 2025

Usually comparing it to their hand is a good place to start as many have said. After you’ve been sewing for dolls for a while you generally get a pretty good feel for what will work.

Sue N

December 25, 2025

I love fabric with stripes that are no wider than the dolls finger.

I agree with draping the fabric on the doll and stepping back to see if it feels right..

Love the suggestion for cutting a pattern piece of clear plastic to check scale when I’m out thrifting. Might use copier paper with the pattern piece cut out…good view finder. Thanks for the tip.

I’m working now with a floral chiffon fabric with 1 1/8" burgundy flowers in the design….a bit large. But they sit in a scattering of 1/8", 1/4", 1/2", 3/4" and 1" flowers. The larger motif blends in with the randomness of the design. The white center of the 1 1/8" flower pops out like a small flower. The fabric’s dark background absorbs and diminishes the size of the burgundy flower. It works.

CdnCrafter

December 25, 2025

The smaller the doll, the smaller the print. Larger prints just don’t look right on small clothes.

Sharon

December 25, 2025

I like small prints, solids or small stripes. I hold it up to the doll to determine if the print is right. I measure the doll to determine length and only use small lace and Rick rack

Melinda Cieslinski

December 25, 2025

I like to look in catalogs at girls’ clothing for ages 9-11. So I like to see if a check pattern is used in a dress picture, I try to estimate what the size is for the check pattern. Once I have that approximate size, I turn it into the 1:3 scale. So if the plaid is a 1-inch square, I would then look for a plaid for the dolls with the square being 1/3 of an inch. This would then give it a very appropriate size for the doll dress. Or if it something more complex, like a floral motif, again I would measure it and divide it by 1/3. And I’m not against using a calculator either!!!! ggg Hope this helps someone else.

Kathy

December 25, 2025

I usually look at the print next to doll from a distance, that helps with proportion. Another idea is if the print is too big, like a large plaid, turn the fabric on the bias. That way, it can be less about the print and more about the color or texture of the fabric.

Susan

December 25, 2025

For dolls I like at most 1 small print with solids. Trims need to be small—I like baby rickrack.

Anna

December 25, 2025

I hold the fabric up against the doll, to see if the pattern scale is right.

Donna M

December 25, 2025

I’m new at this. I like the answers of using the doll’s hand to help with scale.

Debra Miller

December 25, 2025

I wrap fabric around my hand to determine appropriate scale of prints to doll size. I’m rarely disappointed.

Rosemarie

December 25, 2025

Proportion is everything. It can make or break an outfit small or big. I like to look at things in 3 ways. 1 close up, 2 from a distance, and 3 take a picture to look at. Each one has it’s own benefits. I like to look back at a photo of the outfit. It is amazing what your eye picks out of the phot good or bad.

Lynn Gallager-Vallejo

December 25, 2025

When making historical doll clothes for 18" dolls, I try to find prints with a 33% scale. If they also need to be era-appropriate, you can understand why I often use solids!

Dotti G.

December 25, 2025

Others have mentioned it already, but I find that using the size of the doll hand works well in determining the size of a print. You don’t need to take the doll with you, just cut a piece card stock the size of the hand to hold up to the fabric. Then think about how that would look if it were your hand.
Also, I think that over time we develop an ‘eye’ for proportion – whether it is the print on fabric, buttons, snaps, or trim.

Cora

December 25, 2025

I use small to medium print cotton or woolens. I usually use 1/2 to 1 inch trims. Buttons -3/8ths to 1/2 inch. I have won many ribbons on my 18 inch dolls. This past year, I started sewing for 14 inch dolls-as a smaller sister or brother for the 18 inch. I use smaller prints and smaller trims, and buttons for this size doll.

Vicki Avery

December 25, 2025

Scale that is too large for the doll always bothers me. I compare the print to the doll’s hand and try to imagine how that would compare to something I would wear.

LAURIE

December 25, 2025

The smaller the better. Sometimes it depends on what I want to make for the doll.

Tish Evans

December 25, 2025

Scale of thickness is as important as the size of the fabric pattern and trims. A fake fur, polar fleece, or thick corduroy can be a disaster on small doll clothes.

Cheryl

December 25, 2025

I try to use very small prints, dots, and stripes. But if I find a fabric with a larger print that I like, I simply hold the fabric up to the doll. If I like it, I use it.

Beth S.

December 25, 2025

My best tip for determining proportion is to imagine the trim, button, print on myself and see if that would work. For example, if a flower on the fabric extends from the doll’s shoulder to her waist, what would that look like if I wore a print that large for me?

Janice

December 25, 2025

If a print is bigger than the doll’s hand it is too big, in my opinion.

Charlotte

December 25, 2025

I think different techniques are useful depending on what you’re checking. Checking the scale of a pattern, for instance, is different than checking the scale of the print on the fabric. I’ve seen lots of good ideas in the comments. I love learning new techniques.

Melinda

December 25, 2025

Hi,
I’m super excited for all the advice! I am brand new to sewing doll clothes. I’ve literally only made one so far :)

Dorothy

December 25, 2025

I like the small prints because it looks more realistic on the doll.

Nadine

December 25, 2025

If I’m not sure about the size of the print, I will actually lay a doll on top of it, walk away and look at it from a distance first. If the fabric design jumps out at me first, it’s too large for the doll. I do try to stick with smaller prints and “blenders” since I sew for a charity . I usually make doll clothes in groups of 6 or more at a time, unless I only have enough fabric for one or two.

Carolyn Berger

December 25, 2025

I like to break the rules and let the design emerge on its own. Sometimes something that seems too large actually works.

Marcia G

December 25, 2025

I generally get fabric from one of my patients at work. I don’t think she always picks the correct design size for the dolls. Here locally we don’t have a real good selection on fabrics any more. Hobby Lobby has a few cotton,but nothing with print in knits. Michaels don’t carry much, then we have Walmart. I really like the smaller prints for doll clothes but sometimes I get lucky

Marti

December 25, 2025

Not only does the fabric design have to be a good scale, but it must be close enough together that it looks like a print on a shirt and not a spot! Many great scale prints are just spaced wrong! I also judge by eye as I have been doing it a long time and can see when things are “just not quite right.”

cheryl

December 25, 2025

I agree on the small print rule, but sometimes just a little larger print can be a nice surprise. It just depends on the doll size and the look I am trying to create.

Susan B

December 25, 2025

I like using all kinds of fabrics, faux fur and suiting. I look for what catches by eye in color than look for a small print.

Sandra Cox

December 25, 2025

I look for tiny prints, trying to stay around the 1/4 inch scale prints or less. Sometimes the 1/2 prints are ok, depending on what you are making.

Jessica

December 25, 2025

I think that if a print is bigger than my thumb, it is too big for the doll.

Mary

December 25, 2025

I like Leslie Jo’s suggestion about not using a print with a repeat larger than a doll’s hand.

Julie C

December 25, 2025

I’m always looking for smaller size prints for making doll clothes. Sometimes I find some small prints on children’s ready to wear. I can deconstruct these and resew doll clothes from the fabric.

Angela

December 25, 2025

Nothing bigger than my thumbnail in a floral print for 18 inch dolls is my usual rule of thumb (literally in this case).

Susan Smart

December 25, 2025

I look for small prints and small scale notions. I also dabble in polymer clay which allows me to more closely match button colors and scales. I look to see what size buttons would be used in human clothing and scale them back. I DO make slightly larger and slightly smaller verisions to see what looks best even if the scale is slightly offf.

Krynne

December 25, 2025

If I can’t actually bring my doll with me, I’ve learned that my forearm is roughly the same length as my doll… so any fabric or patterning I drape along and if it looks too big for this length, I try to find something smaller.

Mary-Sarah

December 25, 2025

I select fabrics for dolls using my fingers. If my pinkie finger can cover a design element in a print, it’s good for 12” dolls. My pointer finger works for 15-16” dolls and my thumb works for SD sized BJDs. For lace, I’m always keeping my eyes open for small scale.

Michelle

December 25, 2025

Hope everyone had a great holiday

Jeanne

December 25, 2025

I hold the fabric up to a doll to check the proportion.

Melis

December 25, 2025

I try to stay away from large plaids for projects with small pleats or ruffles. The smaller the area the smaller the print

Ruth

December 25, 2025

I like to use light weight fabric, small buttons and lace or ribbons,

Ruth

December 25, 2025

I like to use light weight fabric, small buttons and lace or ribbons,

Monique

December 25, 2025

J’aime coudre. J’utilise de beaux tissus afin de mettre en valeur montravail.

Darlene

December 25, 2025

Thank you for the many free give aways and for providing us with top notch doll patterns over the years. I have loved knitting, crocheting and sewing many of the patterns and love how the fit comes out and the details are phenomenal!! Thank you so much

Agnes P

December 25, 2025

When working with 18” dolls, scale is very important period doll clothes, less so for children’s doll clothes for play. When vetting an accessory, trim, button or fabric print I visualize it 3X as big (a ½” wide lace would be 1 ½” in reality, a 5mm button would be 15mm, a fabric with a 1” stripe would be 3”, and so on.) Take into consideration era and style. A ½” button (which multiplies out to being 1 ½”) might be perfectly right for a 60’s mod, float dress accent but totally too big for most other eras. A ½” Kam snap is probably fine for children’s play clothes, but oversized for historical closures and should be replaced with regular snaps, hooks or velcro. (For 14” dolls I visualize the item in question 4x larger.)
P.S. Don’t forget to take into consideration the thickness of your fabric, as well. ;-)

Pam

December 25, 2025

I don’t have any method for determining the appropriate scale. I generally just try to buy fabric with a small scale. For trims, it’s been trial and error and I’ve found what I think works best.

Vicky stine

December 25, 2025

I enjoy quilting as well as making doll clothing so I am naturally drawn to small prints. I especially like the 1930s and 1940s reproduction fabrics.

Mandona Wilson

December 25, 2025

If I’m sewing for an American Girl doll, I remember that she is a 1/3 scale doll. It’s easy to do the math and consider that a 1-inch flower on her dress would be equal to a 3-inch flower on a human dress. Notions, such as buttons, that are too large can instantly look out of place on a small doll. It’s hard to find really small buttons and other decorative items, but it’s essential!

candy

December 25, 2025

i love sewing and these patterns

Connie

December 25, 2025

I am naturally drawn to very small prints for 18" dolls. A dash of a solid can soften a slightly larger print.

Kathy W.

December 25, 2025

I don’t take this topic as seriously as I might if I were sewing to sell. I’m naturally drawn to small prints, but it’s my hobby interest, and I’m only sewing to please myself. My dolls graciously accept whatever I make.

Dawn

December 25, 2025

Small prints or solids are a necessary part of making doll clothes look realistic. Appropriate sized trims are important too. It’s become a bit difficult to find smaller trims in various colors since COVID but I have found two solutions: 1 shop at thrift/antique shops for small trims or 2 find an appropriate white cotton trim and die to the needed color.

Barb E

December 25, 2025

The real large prints are obviously out unless they are like a watercolor print and then I usually put that with a plain bodice. I can reverse that idea also by putting the darker color at the bottom.

CAROL

December 25, 2025

I look for small prints, and fabric weight for drape. I have read many god ideas in the previous comments. Thank you, everyone

Tamara

December 25, 2025

I do the math. American Girls are about one third the size of a child, so I’ll imagine the scale three times bigger and decide if it makes sense.

Deb

December 25, 2025

My best tip for determining scale in relation to the doll I’m sewing for … will be to make sure that the pattern and the fabric (print) are the appropriate size for the doll.

Kimberly Chidsey

December 25, 2025

I’ve learned over the years that sometimes just because I like a certain fabric pattern, that doesn’t mean the proportion makes it a good one for doll fashion. I agree with the wrapping the fabric around the dolls to get a feel for how it would look. I mean, the same is true for human fashion. Different sizes can sometimes prefer larger or smaller patterns on the fabric. Also it seems sometimes the larger patterns can be balanced with fabric using smaller patterns throughout. I look forward to discussing this more!