So far, we've made socks, stockings, dresses, and hats. Now how about some separates to tie things together?
After making all those other bits, doubtless you've got scraps laying around. This is a handy and fun way to make use of them while boosting the content of your doll's wardrobe.
Materials:
- any random socks you've got laying around, clean and in decent shape, AND / OR leftover sock bits
- scissors, needle and thread
- a doll volunteer for measurements
* Some basic sewing skill is required for this project. Don't worry - it's nothing fancy and if you don't succeed at first, just try again until you do!
First, let's talk about those sock bits. Here's a diagram of our initial sock, cut into pieces, prior to any sewing.
Most likely, you have scrap from the portion of the sock labeled 'top or skirt material', as well as the '????' area. If you decided you don't like the look of the sock hats, you might be anxious to use those up, too. Well, here's your chance.
Step 1:
Choose which piece of scrap you're going to use, based on its dimensions. Use your doll to get an idea of what pieces will fit for different items. See the image below for an idea of size ranges.
I have a bunch of pieces about 4cm square, so I'm going to use those to make tops, and I have a few sock tops left over, which I'm going to cut down to 6cm x 10cm to make snug and cozy winter skirts.
Each skirt will be one piece, usually rectangular. Each top will be TWO pieces, a front and a back, cut to the same dimensions.
Decide which pieces can become tops (minimum measurements: 2cm x 7cm) and which can become skirts (minimum measurements: 3cm x 10cm), cut them down to the size you want, and sort into two piles so you don't get confused. Not that I ever do. *ahem*
Step 2:
For skirts, all you need to do is stitch up the sides to create a tube. You might want to test the fabric around your doll's hips first and mark or pin the amount of fabric that needs to be removed.
Tops are a little bit more complicated, due to arms and necks.
Place the fabric on or under your doll to determine where you'll need to cut armholes. Armholes can be created by simply folding the fabric in half and cutting out a small semicircle. Cut small; you can always make the hole larger, but you can't make it small again!
Use your doll again to help determine where the neckline needs to be. I've found with this material crew necks, mock turtle necks, and short, sharp V-necks look OK - but a scoop neck leads to weak shoulders, and a too-steep V can make a shirt unwearable. Again, fold the fabric in half and cut a line or a circle. This ensures both sides are even.
Step 3:
Sewing! Fold the "right" sides facing one another, "wrong" side facing you, get that needle threaded and get going. Put on some music or a favorite Youtube series. (Personally, I like to listen to Lovecraft stories from Librivox.org while I sew.)
Remember, the skirts are a single piece stitched into a tube, while the tops are two pieces stitched together at the sides. The skirt will not require an opening for closure (as long as it's 10cm or greater in length), but the shirt will most likely need to have a slit cut into the top quarter in order to fit over the head or the hips. We'll worry about closures later. For now, just get the pieces together.
Step 4:
Once they're all sewn up, go ahead and try them on. Among the pros this is known as the "first fit". It may not be pretty. Remember back when I said I don't get confused? Well, during the making of this post, I sewed two shirts with one "right" side out and one "wrong" side out. Guess I got distracted by all that Lovecraft.
This is when you'll need to cut those slits in the shirts. Make a slit less than halfway down the back of the shirt, to ensure it can fit over the head or hips without too much stretching. You can leave it open, as I did with one of Catty Noir's new tees, if the fit looks good on the front, or you can use Velcro, snaps, or a safety pin to hold it shut in the back.
Extra Ideas:
- Because these clothes are all made out of socks, they do have raw edges (if you haven't hemmed them). You can disguise those edges with a bit of ribbon or with fancy cuts, like a zig-zag pattern for Frankie Stein, or a wave pattern for Lagoona Blue. You can also buy fabric supplies such as iron-on hemming tape to finish the edges.
Next up: Using tubes to make leggings and soft pants. Plus, sleeves!
P.S. - I got the Monster High image base from winkxchara on DeviantArt... and, if you like any of the items you've seen in my pictures here, check out my Etsy store. Cheers!
