More of this Feature • Part 1: Vogue Patterns • Part 3: Photos of Patterns

Join the Discussion "Several of the patterns I bought that day were featured in the magazine. I can't wait to try them, the pictures are very inspiring. Makes me almost want to buy a Gene doll, YIKES!!" LynnaTCFB

Related Resources • Sewing For Dolls on Computerized Machines • Sewing for Miniature Dolls • Modern Barbie Dolls - Sewing • Costuming How-Tos, Supplies and History

From Other Guides • Doll Patterns • Sewing Dolls • Guide to Knitting Patterns for dolls and Toys • Crochet Patterns for Dolls

Elsewhere on the Web • Simplicity Patterns • Phaery Godmother's List of Barbie and Gene Sewing Notions

Simplicity is another major pattern company that is featuring doll sewing patterns.  Although Simplicity does not have an "all dolls" pattern book this year, they DO have dolls featured prominently on the cover of their current Crafts book (the lead story is their "Doll Collector's Club").

The Simplicity Crafts magazine featuring the Simplicity Patterns is $4.96.  It is not as useful as the Vogue Dolls Patterns magazine, mostly because the Barbie and Gene sized patterns are illustrated by line drawings and not photos.  Still, there are LOTS of great patterns for inspiration included, and several photos of THEIR doll licensed patterns dressed in finished outfits, including Raggedy Ann and Andy and Magic Attic dolls.

Raggedy Ann And Andy 

The Simplicity Raggedy Ann and Andy pattern #9447 is one of the nicest Raggedy Ann and Andy patterns I have ever seen.  The Dolls are "classic" Raggedy Ann and Andy, and they are shown dressed in the finished patterns, showcasing some themed Raggedy Ann and Andy fabrics from Daisy Kingdom!  The patterns are available in 15" 26" and 36" sizes, and they retail for $12.95. 

Doll Collector's Club--Historical Costuming

This series of patterns will have patterns for EACH decade of the 20th Century, sized for 11 1/2" fashion dolls such as Barbie.  The first pattern in this series is "Turn Of The Century," featuring a fancy ivory wedding gown (see cover of pattern magazine, above), a fur-trimmed day dress and hat and a lovely dress with an elaborate bustle.  This pattern (#9522) retails for  $12.95.  Each pattern season, another pattern in the series will be released.  

The "Simplicity Museum Collection" of patterns for 11 1/2" fashion dolls includes outfits for the Elizabethan era, the Revolutionary War, the Civil War and the Victorian era, for $11.95 (#9521).  Another pattern called "Victorian Fashion Plates" (#9062) seems a bit more child-oriented to me, since the outfits are not historically correct, but they are sold as being for "collector dolls."  I think they the outfits are  overly ornate, but may be perfect if a collector is attracted to more ornate costuming, such as Rustie dolls.  $11.95.

Gene and Larger Fashion Dolls

Simplicity has the Couturier Doll Clothes series to fit Gene and other 15 1/2" fashion dolls such as Tyler, Eve and Kingsgate.  The most useful pattern in the series is a pattern for fancy lingerie.  This pattern (#9527) includes a slip, stockings, garter belt, bra and panties.  One of the most common complaints that collectors have about these dolls is that they don't come in proper underwear--this pattern is a possible solution to that problem!  This pattern is $13.95.

Other 15 1/2" Fashion Doll patterns include daywear, evening wear and suits (three patterns; each $12.95). A fourth pattern set, "Movie Star" clothes for 15 1/2" dolls is $11.95 (#9049).  One of my favorite patterns for this size doll is an all-accessories pattern (#9593) that has patterns for a hat stand, a mannequin, hat boxes, wardrobe closet, hats, velvet hangars, and slip. You could outfit your Gene Swan Bedroom furniture very nicely with these accessories.

Magic Attic Dolls

The Simplicity patterns for Magic Attic dolls (theyl also fit some other 18" dolls) are extensive!  There is everything from a "Little Sprites" pattern for fairy outfits (#9523, $11.95) to "Hip Clothes" (#9054) which are fun, casual clothing.   There are four wardrobe pattern sets for the seasons of the year (these include everything from bathing suits to pajamas to raincoats and fishing outfits).  Each set is $10.95. An accessory pattern set has sleeping bags and garment bags.  There is a furniture set that has comfy looking chairs, tables and ottomans (#8641). 

Other Dolls, Stuffed Animals and Easy Doll Clothes

One thing that Simplicity has but Vogue does not is a series of "easy clothes" for dolls.  The patterns feature simple construction and minimum embellishment--perfect for beginning seamstresses and older children. Patterns in this series include 11 1/2" fashion dolls, 18" dolls and a mixed pattern for several sizes and types of dolls (babies and toddler).  These patterns are more reasonably priced, at $8.95 and $9.95.

Several baby doll clothing patterns are available from Simplicity, as are patterns for darling 26" soft dolls with yarn hair (#8835).  You can also get a CryBaby doll pattern (#9005) which are the dolls that sit in a corner with their faces down in their arms,  Simplicity also has some of the nicest teddy bear and stuffed animal patterns available, including the well-designed "Cool Cats" (#8242) Classic Bears, Dressed Bears, and Sock Monkeys (#9073).

Part I:  Vogue Doll Patterns:  Detailed patterns for Gene, Barbie and 18" Dolls

Part II I:  Photos of Patterns

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