So if you dig around in the Sewing Patterns section you’ll see that I’ve designed a few free sewing patterns for DD and MDD. Maybe you’ve already tried those patterns and now you need a challenge or a different style? Dear reader, you’re in luck because I’ve compiled a list of excellent DD sewing resources for you to explore.
Dollfie Dream Maid Sewing BookI’ve created a brief translation guide to help you navigate the patterns in this book since instructions are in Japanese. If you’ve got a smart phone, I also recommend using visual translation apps like those from Google and Microsoft to roughly translate the instructions. In this book you’ll find several variations of maid outfits for DD and DDDy sizes, as well as basics like underwear and socks. One nice feature of these patterns is that the maid dresses are designed so that a light colored lining can be included, reducing the risk of staining. The bodice parts are nicely fitted, so you can repurpose them as a base for many other sewing projects. Unfortunately like a lot of Japanese patterns, the paper pattern pieces are laid out overlapping each other so it’s easier to photocopy, trace or scan pieces you want to use. You might find ordering from Amazon Japan is cheaper depending on shipping costs to your location.
Dollfie Dream Sewing BookThis book has lots of options for more casual looks. Patterns for DD and DDDy are included, and they’re less challenging than the maid dress designs. On the downside, text is all in Japanese. Because most of the patterns can fit a variety of sizes, they’re more loosely fitted and I found them less useful as a starting point for customizing. Still, if you want to quickly and easily sew a big wardrobe for your dolls I’d start here. It’s also rare to find DDDy patterns so if you’re sewing for that size it’s a good investment as well. You can also find this book for sale on Amazon Japan.
Doll Sewing Book – Pattern Texbook – Skirts and Pants
Sawako Araki’s patterns and tutorials are often featured in the Dollybird series of ‘mooks’. This book collects some of those tips and has new material to teach you how to draft patterns for any doll – as long as they are skirts or pants. Text is in Japanese. Included are sloper pants patterns for many dolls including DD and MDD. These timesaving patterns and tutorials are a great investment if you want to dig deeper into doll sewing and pattern drafting. Also available on Amazon Japan.
Doll Sewing Book – Pattern Texbook – Shirts, Collars and Sleeves
Another great book by Sawako Araki, again in Japanese. This one features tutorials and patterns for making all sorts of tops, various styles of sleeves and collars, etc. Included are a variety of sloper patterns including all bust sizes of DD/DDS/MDD. These are another great starting point for customizing your own patterns. Also available from Amazon Japan.
Dollybird Magazine
This long-running quarterly ‘mook’ (magazine/book) delivers photos and news of the latest doll releases, as well as feature articles, convention coverage, tutorials and patterns. Sawako Araki usually contributes some sewing tutorials, and various guest writers (often well know as vendors for doll conventions in Japan) provide articles and sewing tutorials. Text and tutorials are in Japanese, but even if you can’t read there are usually enough photos to figure it out. If you’re looking specifically for Dollfie Dream tutorials and patterns they’re not in every single issue. Here’s a quick guide to content from recent issues which may be of interest:
Dollybird 33:
Harmonia bloom, kumako romper, dollchu doll, chibi fabric doll
Dollybird 32:
Blythe, 11cm sugar cups, dollchu doll, making a dress form
Dollybird 31:
Obitsu 24, Blythe, dollchu doll, 11cm obitsu
Dollybird 30:
kumako maid, kumako punk sweatshirt, kumako lingerie, dollchu doll, 11cm doll
Dollybird 29:
cocoriang, dollchu doll, 11cm doll
Dollybird 28:
nendoroid doll, pure neemo tunic and pants, harmonia bloom
Dollybird 27:
loose knit sweater for DD and MDD, 24cm patterns, knitting
Dollybird 26:
satin slippers, handbag instructions, bubble skirt for SDM, frame arms patterns, dollchu
Dollybird 25:
many pure neemo patterns, halter skirt and bodice for DD/MDD
Dollybird 24:
empire waist gown for DD, SD13 hoodie, momoka, licca patterns, dollchu
Dollybird 23:
pleated skirt uniform for SD/MSD, vest/longsleeve stand collar shirt/shorts for DD, tyrolean dress for DD, cat ears and tail for DD
Dollybird 22:
Dorothy dress for DD, red riding hood dress for DD, how to use various closures, doran doran, betsy mccall patterns
Dollybird 21:
Ruruko dress, many Kikipop basics, DD lingerie patterns by Atri, Dolchu MDD hoodie tanktop and denim shorts, basic sweet dress for SD, dress bodice and sleeve tips, dollchu faceup tips
If you’re searching for sewing patterns and tutorials in English, I think you’ll find the best quality from experienced sewists on Etsy and Patreon. I’m the sort who enjoys drafting their own patterns so I haven’t tested these, but you can check the reviews and see if they feel like a good value. Also try visiting some local doll shows and conventions, you might be surprised what patterns you can find there!
