Things You'll Need
Tape measure
Pencil and paper
Computer with Internet access
Infant clothes to be altered or material for new clothes
Pattern for Cabbage Patch Kids clothing
Straight pins
Scissors
Thread
Sewing machine
Sewing Needles
Other notions mentioned on the pattern
Who can forget Cabbage Patch Kids? Those stuffed dolls--along with all their clothing and accessories--took over the wish lists of kids and the pocketbooks of their parents during the late 1970s and 1980s. Maybe you're like some people who still want to pass on these dolls to your children and grandchildren. If you like sewing, there are several ways that you can make clothes for Cabbage Patch Kids.
How to Make Clothes for a Cabbage Patch Kid
Step 1
Measure the Cabbage Patch Kid doll before buying or ordering a pattern as the dolls come in different sizes. Measure the doll's height, chest, waist, leg length, around each thigh, arm length, and shoulder to waist. Keep these measurements with you when shopping for patterns or infant clothes to alter.
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Step 2
Find a pattern for Cabbage Patch Kids clothes. Pattern makers like Butterick still carry a pattern for these dolls. If you can't find a store that sells Butterick patterns, you can buy a pattern for any 16- to 20-inch doll. Just look at the measurements on the back of the pattern and compare with your doll's measurements. If you want a pattern specifically for Cabbage Patch Kids, you can order one from Butterick's website. There are also websites like Ruby Lane that sell vintage patterns.
Step 3
Adapt a pattern for clothes that are meant for a young baby. The size of a Cabbage Patch Kid doll would generally match clothing for a 3- to 6-month-old baby, but don't trust those measurements. Be sure to check the measurements on the back of the pattern and compare with your doll's measurements.
Step 4
Follow the instructions on the pattern if you decide to make the clothes from scratch. Using a sewing machine will go faster, but these outfits are small enough that you can sew them by hand if you have the time and don't have access to a sewing machine. As you'd do making clothes for a person, hold the different pattern pieces up to the doll before cutting to confirm that you have the right size.
Step 5
Alter infant clothing to fit a Cabbage Patch Kid. Take the doll with you to the store and try the clothes on the doll before purchasing any. Yes, you might get some strange stares, but only you know your sewing abilities and whether or not you can alter a particular garment appropriately. If you're going this route, you might want to start with clothes bought from second-hand stores or garage sales. This will allow you to practice altering clothes without worrying about messing up new and more expensive infant clothing.
Tip
Take notes as you sew or alter the clothes. This will help when making future clothes for Cabbage Patch Kids.
Warning
Whether you are altering store-bought clothes or making clothes from scratch, don't trim off excess material until you have tried the outfit on the doll. It's easiest to do this at each step rather than once the outfit is finished. This will allow you to correct any mistakes before cutting off excess material.
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