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The majority of the text on this blog is written by Hikaru, a ball jointed doll. Try not to question it. The text written in pink font is commentary from Hikaru's human friend, Anna. Basically Hikaru does most of the writing and Anna keeps her from getting too out of hand.

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Thursday, November 30, 2017

Of Bjd Fashion: T-shirts for Our Boy with a Tutorial

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We have had Yuki (the only boy bjd) in our household for quite sometime, but his wardrobe has sadly been neglected.  It was about time for Anna to sew a few new articles of clothing for him.

T-shirt pattern and tutorial for a MSD boy ball jointed doll

I was thinking she should start with a nice dress shirt and appropriate accessories, but she decided to make him some t-shirts instead.

T-shirt pattern and tutorial for a MSD boy ball jointed doll

She has made three different t-shirts in basic black and white.  They have elbow length sleeves and close in the back with Velcro for easy wear.  They seem a little too basic for my taste, but I suppose they suit Yuki fine.

Anyway, Anna has again generously created a pattern and instructions so that others may be able to clothe their male ball jointed dolls in these simple t-shirts.

Let the tutorial begin.

MSD Boy Sized T-shirt Tutorial

Materials needed:

  • T-shirt fabric, great way to reuse and old t-shirt.
  • Basic sewing supplies (needle, scissors, thread, etc.)
  • Velcro or snaps
  • A sewing machine is optional
  • Some sewing knowledge is helpful.

If you are a beginner at sewing please check out our video tutorial for doll drawstring tank tops.  It demonstrates some of the techniques you will need to make these tops.

T-shirt pattern with tutorial for a MSD boy ball jointed doll

Here is your pattern.  It was made based on Yuki’s measurements which are posted on the doll profile page.

T-shirt pattern and tutorial for a MSD boy ball jointed doll

Cut out all your pieces according to the patterns.

T-shirt pattern and tutorial for a MSD boy ball jointed doll

With right sides together, pin the back pieces to the front at the shoulders and sew across.

T-shirt pattern and tutorial for a MSD boy ball jointed doll

Now get the sleeves and hem them.  You only need to fold once to hem since t-shirt fabric doesn’t unravel. 

And if you are sewing by hand, be sure to sew using a back stitch (as demonstrated in the video), so the hem will be able to stretch without snapping threads.

T-shirt pattern and tutorial for a MSD boy ball jointed doll

Once hemmed, you can carefully pin on the sleeves and sew (using the back stitch again).  I say carefully because if you don’t pin carefully around the curves of the sleeve and shoulders, then the ends won’t match up.

It is a good idea to try the shirt on your doll to make sure it fits well at he shoulders.  Re-sew if neccessary.

Once sewn, it is helpful to cut little notchs in the seam allowance as shown, this keeps the fabric from puckering when you turn it right side out.

T-shirt pattern and tutorial for a MSD boy ball jointed doll

Anyway, with the shirt right side up, take the collar and fold it in half long ways.  Then, carefully pin it along the edge of the neckline.  Once pinned, sew on using a back stitch.

T-shirt pattern and tutorial for a MSD boy ball jointed doll

After sewing, turn the collar and top stitch (back stitch again) to keep it nice and flat.  You may feel the need to cut off some of the excess fabric.

T-shirt pattern and tutorial for a MSD boy ball jointed doll

Now ‘s the time to do the side seams.  With right sides together, pin along the sleeves and down the sides.  Be sure to try the shirt on your doll before sewing it down.

T-shirt pattern and tutorial for a MSD boy ball jointed doll

Now fold and hem the bottom of your shirt.  Feel free to leave it unhemmed if you want a more de-constructed look.

T-shirt pattern and tutorial for a MSD boy ball jointed doll

To finish up the shirt, fold and hem the edges of the opening.  Try the shirt on your doll to decide where to add the Velcro or snaps, and attach accordingly.

T-shirt pattern and tutorial for a MSD boy ball jointed doll

And now you have your doll t-shirt!  This one was the first version made by me for Yuki.  The fit wasn’t great at the shoulders and sides, so I adjusted the pattern accordingly.  Have fun making these for your dolls.

End of tutorial.

T-shirt pattern and tutorial for a MSD boy ball jointed doll

Now that I’ve had a second look, I feel these t-shirts do fit Yuki quite nicely.

T-shirt pattern and tutorial for a MSD boy ball jointed doll

The black one is most becoming on him, despite lacking in any sort of embellishment.  Why did she forego on the decorations?

It’s because Yuki was afraid that it would turn out too “girly looking”.  He is a cute boy, which makes some people mistake him for a girl, surprisingly.  He seems to think plain looking t-shirts and jeans will prevent this somehow.

T-shirt pattern and tutorial for a MSD boy ball jointed doll

“Oh that top is so cute!  Can I borrow it sometime? :)

“…It’s a guy’s shirt…”

T-shirt pattern and tutorial for a MSD boy ball jointed doll

“It is? :)”

“….Is it?…”

Don’t worry Yuki, we know you are a boy no matter what you wear.

That is exactly right Anna.  So, maybe the next time you sew men’s clothing, you could make something a little more fashionable?  Maybe with some ruffles?

Until then, be at peace my dear readers.


Give it a try:

2 comments:

  1. I like the black t-shirt the best too. Very nicely done! Thank you for sharing it with us at Party in Your PJs.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Thank you for posting this! I used it for my girl and just resized the pattern. :D Thank you it was really useful!

    ReplyDelete

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