Doll making questions?
Here are some answers to frequently asked questions about our sewing patterns and doll making. Scroll down for the FAQ on our art dolls.
If your question or answer is not here, please send me a message via the contact page.
The most asked questions:
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Where is my pattern?
The sewing patterns are digital download PDF files to print at home. Once your payment has cleared you will have access to your download links. An email with these links will be sent to the email address that you used at checkout. Please contact me if are having issues with downloading, opening, or printing your file(s).
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Do you sell printed patterns?
No, not at this time. Digital patterns allow you to have access to your files right away. I also prefer to save on paper waste, and recommend that customers only print the pattern pages and view the instructions on a device. This saves on paper and also allows you to zoom in on the photos and text. If you do not have a printer, you can send the file(s) to your local print shop or ask a friend to print for you.
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Do you sell patterns for your art dolls?
I get asked this a lot but, no, I do not, sorry. My art dolls are my playtime, my original and unique creative voice. I keep these patterns to myself so that they remain truly unique to me. Technically, they don't actually have set patterns since I am constantly changing them as I work.
Questions about sewing patterns:
How do I download my file(s)?
From the thank you page: After purchasing a product with a digital file, customers will see an order confirmation page with a download link at the top. This link will be available for 15 minutes.
Check the email: After purchasing a product with a digital file, customers will receive an email containing a download link. This usually arrives immediately but please allow a few minutes. If you do not see it please check your spam/junk folder.
Customer account page: Customers will also find all of their orders and download links when logged into their account.
How do I open a .zip file?
Pattern bundles contain 2 or more PDF files and need to be compressed into one file called a zip file folder. To open (or unzip) the zip folder:
Windows - double-click a ZIP file, then click “Extract All” in File Explorer.
Mac - double-click a ZIP file to extract it to the same folder location.
iPhone - find the ZIP file in the Files app and tap it to extract the contents.
Android - find the ZIP file in the Files by Google app. Tap the file, select “Extract.”
What is your cancellation and return policy?
Due to the nature of digital files, once downloaded, orders are considered final and cannot be refunded or canceled. Please read over the product description, any customer reviews, and the Help page carefully before ordering.
If you have not downloaded your files, your order can be cancelled and refunded. Please contact me as soon as possible with your order number and I will process your request if my data shows that zero downloads have occurred on the pattern you wish to cancel. Refunds can take 3 to 10 days depending on the payment provider used at checkout.
Please contact me if you are having issues with the file(s) and I will get back to you as soon as I can within studio hours.
Are your patterns suitable for beginners?
Most of the patterns on this website are suitable for beginners who have some experience with a sewing machine. I would not recommend them to a complete novice since I do not teach the basics of sewing.
Intermediate level skills may be better suited for the tiny woman doll and pocket doll patterns as their small size requires a little more care and finesse when sewing.
What materials and tools will I need?
Typically, each pattern will require: quilting cotton, thread, buttons and snaps, stuffing, yarn, wool felt, trim, scissors, and a sewing machine. The faces are either embroidered or made with a permanent drawing pen. Faces are traced from a template.
Each of my patterns includes a full materials and tools list, as well as detailed notes on various items that I used while making the doll in question.
If you would like to know the exact materials list for a particular pattern before buying, please contact me.
Can I sell the dolls that I make from your patterns?
Many weeks and months of work and creative development go into each and every pattern design that I sell, and I ask, from one maker to another, that my designs are respected and kept for personal use and enjoyment.
That said, if you are a home-based maker and are considering selling items made from one of my patterns on a small scale, or would like to make and distribute a small number of items for charitable reasons, please contact me for more details.
Are your patterns available in other languages?
All patterns are in English.
If you would like a pattern translated please contact me with your order number, email address, and language of choice. I will use software to translate your file and email it to you (at no extra fee). This method may not be perfect but it will help!
Are your patterns available in A4 paper size?
All patterns are formatted for US Letter size paper. A few patterns are available in A4 paper size, and I will be adding more over time. When laying out the pattern pages, A4 margins have been taken into account so all files should print accurately in either format.
The following are both US-Letter and A4 formatted:
Tiny Woman Doll
Pocket Doll
Pixie & Fairy Doll
Little Rag Doll
Cat & Rabbit Doll
Do you take custom orders? I don't sew, can you make a doll for me?
No, sorry, I do not take custom orders. Occasionally I will have dolls available that have been made from my own sewing patterns. Keep an eye on the shop, sign up for the shop email newsletter, or follow me on Instagram for news on possible doll listings.
CreateJoyMakeStuff sewing pattern copyright information.
• All sewing patterns, designs, images, and dolls on this website are copyright CreateJoyMakeStuff and E. Scozzari. All rights reserved.
• You may not, under any circumstances and copyright law, redistribute, sell, or otherwise claim any of these sewing patterns by CreateJoyMakeStuff and E. Scozzari, including associated photos and instructions, as your own.
• Mass production, re-sale and distribution of toys/creations made, pattern pieces, and instructions is expressly prohibited.
• You are not permitted to sell copies, reprints, photocopies, or any facsimile of this pattern and instructions.
Questions about my art dolls:
What is the cancellation and return policy for your handmade dolls?
Please consider your purchase carefully before committing to buy, especially if you are uncertain or unfamiliar with handmade dolls. Once ordered and packaged, these handmade dolls take a long and bumpy journey, and then back again if you change your mind.
Please contact me within 24 hours of purchase and I will cancel and refund your order. After 24 hours there is a chance that your order has already been shipped, and you will have to wait to receive it on your end.
Once received, and you would like to return your order, please keep the doll(s) in its original condition and contact me with your intention to send it back to me. Returns are shipped at the expense of the customer. The customer must return the doll with tracking. Your money will be refunded in full (not including shipping fees) once I receive the doll and it is observed to be in its original condition. Damage from poor handling or improper re-packaging by the customer will incur a 25-50% restocking & repair fee.
Thank you for understanding.
How much will it cost for shipping?
Please see the Shipping Policy page for details.
Do you take customer orders or commissions?
No, I do not take custom orders. My art dolls are spontaneously created and don’t usually have a set pattern. I enjoy the freedom to be as flexible as possible with my art doll designs.
Can I place a hold on a doll? Is there a waitlist?
No, I do not take holds or keep a waitlist. My dolls are available on a first-come, first-served basis and I find that this allows for a more fair and random chance for everyone who is interested.
To improve your chances at buying the doll you have an eye on, please sign up to my email newsletter so that you’ll know dates and times of shop updates, and register an account on this site and be logged in before placing an order.
What materials and techniques do you use to make your dolls?
All of my doll bodies are made from 100% cotton, usually unbleached muslin. They are stuffed with new, recycled polyester stuffing. I usually use wool blend or 100% wool yarn for the hair. Faces are either embroidered with cotton thread, or hand-painted with art pens, pencil crayons, watercolour, or acrylic paint.
For clothing I prefer to use natural fibres, especially cotton and vintage cotton lace. I sometimes use lace and vintage fabrics that may contain other fibres as well.
When I list a doll, I will indicate the materials used that are specific to each doll.
What is the best way to care for my handmade doll?
Spot clean only, if necessary. Do not machine wash!
Keep out of direct sunlight.
Keep away from damp and moisture.
Use a sticky lint roller to occasionally remove dust (but first roll it onto your clothing or other fabric to minimize sticky-ness that could pull out the yarn). Only a gentle touch so as not to remove or disturb the fibres or stitches.
Most of my handmade dolls are not intended for children. Designed for display purposes only. Dolls clearly indicated as play dolls are meant for gentle play only, such as tea parties, roll play, and walks in the park.
Are your handmade dolls suitable for children?
Most of my art dolls are not intended for children. I design my art dolls for adult collectors, and nostalgic dreamers like myself. :) They are constructed with details, materials, fibres, and hand stitching that is far too delicate for play. My art dolls usually do not have removable clothing. Designed for display purposes only.
Occasionally, I do make child friendly dolls which are made without fussy details and include removable clothing. This will be clearly stated in the listing. Dolls indicated as "play dolls" are meant for gentle play only, such as tea parties, roll play, dress up, and walks in the park. Suggested age is 6+. Absolutely not for children age 3 and under.
Where can I see past dolls that you've made?
You can scroll through my doll.art Instagram page, or you can view my doll gallery to see some of my favourites.
Is there a way to support your work without buying a doll or sewing pattern?
Donations are never expected, but sincerely appreciated. I have set up a Ko-Fi page available for contributions (set your own amount) towards supplies and for those who wish to be a patron of the arts. Thank you kindly and sincerely for your support!
Do you sell the patterns for your handmade art dolls?
Sorry, I do not sell the sewing patterns for my art dolls. These patterns are far more complicated and constantly being updated as I create each doll. I prefer to keep my art dolls designs for my own personal creative outlet.