Pocket Pals Doll Pattern by Kathleen Taylor

This pattern to make Meg, a Pocket Pals doll, was designed by Kathleen Taylor and published in the May/June 1982 issue of National Doll World magazine. Meg is a miniature pancake doll, just 4" doll, wearing a dress, socks and mary jane shoes. Patterns to make a nightgown and coat for her were also included.

The construction of the Pocket Pals couldn't be simpler. The only fabrics required are a 10" x 8" piece of muslin and a small piece of fusible interfacing. The doll and her clothing are traced onto the muslin using a fine tip permanent marker, and colored with embroidery paints. The fusible interfacing, applied to the clothing pieces, eliminates the need for hemming. Once colored and cut out, the doll pieces are stitched together, clipped at the appropriate points, turned and stuffed. The nightgown and coat are stitched at the side seams, and finished with snaps.

This doll would make a wonderful little friend for a child, and replacing the tiny snaps with Velcro would make her even easier to dress. Her hair, eye color and clothing can be customized in any colors, and by using darker fabrics rather than plain muslin, she can reflect any race.

Design 7382 - Vintage Little Girl Sock Doll

Design #7382 makes a little girl doll from men's size 11 1/2 or 12 tan, white or flesh-color cotton socks. No publisher's name is on the pattern, but it appears to be a publication of Reader Mail, Inc., the company responsible for Laura Wheeler, Marian Martin and Alice Brooks patterns, among others. The name on the envelope this one came in is Household Needlecraft Service. The pattern and instructions are printed on one side of a 19.5" x 15" sheet of paper. The reverse side has general instructions for a variety of needlecrafts.

This pattern is nearly identical to Design #736, with a few small differences. That pattern makes both a boy and girl doll, with different faces, and the body has two darts for shaping, which this one doesn't. The girl doll in that pattern wore a nightie, while this one is dressed in two piece pajamas.

No finished size is given for the doll, but it appears she would be about 12" tall.  Detailed illustrations are shown for making her hair, of "straw yarn" or wool. She has embroidered features and applied ears.

Her pajamas, which are to be made of percale, flannel, gingham or muslin, have a simple pant but a somewhat confusing top with a yoke, which would have benefited from an illustration of construction.

Like all vintage sock doll patterns, the hardest thing about making this doll might be finding an appropriate sock to use. Have you made this pattern, or another vintage sock doll? If so, please leave a comment and tell me about your experience.