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Main Menu Homepage Cloth Doll PATTERNS  Rag Doll Patterns
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Below are some explanations of the jargon and techniques.

Before you begin to sew you will need to take a look at the pattern instructions and templates. This is because how you make up each pattern can vary. It will also give you an idea of which parts of the pattern may be more complicated. Some patterns combine methods, so look carefully and mark your templates, so that it makes sense to you before you start, that way you shouldn't get caught out!
1. CUT THEN SEW
Some patterns give a bold unbroken outline around their pattern templates to indicate the cutting line and a dotted sewing line/seam allowance of ¼" (0.6mm) inside this cutting line. 

For these patterns you would make a template using the bold outline, and transfer this to the wrong side of your doubled fabric before cutting it out ready for sewing. 
You would then pin the material so that the pieces do not slip and sew around them ¼" (0.6mm) in from the edge (leaving gaps for turning and stuffing where indicated).
2. SEW THEN CUT
Some patterns show a single unbroken line around the pattern templates only.
This usually indicates that the pattern pieces will be sewn directly on the fabric before it is cut.
For these patterns you should make a template using the single unbroken line and apply it to the wrong side of your doubled fabric leaving a gap of at least ¼" (0.6mm) around each piece.

Use the line to sew (leaving gaps for turning and stuffing where indicated) and when you have finished, carefully cut around each piece, ¼" (0.6mm) in from the edge.

You may also find that the pattern requires you to sew all the way around the pattern pieces and that once cut out, you will need to cut a slit through one side/layer for turning and stuffing. Usually this slit will be hidden when the piece is attached to another part of the doll's body.
NOTE: Some patterns may use the 'sew and then cut' method for some of the segments of the head, for example, and then the 'cut and then sew' method for the last piece, so check you understand what is required before you start.
3. PLACE ON FABRIC FOLD.
Some of the doll body parts and clothes work best when they are symmetrical. To achieve this the pattern template is often presented as a half image, so that when applied to a doubled folded piece of fabric and cut out, the position of shoulders, waist and hips, for example, are well proportioned. The middle of the pattern piece being placed against the folded edge of the fabric.
 

ABBREVIATIONS/ JARGON:

RS

RSO

RST

 Right Sides

Right Sides Out

Right Sides Together

 Right Side refers to the side of the fabric which you want to see on the outer surface of the finished doll/clothes.
Usually the printed or shiny side of the fabric.
WS

WSO

WST

 Wrong Sides

Wrong Side Out

Wrong Sides Together

 Wrong side refers to the side of the fabric which ends up on the inside of the finished doll/clothes.
Usually the plain, dull side.
Baste

Basting

 Tack

Tacking

 Quick running stitches to hold the pieces together for more careful machine sewing.
Seam

Seam allowance

 Sew/ sewing line If it says 'seam the piece' it means sew it.

A scant seam refers to the distance between the cut edge of the fabric and the sewn line being very narrow.
This can be anything from ¼" or even less/0.3mm - 0.6mm.

A generous seam refers to the distance between the cut edge of the fabric and the sewn line being more generous. This can be more than ¼"/0.6mm.