My oldest granddaughter is four and recently became obsessed with all things doll related, and I couldn’t be more excited. Being a doll lover myself (and having a vast collection that she may one day inherit), I jumped right in with her when she asked me to play and found that the main activity she loves to do, is to dress and accessorize the dolls over and over, so that they will be ready for their next event or activity that she has played out in her head. I asked her if she would like to assist me in making some new outfits for her doll and she was very excited. She is a bit young to handle the sewing machine, but she picked out fabric and I gave her some scraps to practice on using a needle and thread and showed her how to sew a hem back and forth with the needle. Not perfect, but she enjoyed it. So let’s get started:
I used a pattern book called: Love To Dress Up 18” Doll Clothes. Purchased at JoAnn Fabrics in their book section. The book is part of the Annie’s Sewing pattern series. I was happy with the pattern and fit for our doll, and it’s not too complicated. There are 12 outfit patterns and two accessory patterns, so it was a good investment.
The designer of the pattern, Lorine Mason, likes to use cotton fabrics and you can find lots of options in the quilting fabric section of the fabric store. I have quite a stash, so it was easy for my granddaughter to choose from. You can look for “fat quarters,” which essentially is a 1/4 yard of fabric cut to 18” x 18” instead of the usual 9” x 36" cut. Most of the designs use two coordinating fabrics. Once you have the fabric and book, make sure you have all the needed supplies for the project. The pattern we used is on page 32 and all you need is listed there along with instructions. You can use just a sewing machine or add a serger (overlock machine) to finish edges nicely. I used both. It is also helpful to note that not all dolls are exactly the same size, so in the case of straps and closures, it will be helpful to put the outfit on the doll and adjust placement and mark before adding the closures (snaps, velcro). I like this pattern for the contrasting fabrics which adds interest and my granddaughter liked the pocket. There is also a purse pattern in the book which is very simple to create and I’ll add a photo when finished. Because I followed the designer’s pattern, I don’t feel a need to show you step by step, but if you are a true beginner at sewing, then check out some of my posts: Basic Sewing Terms and What They Mean, How to Read a Pattern, Construction Techniques and more…
*** I wanted to include a link so you could purchase the book online. However, the website doesn’t seem to carry this particular book any more. Hope you can find it in a store. There are other similar patterns and books for 18” Dolls on their website: www.anniescatalog.com
*** Although I loved the pattern, I did find a few errors in the directions. I have added the corrections found on their website for the pattern I used. These are very minor corrections, and the dress will turn out beautifully!
Bubble Sundress
Product Code 151025, Page Number 32
Cutting
From print fat quarter:
Cut two 2 x 22-inch strips for hemline bands. Cut two 2 x 14-inch strip for straps and bow.
Assembly
8. Stitch short edges of 2 x 22-inch print strips together to form the hemline band. Press seams open. Press in half lengthwise with wrong sides together. Cut the hemline band the length of the circumference of the skirt bottom edge plus 1/2 inch for seam allowance. Stitch short edges right sides together, press seam open and refold in half lengthwise. Pin and stitch band to bottom of sundress with raw edges even. Press seam toward skirt.
Happy with her new dress, but needs a hair makeover.
Doll purse using 1 1/2 inch “D” rings for handles.
