Sewing an A-line dress for an 18-inch doll can be a fun project, even for beginners. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you create a simple and stylish A-line dress.
Check out my other free 18-inch doll cloth PDF sewing patterns and tutorials:
Gathered Skirt with Elastic Waist for 18-Inch Dolls---Free PDF Sewing Pattern
A Simple Top with Short Sleeves---Free PDF Printable Pattern for 18-Inch Dolls
Swirl Skirt with Elasticated Waist---Free PDF Printable Sewing Pattern for 18-Inch Dolls
Lightweight fabric (like cotton or a small-patterned fabric that’s easy to work with)
Contrast solid colored fabric for the collar
Matching thread
Velcro or snaps for the closure
Scissors
Sewing pins
A sewing machine or needle for hand sewing
Sewing pattern (Link is given below.)
Steps
1. Download the Free PDF Sewing Pattern
Pattern download link:
A-Line Dress with Peter Pan Collar for 18-Inch Dolls Free PDF Sewing Pattern
Seam and hem allowances:
Seam and hem allowances are included in the pattern.
Armhole: 1/4 inch
Neckline: 1/4 inch
Side seams: 1/2 inch
Collar pieces: 1/4 inch on all sides
Button extension at the center back is 1 inch in width.
Hem allowance is 3/4 inch (I wanted to have a wider hem fold. So I have kept the hem allowance to 3/4 inch. However, if you want a narrower hem fold, you can reduce the hem allowance to 1/2 inch and adjust the height accordingly.)
How to print and assemble the pattern?
Check this tutorial to learn how to print and assemble the PDF sewing pattern.
2. Cut Out the Fabric
Fold your fabric in half with the pattern pieces pinned to it. Trace around the pattern.
Cut one front piece on fold.
Cut two back pieces.
Cut four collar pieces.
This is how the fold looks sideways.
Place the collar pattern template over the folded fabric.
Trace around the collar pattern and cut out the pieces from the fabric.
3. Sew the Shoulder Seams
Place the front and back pieces with right sides facing.
Sew the shoulder seams with a 1/4 inch seam allowance.
Press open the seams and serge the raw edges. (You can serge the raw edges before you join the shoulder seams. That would be even easier to do.)
4. Finish the Armholes and Side Seams
Cut 1-inch-wide bias strips from the fabric with length a little more than the armhole curve measurement.
With right sides together, pin a bias strip to one of the armholes.
Trim the extra lengths of fabric from both the ends of the bias strip, and with right sides together match the side seam allowances of the dress using fabric clips, and then sew (leaving an 1/2 inch seam allowance).
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Press open the seams and finish the raw edges using a serger, or zig-zag stitch on the sewing machine, or using pinking shears. You can do this step before sewing the sides together, as it would be much easier.
Now fold the bias strip to the wrong side and hem. I did blind hem by hand to keep it neat.
Repeat step 4 for the other armhole and side seam.
This is how the dress looks on the right side at this stage of the project.
5. Finish the Back Closures
Fold the back edges down the wrong side of the dress to create a clean edge, first by 1/4 inch and then by 3/8 inch.
Sew along the folded edges.
Trim the top end of the folded back closure to the shape of the neckline.
6. Attach the Collars and Finish the Neckline
With right sides together, join two collar pieces, leaving the neckline side open.
Turn it inside out and press.
Repeat the same for the other collar on the other side.
On the front neckline, mark the center front. Position the collar pieces on both sides of this center front mark, pin, and sew (seam allowance is 1/4 inch).
I have left a little gap between the collars to attach a ribbon later. But you can sew the collars close together if you don't want to add any embellishment.
Attach a 1-inch-wide bias strip (in the same color as the collar) over the collar pieces.
This is how the dress looks at this stage.
7. Finish the Hemline of the Dress
Fold the hem of the dress up about 1/4 inch, then fold again by 1/2 inch and sew to prevent fraying and to give the dress a finished look.
8. Add Any Final Touches
You can add small embellishments, such as a bow, buttons, or lace trim, if you like.
Sew or attach Velcro strips (which are 1/2 inch in width and the length equal to the center back length) (or snaps) along the back opening to allow the dress to open and close.
Your A-line dress is now ready! You can adjust this basic pattern to add details like puffed sleeves or trim to make the dress unique.
I have posted lots of free PDF printable sewing patterns on this page on my blog. Browse through this page to find the patterns you are looking for. You can download and use them to make your own clothes.
Happy sewing!
---Flora
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