How to Sew a Raglan Sleeve Top with Back Closure for 18-Inch Dolls (with Free PDF Pattern)

Today, we will learn how to sew a Raglan sleeve top with back closure for 18-inch dolls.

A Raglan-sleeve top is a great sewing project for 18-inch dolls, and the distinctive sleeves make it stylish and easy to wear. 

You can adjust the pattern to add different embellishments, like cuffs, or play with fabric colors to create a contrast between the bodice and sleeves for a sporty look.

The measurements of the doll I used are

Chest 11.5 inches

Waist 11 inches

Hip 11.75 inches

This pattern will fit most of the18-inch dolls like Our Generation dolls and American Girl© dolls.

Here’s a simple guide for sewing a Raglan top for an 18-inch doll.

Materials You’ll Need

Woven or knit fabric (like jersey or any stretchable fabric). You can use different colored fabrics for bodices and sleeves to create contrast.

Sewing thread

Velcro or small snaps (for back closure)

Scissors

Sewing pins or clips

A sewing machine (preferably with a stretch stitch or zigzag) or hand needle for sewing.

Sewing pattern (Link for the free PDF pattern is given below.)

Paper and pencil 

Steps:

1. Print the Pattern

Click here to download the free Raglan top pattern.

The top consists of three main pieces: the front bodice, back bodice, and sleeves.

2. Cut Out the Fabric

Fold your fabric in half and place the pattern pieces on top.

Cut two sleeve pieces.

Cut one front bodice piece on the fold.

Cut two back bodice pieces (as there will be a back opening for the closure).

Let's arrange the pattern pieces.

Front:

Back:

3. Attach the Sleeves to the Bodice Pieces and Hem the Sleeve Edges

With right sides together, pin the sleeves to the front and back pieces, aligning the sleeve's diagonal edge to the bodice’s armhole edge. Make sure to match the front of the sleeve to the front piece of the top and the back of the sleeves to the back piece of the top.

Fold each sleeve edge down the wrong side by about 1/4 inch twice and sew along the folded edges.

Serge the raw edges of the sleeve seams. 

4. Sew the Side Seams

Pin and sew the side seams from the ends of the sleeves down to the bottom hem of the bodice with a 1/4 inch seam allowance.

Serge the raw edges of the side seams.

5. Finish the Neckline

Use a small piece of bias tape (about 13 inches long and 1 inch wide) to make a binding for the neckline, which you can sew around the neck opening.

Fold the edges of the back extensions to the wrong side by 1/4 inch and press.

Fold again by 1/4 inch and press.

Trim the folded edges to the shape of the neckline.

Turn over the folds to the right side like so.

Pin the bias tape to the right side of the neckline like so, while keeping the back extension folds intact.

Sew the bias tape to the neckline with a 1/4 inch seam allowance.

Make small slits all over the seam allowance. Make sure you don't cut through the stitch line.

 

Now, fold the bias tape to the wrong side and sew along the neckline to hold the folded bias tape.

This is how it looks on the right side.

Flip the folded button closures to the wrong side and fold down the bias tape again to the wrong side and sew along the folded edge. I hemmed it by hand.

The top is almost ready.

6. Hem the Bottom Edge of the Top

Fold the bottom hem of the top down by 1/4 inch.

Fold again by 1/4 inch and sew to finish the edge neatly.

6. Finish the Back Closure

Fold over the center back closure edges and sew to create a clean edge.

Attach Velcro strips (of length equivalent to the center back length and width equivalent to 1/2 inch to 1 inch) or small snaps along the back edges, so the top can open and close.

 

And that's it! You now have a Raglan top for your 18-inch doll. 

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.

You can also click the Free Sewing Patterns Page at the top of this blog page (under the blog title) to find more free sewing patterns.

Click the links below to browse through all the pattern drafting and sewing tutorials on my blog.

Pattern drafting tutorials 

Sewing tutorials 

Happy Sewing!

---Flora