Today I would like to share with you a free PDF sewing pattern and sewing tutorial for a playsuit or romper for 18-inch dolls.
This is a sleeveless playsuit. The bodice and the bottom pieces are joined at the waistline.
You can use same colored fabrics or contrast colored fabrics for the bodice and the bottom pieces.
The opening is kept at the back, which extends from the center of the back neckline to the hipline so it's easy to pull the playsuit on and off.
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
Here’s a step-by-step tutorial on how to create a playsuit for your 18-inch doll.
Pattern download link is given below.
Materials Needed
Lightweight fabric (like cotton)
Small buttons (decorative or functional)
Matching thread
Scissors
Sewing machine or needle and thread
Pins
Fabric marker or pencil
Pattern (link given below)
Iron
Velcro (optional, for easy closures)
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Steps to Sew the Playsuit with Button Plackets
1. Download the Free PDF Sewing Pattern
Here's the link to download the pattern:
18-inch doll playsuit or romper free PDF sewing pattern
Seam and hem allowances are included in the pattern.
Shoulder seam allowance 1/4 inch
Side seam allowance 1/2 inch
Armhole curve seam allowance 1/4 inch
Neckline seam allowance 1/4 inch
Playsuit front and back bodice pieces' bottom edge 1/4 inch
Playsuit front and back bottom pieces' top edge 1/4 inch
Crotch curve allowance 1/4 inch
Inner leg seam allowance 1/4 inch
Leg hem allowance 1/2 inch
2. Prepare the Fabric
Cut out all pattern pieces including the front and back bodices and front and back bottom pieces.
3. Sew the crotch curve of the back bottom pieces.
With right sides facing, sew the crotch curve of the two back bottom pieces as shown in the image below, leaving a opening 1 1/2 inches from the waistline, that is, from the waistline to the hip line, for easy dressing.
4. Join the lower edge of the back bodice pieces to the corresponding top edge of the back bottom pieces
5. Sew the Plackets
We are doing a continuous bound placket here.
Cut the fabric for placket, which is 1 1/4-inch wide and length equivalent to the opening at the back. That is, measure the length starting from the top edge of one back bodice piece, and then include the length of the crotch curve opening on the back bottom pieces, and measure all the way up to the top edge of other back bodice piece.
Fold in the long edges of the placket by 1/4 inch. Press them well. And then fold the placket in half and press.
Sandwich the back opening into the placket folded in half, and stitch close to the folded edge to secure the placket.
6. Join the crotch curve of the front bottom pieces.
7. Join the front bodice and bottom pieces.
8. Sew the shoulder seams.
Sew the shoulder seams of the front and back bodice pieces together.
9. Sew the armholes.
Join a bias strip to the armhole curves with a 1/4 inch seam allowance.. Fold it down and sew close to the folded edge.
10. Finish the neckline
Join a bias strip to the neckline with a 1/4 inch seam allowance.. Fold it down and sew close to the folded edge.
11. Sew the sides.
Match the front and back pieces at the side seams and sew.
12. Hem the leg openings.
13. Sew the inner leg seams
Sew the inner leg seams of the front and back bottom pieces together.
14. Create Buttonholes
Mark the placement for buttonholes on one side of the placket, spaced evenly.
Use your sewing machine's buttonhole function or hand-stitch small buttonholes.
If using decorative buttons and Velcro, skip the buttonholes.
15. Sew on Buttons
Sew buttons to the opposite placket side so they align with the buttonholes.
For decorative purposes only, sew buttons on top of the placket without functional buttonholes, and use Velcro beneath for fastening.
Add embellishments like trims or decorative stitching for extra flair.
The playsuit is now ready to try on the 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.
Happy Sewing!
---Flora
