Today we will learn how to make a tiered dress for 18-inch dolls with a free PDF sewing pattern (link to download the pattern is given below).
This is a sleeveless dress with a three-tiered skirt, with the top tier attached to the bodice at the waistline. The bodice is fully lined.
The measurements of the doll I used are
Chest 11.5 inches
Waist 11 inches
Hip 11.75 inches
This pattern will fit dolls like Our Generation dolls and American Girl dolls and dolls with similar measurements.
Check out my other PDF 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
Materials Needed:
- Fabric – Choose lightweight cotton or similar fabric for ease of sewing.
- Thread – Matching the fabric color
- Velcro, snaps, or buttons – For the dress closure.
- Basic sewing tools – Scissors, sewing pins, measuring tape, needle, sewing machine, etc.
Steps:
1. Download the Free PDF Sewing Pattern
Pattern Download Link:
How to print and assemble the pattern pages?
Click here to learn how to print and assemble the PDF pattern pages.
Pattern Assembly:
Please use to the diagram below as a guide to assemble the pattern.
Seam and Hem Allowances:
Neckline, armholes, center back, lower edge of the bodice: 1/4 inch
Side seam: 1/2 inch
Tier 1:
Top edge: 1/4 inch; bottom edge: 1/4 inch
Tier 2:
Top edge: 1/4 inch; bottom edge: 1/4 inch
Tier 3:
Top edge: 1/4 inch; bottom edge: 1/2 inch for hem allowance
2. Cut the Fabric Pieces
Bodice:
Front Bodice
Back bodice
Skirt Tiers:
Cut strips for each tier
- Tier 1
- Tier 2
- Tier 3
3. Assemble the Bodice
Join the front and back lining and main fabrics at the shoulder seam.
With the right sides of the lining and main pieces facing, sew around the neckline, armholes, and center back with a 1/4 inch seam allowance
Sew the side seams.
4. Gather and Attach Skirt Tiers
- Gather Fabric: Use a long basting stitch on the top edge of each skirt tier. Pull the thread to gather until the length matches the bottom edge of the layer above (or bodice for the first tier).
- Add the Middle and Bottom Tiers: Repeat the gathering and attachment process for the second and third tiers, sewing each tier to the bottom of the one above it.
5. Hem the Bottom Edge
- Fold the bottom edge of the last tier up ¼ inch, press, and fold again to hide the raw edge. Sew the hem in place.
6. Create button extensions at the center back of the skirt.
Attach a straight piece of fabric (which is 1 inch wide with length that is equal to the center back seam of the skirt) to the right side of the skirt's center back edge with a 1/4 inch seam. Then fold it down the wrong side and sew close to the folded edge. Repeat this for the other side of the center back opening.
Add a closure (Velcro, buttons, or snaps) to the center back edges for ease of putting the dress on the doll.
7. Attach bodice to the skirt
Sandwich the top edge of the skirt's tier 1 between the bottom edge of the bodice's main and lining fabric.
8. Final Touches
- Put the dress on the doll to check the fit.
- Add embellishments such as lace, ribbon, or bows if desired.
You now have a beautiful tiered dress for your 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.
Happy Sewing
---Flora
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