This summer top designed for 18-inch dolls has an A-line shape and has shoulder ties that could be fastened at the shoulders. Ruffles are added at the hemline.
I have included the link to the free pattern below.
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 free 18-inch doll cloth PDF sewing patterns and tutorials:
1. Gathered Skirt with Elastic Waist
4. Panel Skirt with Elasticated Waist
8. Swirl Skirt with Elasticated Waist
9. Spiral Skirt with Elasticated Waist
10. Full Circle Skirt
11. Easy Sleeveless A-Line Summer Top
12. Elastic Waist 8-Gore Skirt
13. Tiered Dress
15. Bermuda Shorts
17. Playsuit
18. Jumpsuit
13. Tiered Dress
15. Bermuda Shorts
17. Playsuit
18. Jumpsuit
Let's jump in to the tutorial.
Materials Needed:
- Fabric (cotton, lightweight linen, or knit)
- Matching thread
- Scissors
- Pins or clips
- Sewing machine (or hand-sewing needle)
- Cross-grain fabric strips for the shoulder ties
- Measuring tape
- Iron
Steps to Sew the Doll Top:
1. Download the Free PDF 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.
Seam and hem allowances are included in the pattern.
Neckline and armholes: 1/4 inch
Side seam: 1/2 inch
Bottom edge: 1/4 inch
Fabric strip for ruffles:
Top edge: 1/4 inch
Bottom hemline edge: 1/2 inch
Side seam: 1/4 inch
2. Cut the Fabric
- Cut one front piece and one back piece on fold.
3. Create the Hem for the Top Edge
- Fold the top edge of both pieces down 1/4 inch and press with an iron.
- Fold down again 1/4 inch and press.
- Sew close to the folded edge.
4. Sew the Side Seams
- Place the front and back pieces right sides together.
- Pin and sew 1/2-inch seams along both sides.
- Finish the edges with a zigzag stitch or pinking shears to prevent fraying.
5. Add the Shoulder Ties
- Cut cross-grain fabric strips about 8 inches long and 1 inch wide each.
- Fold the strips 1/4 inch down the wrong side, lengthwise. Then, fold the strip in half, lengthwise and press. Sandwich the armhole into this folded strip, pin to keep them together, and then stitch along the edge.
6. Prepare the Ruffled Strip
- Place the two ruffle strips right sides together. Now you have a long ruffle strip.
- Fold the bottom edge of this long ruffle strip 1/4 inch up, press, and fold again 1/4 inch.
- Sew along the folded edge.
7. Attach the Ruffled Strip to the Top
- Pin the top edge of the ruffle strip to the bottom edge of the top with right sides together and sew.
- Serge the raw edges.
Final Touches
- Trim any loose threads.
- Try the top on your doll and adjust the shoulder ties as needed.
Now your 18-inch doll has a cute top with shoulder ties! Would you like matching bottoms or a skirt tutorial to go with it? Check these links!
Gathered Skirt with Elastic Waist for 18-Inch Dolls---Free PDF Sewing Pattern
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
