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Sunday, June 15, 2025

Bubble Skirt for 18-Inch Dolls--Free PDF Sewing Pattern and Tutorial

 




Making a bubble skirt for an 18-inch doll is a fun and simple sewing project. 

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.

Here’s a step-by-step guide:

Materials Needed:

  • Fabric (lightweight cotton, satin, or tulle)
  • Lining fabric (light cotton or similar)
  • Elastic (1/4 inch wide)
  • Matching thread
  • Scissors
  • Sewing machine or needle for hand-sewing
  • Measuring tape
  • Pins

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Cut the Fabric

  • Outer Fabric: Cut a rectangle about 22 inches wide by 6 inches tall.
  • Lining Fabric: Cut a rectangle about 18 inches wide by 4 inches tall.
  • Elastic: Cut a piece 10 inches long.

You can also use the free sewing pattern template of this skirt I have posted here.


*This pattern is for non-commercial use only.

How to print and assemble the pattern pages?


Click here to learn how to print and assemble the PDF pattern pages. 


There are 2 pages in the pattern to print and assemble.

Use the below diagram as a guide to assemble the pattern pages:




Click the link below to browse all the free PDF sewing patterns for women:



Click the link below to browse all the free PDF sewing patterns for kids:


Click the link below to see the complete list of Free PDF Sewing Patterns for 18-Inch Dolls:



 As the fabric pieces are ready now, let's move on to the next step.

2. Sew the Side Seams

  • Sew the side seams of both the outer and lining layers.

3. Gather the Outer Fabric

  • Sew a basting stitch (longest stitch setting on your machine) along the bottom edge of the outer fabric.
  • Pull the thread gently to gather it until it matches the width of the lining fabric (18 inches).
  • Pin the gathered edge of the outer fabric to the bottom of the lining fabric (right sides together).
  • Sew them together with a straight stitch.

4. Sew the Waistband and Create the Elastic Casing

  • Take a 12.25 inches wide and 1.5 inch tall fabric piece for the waistband.
  • Sew the side seam of the waistband.
  • Gather the top edges of both the lining and outer fabrics until it matches the bottom edge of the waist band.
  • Sew them all together.
  • Fold the top edge of the waistband down about 1/4 inch and then ½ inch to make a casing for the elastic.
  • Sew along the folded edge, leaving a small opening to insert the elastic.

5. Insert the Elastic

  • Attach a safety pin to one end of the elastic and thread it through the casing.
  • Once the elastic is fully inserted, sew the ends together securely.
  • Sew the opening in the casing closed.

6. Adjust and Finish

  • Adjust the gathers evenly around the skirt.
  • Make sure the bubble effect looks full and even.
  • Give the skirt a light press with an iron (if using heat-safe fabric).

Final Touches

Now your 18-inch doll has a stylish bubble skirt! Pair it with a cute top or jacket for a complete outfit.
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Saturday, June 7, 2025

Women's Reversible Wrap Top or Vest with Tie Strings---Sewing Tutorial + Free PDF Sewing Pattern for Bust Sizes 30 to 44 Inches

Here's another free PDF sewing pattern for women. This is a pattern for side tie top for women's bust sizes 30, 32, 34, 36, 38, 40, 42, and 44.











Sewing a reversible wrap top with tie strings is a fun and functional project! Here’s a step-by-step guide for creating one, even if you're an intermediate beginner. 

✂️ Materials Needed:

  • 2 types of lightweight to medium-weight fabric (cotton, rayon, linen, or blends)

  • Matching thread

  • Fabric scissors or rotary cutter

  • Pins or clips

  • Sewing machine

  • Iron

  • Pattern (link to download the free printable PDF pattern is given below)

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Prepare Your Pattern and Fabric



Click the link below to browse all the free PDF sewing patterns for women:



Click the link below to browse all the free PDF sewing patterns for kids:


Click the link below to see the complete list of Free PDF Sewing Patterns for 18-Inch Dolls:









 


This is the measurement chart I used to create this pattern. Please select the pattern size according to your bust size. 







Seam allowances:

Seam allowances are included in the pattern.

Top's bodice part:

1/2 inch for the neck line and armhole

1/2 inch for the sides

1/2 inch at the hemline

Ruffle:

Top edge: 1/2 inch
Sides: 1/2 inch
Bottom edge: 3/4 inch






How to Print and Assemble the PDF Pattern Pages:



2. Prepare the Fabric Pattern Pieces

  • Cut two sets of each pattern piece—one from each fabric. These will be the two sides of your reversible top.

  • Cut four tie strings (two for each side).

3. Sew the Shoulder and Side Seams

  • With right sides together, sew the shoulder seams of both fabric sets (Main A and Lining B).

  • Do the same for side seams.

  • Press seams open.

4. Make the Tie Strings

  • Fold each tie strip in half lengthwise (right sides together) and stitch along the long edge.

  • Turn right side out using a loop turner or safety pin.

  • Press flat.

  • Optional: Topstitch for a clean finish.

5. Attach the Ties

  • Pin two tie strings to each side of the main fabric bodice at the waist (inside edge of wrap overlap).

  • Baste in place (you’ll secure them later when sewing the layers together).

6. Join the Two Sides

  • Place the two fabric bodices right sides together, aligning all edges.

  • Pin around the neckline, armholes, hem, and wrap edges—leave a small gap at the hem for turning.

  • Sew all the way around with a 1/2" seam allowance, securing the ties inside the seam.

7. Turn and Press

  • Clip corners and curves to reduce bulk.

  • Turn the top right side out through the gap.

  • Gently push out corners and press the entire piece flat.

8. Finish the Hem

  • Hand-stitch or machine-stitch the turning gap closed.

  • Optional: Topstitch around the entire top for a polished look and durability.

Reversible Tips:

  • Choose two coordinating fabrics that contrast nicely.

  • Use thread colors that match both fabrics—or pick a fun neutral!

  • Consider adding a small tag or loop on one side to differentiate them.

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Thursday, June 5, 2025

Free PDF Sewing Patterns for Kids

  

Check out the free PDF sewing patterns and tutorials for kids that I have posted on this blog:


1. Kids' Basic Dress with Gathered Skirt and Cap Sleeves---Sizes 1 to 12 Years



Sizes 1 to 12 Years


4. Kids' Button-Down Sleeveless A-Line Top---Sizes 1 to 12 Years


5. Kids' Elastic Waist Pants---Sizes 1 to 12 Years







     
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Wednesday, June 4, 2025

Free PDF Sewing Patterns for Women

 

Check out the free PDF sewing patterns and tutorials for women that I have posted on this blog:


1. Women's Tie-Front Top




4. Women's Tie Front Peplum Top


5. Women's Kurta (Kameez)

6. Women's Kurta (or Kameez) Size XS (Bust Size 30 Inches)
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Monday, June 2, 2025

Women's Side Tie Ruffle Hem Top---Sewing Tutorial + Free PDF Sewing Pattern for Bust Sizes 30 to 44

   




Here's another free PDF sewing pattern for women. This is a pattern for side tie top for women's bust sizes 30, 32, 34, 36, 38, 40, 42, and 44 (that is, sizes XS to XXL).

This sleeveless top has a fun ruffle hem and cute side ties you can adjust for an easy, flattering fit. 

Just toss it over a long top, shirt, or dress like a vest, and you've got an easy, cool vibe that takes your outfit to the next level.   








Click the link below to browse all the free PDF sewing patterns for women:



Click the link below to browse all the free PDF sewing patterns for kids:


Click the link below to see the complete list of Free PDF Sewing Patterns for 18-Inch Dolls:









 


This is the measurement chart I used to create this pattern. Please select the pattern size according to your bust size. 


Seam allowances:

Seam allowances are included in the pattern.

Top's bodice part:

1/2 inch for the neck line and armhole

1/2 inch for the sides

1/2 inch at the hemline

Ruffle:

Top edge: 1/2 inch
Sides: 1/2 inch
Bottom edge: 3/4 inch




Download link:


How to Print and Assemble the PDF Pattern Pages:

How to Sew?

1. With right sides facing join the front and back bodices at the shoulders.

2. Finish the armhole with bias tape

3. Finish the sides. Start pinning a long bias tape to both sides of the top. While pinning it, sandwich fabric ties under the bias tape on each side and sew. Fold the bias tape to the wrong side and sew. 

4. Fold the sides and bottom edge of the ruffle strip. Then, gather the top edge of the ruffle strip and attach it to the hemline of the top. Serge the raw edges, or use a bias tape to cover it.

5. Finish the neckline by attaching bias tape.


Done!



Please check the link below to get some idea on how to attach the bias strips to the sides of the top, as well as the fabric ties. 



You can completely hide the bias tape under, or you can use a contrast fabric as shown in the baby dress sewing tutorial.

You can attach the fabric ties in different ways you prefer. You can sandwich the fabric ties under the bias tape, and then fold down the bias tape; attach them after you have folded down and sewn the bias tape; or attach them on the outside over the bias tape. The design choice is up to you!




Click on the link 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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