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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.


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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