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 bottom pieces.
The opening is kept at the center back, which extends from the top edge 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
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.
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 of 2 1/2 inches from the waistline, that is, from the waistline to the hip line, for easy dressing.
Once joined, this is how it looks on the right side.
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 the placket, which is 1 1/4-inch wide with the length equivalent to the length of the opening at the back plus 1 1/2 inches for additional fabric. 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. Add 1 1/2 inches to this measurement.
For our 18-inch doll, this measurement is 12 inches + 1 1/2 inches = 13 1/2 inches. So the placket length is 13 1/2 inches and width is 1 1/4 inches.
Fold down the long edges of the placket by 1/4 inch. Press them well.
And then fold the placket in half and press.
Sandwich the edges of the center back opening into the placket folded in half, pin, and then stitch close to the pinned edge of the placket to secure it in place.
This is how it looks on the wrong side.
Now, fold the placket to the wrong side, and start sewing close to the folded edge on one side stopping at the hipline (that is, the lower end of the opening. Pivot and sew horizontally to finish. Use the below image as a guide.
On the right side of the playsuit, now you have one side of the placket turned inwards and the other side of the placket placed over it.
6. Join the crotch curve of the front bottom pieces. Serge the raw edges.
7. Join the front bodice and front bottom pieces.
8. Sew the shoulder seams.
Sew the shoulder seams of the front and back bodice pieces together.
Serge the raw edges of the shoulder seams.
9. Sew the armholes.
Cut a long 1-inch wide bias strip.
I didn't have enough fabric to cut a long strip, so I cut three 1 inch wide bias strips from the fabric that was available. We will use these bias strips for finishing the armholes and neckline.
Take a 1 inch wide bias strip with length a bit longer than the the armhole curve measurement. Fold the strip in half lengthwise.
Pin the raw edges of the folded bias strip (not the folded edge) to the armhole curve on the right side of the bodice and sew with a 1/4 inch seam allowance. Fold it down and sew close to the folded edge. Repeat for the other armhole.
10. Finish the neckline
Join a bias strip folded in half to the neckline with a 1/4 inch seam allowance. Fold it down the wrong side 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. Attach Velcro to the plackets.
Attach small strips of Velcro or press studs on the plackets.
For decorative purposes, 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 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.
Happy Sewing!
---Flora
