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:

Free PDF Sewing Patterns for Women

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

Free PDF Sewing Patterns for Kids

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

18-Inch Doll Clothes Free PDF Sewing Patterns

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.