If you’re searching for a fun, fast, and charming sewing project for your favorite 18-inch doll, this Easy Sundress Free PDF Sewing Pattern is the perfect choice. Designed with sweet gathered front and back necklines and shoulder ties, this little dress captures the carefree feel of summer in miniature form. In this post, you’ll find everything you need to get started, including fabric suggestions, supply details, and a complete step-by-step tutorial to help you create this adorable doll-sized sundress.
I have included the link to the free pattern below.
Click the link below to browse all the free PDF sewing patterns for women:
Fabric Requirements
To make this 18-inch doll sundress, you’ll need the following materials:
- Sewing Pattern: Free PDF pattern (link provided below).
- Fabric: Approximately 1/4 yard of 45” wide fabric or a fat quarter will be sufficient, depending on your cutting layout.
- Bias Tape: About 1/2 yard total for finishing the armholes and neckline (store-bought or handmade).
- Thread: Matching color for sewing.
Pins or clips
Scissors or rotary cutter
Sewing machine
Suitable Fabrics
This sundress design works best with lightweight fabrics. Here are some great fabric options:
1. Cotton
2. Cotton Voile or Lawn
3. Bamboo or Rayon
4. Chambray
5. Linen
Step-by-Step Sewing Tutorial
Let’s get started with this adorable sundress sewing project!
Step 1: Download Your Pattern
Start by downloading the free PDF sewing pattern for 18-inch doll size sundress. Simply print it on A4 or Letter-sized paper, and you’ll be ready to start sewing!
How to Print and Assemble the PDF Pattern Pages:
Pattern Assembly:
The diagram below is given as a guide to assemble the pattern pages. There are 2 pages in the pattern PDF. And these pages are arranged as shown in the diagram.
Download Link:
👉 Easy Gathered Sundress Free PDF Sewing Pattern for 18-Inch Dolls
Step 2: Cut Your Fabric
Place the pattern pieces on your fabric and cut out the necessary shapes. You’ll need to cut:
1 front piece
1 back piece
Bias tape
Step 3: Gather the Top Edges of the Front and Back Pieces
Set your sewing machine to a long, loose basting stitch.
This stitch will create a looser, more flexible stitch, making it easier to
gather the fabric later. Most machines have a basting stitch option, but if
yours doesn't, use a straight stitch and set the stitch length to the
longest setting.
Needle: Use a regular sewing needle (size 80/12 or
90/14) for the fabric you are working with.
Thread: Use the same color thread as your fabric for a
clean, uniform look.
Use two rows of stitching: For more control over the gathering, sew two parallel lines of basting stitches (one about 1/4 inch from the edge, and the other around 1/2 inch from the edge). This gives you more thread to pull for gathering, which helps achieve a more even and neat gather.
Once the two rows of basting stitches are in place, gently pull the threads from the bobbin side of the fabric to create the
gathers. Be careful not to pull too hard, as this can break the thread.
Evenly distribute the gathers: As you pull the thread, evenly spread the gathers along the top edge of the fabric, making sure the fabric is gathered enough to match the pattern's finished edge, which is equal to the measurement from A to B multiplied by 2, for both front and back (refer to the image below).
In this image the measurement from A to C multiplied by 2 is the excess measurement added to create the gathered effect.
Remove the basting stitches: After the gathers are secured, carefully remove the long basting stitches from both the top and bottom lines. This will give the fabric a smooth finish while maintaining the gathered effect.
Step 4: Finish the Top Edge
To finish the top edge, use bias tape that is 4 inches long and 1.5 inches wide, each for front and back.
Step 5: Sew the Side Seams
Next, place the front and back pieces together with right sides facing. Pin the side seams and sew them with a 1/2" seam allowance. Once sewn, finish the edges with a zigzag stitch or overlock to prevent fraying.
Step 6: Finish the Armholes
To finish the edges of the armholes, use bias tape that is 10 inches long and 1.5 inches wide, for each armhole. Sew the bias tape around the edges of the armholes, leaving the excess at the top to tie over the shoulders into a knot.
Step 7: Hem the Bottom of the Dress
Fold the bottom edge of the dress up by about 1/4" and then fold again to create a clean hem. Sew around the bottom to secure it, and press the hem flat.
Step 8: Final Touches
Give your sundress a final press with the iron, ensuring all seams and hems are crisp and neat. Your sundress is now ready to wear!
This Easy Sundress Free PDF Sewing Pattern is the perfect beginner-friendly project for any seamstress.
You can easily transition this sundress into winter wear for your doll by layering and accessorizing.
Happy sewing!
--Flora
