This tie-front top is easy and quick to sew. I have included the link to the free pattern below.
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
A Simple Top with Short Sleeves---Free PDF Printable Pattern for 18-Inch Dolls
Materials Needed
- Fabric (lightweight cotton or knit works best)
- Matching thread
- Scissors
- Sewing machine or hand-sewing needle
- Pins or fabric clip
Instructions
1. Download the Free Pattern
Pattern Download Link:
For the peplum part of the skirt, you can also use a rectangular strip of fabric, instead of using the peplum pattern provided here. Measure out the lower edge of the entire bodice (after you have attached the front and back bodices together). Note down this measurement. Take a piece of fabric with width 2 3/4 to 3 inches and length 1.5 to 2 times the measurement you have noted down.
Seam and hem allowances are included in the pattern.
Neckline, center front open edges, armholes, bodice lower edge: 1/4 inch
Side seam: 1/2 inch
Peplum skirt top edge: 1/4 inch
Peplum skirt side seam: 1/2 inch
Bottom hem: 1/2 inch
2. Cut the Fabric
- Fold the fabric in half and pin the pattern pieces to it.
- Cut the fabric pieces.
3. Sew the Shoulders
- Pin the front piece to the two back pieces at the shoulder seams.
- Sew the shoulder seams using a ¼-inch seam allowance.
4. Finish the armholes
- Pin a bias strip folded in half to the right side of the armhole and sew.
- Trim the raw edge of the armhole and the bias strip.
- Fold down the bias to the wrong side and sew close to the folded edge.
5. Finish the Neckline
- Pin a bias strip folded in half to the right side of the neckline and sew.
- Trim the raw edge of the neckline and the bias strip.
- Fold down the bias to the wrong side and sew close to the folded edge.
5. Sew the Side Seams
- Align the sides of the front and back bodices.
- Sew from the underarm point to the hem of the top on both sides.
6. Gather and Attach the Peplum Skirt to the Bodice
1. Join the sides of the peplum skirt.
2. Gather the top edge.
3. Attach the skirt to the bodice.
7. Attach the Ties to the Center Front Opening
- Make eight small ties from straight pieces of fabric.
- Mark four points of equal lengths on both the edges of the center front opening.
- Sew the ties in place.
- Pin a bias strip folded in half to the right side of both the edges of the center front opening and sew.
- Trim the raw edges of both the center front opening and the bias strip.
- Fold down the bias strips to the wrong side and sew close to the folded edge.
8. Test and Adjust
- Place the top on the doll, fasten the front ties to make knots or bows, and ensure the top fits snugly. Make any needed adjustments.
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.
You can also click the 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
