How to Sew a Gathered Skirt with Elastic Waist for 18-Inch Dolls---with Free PDF Sewing Pattern

Sewing an elastic waist skirt for an 18-inch doll is a fun and easy beginner project! It's one of the best ways to use your scrap fabrics. 

The measurements of the doll I used are

Chest 11.5 inches

Waist 11 inches

Hip 11.75 inches

This pattern will fit most of the18-inch dolls like Our Generation dolls and American Girl© dolls.

Here's the step-by-step sewing tutorial. The link to the free PDF pattern is given below.

Check out my other free 18-inch doll PDF sewing patterns and tutorials:

A-Line Dress with Pater Pan Collar for 18-Inch Dolls

Raglan Sleeve Top with Back Closure for 18-Inch Dolls (Free PDF Pattern)

Simple Top with Short Sleeves for 18-Inch Dolls Using French Seams---Free PDF Printable Sewing Pattern

Panel Skirt with Elasticated Waist for 18-Inch Dolls---Free Printable PDF Pattern

Basic Dress with Gathered Skirt for 18-Inch Dolls---Free PDF Printable Sewing Pattern

Night Pants (Pajama Pants) with Elasticated Waist---Free PDF Printable Sewing Pattern for 18-Inch Dolls

Night Pants (Pajama Pants) with Elasticated Waist---Free PDF Printable Sewing Pattern for 18-Inch Dolls

A Simple Top with Short Sleeves---Free PDF Printable Pattern for 18-Inch Dolls

Swirl Skirt with Elasticated Waist---Free PDF Printable Sewing Pattern for 18-Inch Dolls

Spiral Skirt with Elasticated Waist---Free PDF Printable Sewing Pattern for 18-Inch Dolls

Full Circle Skirt Free PDF Printable Sewing Pattern for 18-Inch Dolls

Simple and Easy Sleeveless A-Line Summer Top for 18-Inch Dolls

Elastic Waist 8-Gore Skirt Pattern for 18-Inch Dolls

Reversible Bolero Vest for 18-Inch Dolls

Bermuda Shorts for 18-Inch Dolls

Elastic Waist A-Line Skirt for 18-Inch Dolls

Let's dive into the sewing tutorial:

Materials Needed:

Fabric (lightweight cotton or similar. I used a polka dotted lightweight cotton fabric.)

Elastic (1/2-inch width, about 8–10 inches long)

Sewing machine or needle and thread

Scissors

Measuring tape 

Sewing pins or clips

Safety pin

---

Instructions:

1. Download the free PDF pattern for the skirt

Download link to the pattern:

18-Inch Doll Gathered Skirt with Elastic Waist---Free PDF Sewing Pattern

How to Print and Assemble the PDF Pattern Pages:

Click here to learn how to print and assemble the PDF pattern pages. 

This PDF pattern has two pages to print.

This is the pattern assembly diagram:

Print the two pages and cut the left margin of page 2.

Place the left margin of Page 2 on top of the right margin of Page 1 and paste them together.

Cut out the pattern template.

2. Cut the Fabric

Fold the fabric in half.

Using the pattern template, cut the long rectangular piece of fabric for the skirt.

3. Sew the Side Seam

Fold the rectangular piece of fabric in half with the right sides together. Align the edges and pin. Sew the side seam with a 1/2-inch seam allowance. Backstitch at the beginning and end for durability.

4. Finish the Side Seam

Trim the seam allowance and finish it with a serger, zigzag stitch or pinking shears to prevent fraying.

5. Hem the Bottom Edge

Fold the bottom edge of the fabric up by 1/4 inch and press.

Fold again another 1/4 inch to hide the raw edges and press.

Pin in place and sew a straight stitch along the folded edge.

This is how it looks on the right side.

6. Create the Waistband

Fold the top edge of the fabric down by 1/4 inch, then fold it again by 3/4 inch to create a casing for the elastic.

Sew close to the folded edge, leaving a 1-inch opening to insert the elastic.

7. Insert the Elastic

Take an 8 to 10-inch-long elastic. (The doll's waist circumference is around 11.5 inches. So the length of the elastic can be 1 to 3 inches lesser than that, depending on the stretchability or elasticity of the elastic and how fitter you want the waist of the skirt to be. For example, the type of elastic I used in this project was a braided elastic that can stretch more. So I used only 8 inches of it.)

I always mark the length on the elastic instead of cutting it out to the correct length, so it will be easier to thread it through the casing. 

Attach a safety pin to one end of the elastic and thread it through the waistband casing.

Make sure the other end of the elastic doesn't slip inside the casing by pinning it in place.

8. Sew the Elastic Ends

Once the elastic is fully threaded through, cut through the length marking on one end.

 

Remove the safety pin from the other end, and overlap the ends by 1/2 inch and sew them together securely using a zigzag stitch or several straight stitches.

9. Adjust and Finish

Distribute the gathers evenly around the waistband.

Close the opening in the waistband with a straight stitch.

Your elastic waist skirt is now complete! We have turned a rectangular piece of fabric into a beautiful skirt! You can sew as many of these doll skirts as you like from all the scrap fabrics you have, as it is very easy to make.

Dress your doll and enjoy the finished look!

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.

Pattern drafting tutorials 

Sewing tutorials 

Happy sewing!

---Flora

How to Sew an In-Seam Pocket to a Dress (with Free PDF Pattern for Kids' Sizes)

An in-seam pocket is positioned along a seam such as the sides of a skirt or dress and is sewn directly into the seam, making it almost invisible from the outside. It is typically attached to the sides of skirts, dresses, pants, or jackets.

How an in-seam pocket is constructed?

A separate pocket bag is sewn into the seam.

The pocket opening is concealed, blending into the overall design.

Functionality

It provides storage while maintaining a sleek, seamless look.

In-seam pockets are practical and stylish, often favored in minimalist designs.

Kids' In-Seam Pocket Free PDF Sewing Pattern 

I have created a free in-seam pocket PDF pattern for kids' sizes 1 to 12 years and want to share it with you.

 

You can use this pocket pattern to add pockets to the basic sleeveless gathered dress (with free PDF pattern) and the sailor collar dress (with free PDF pattern).

Pattern Download Link:

Here's the link to download the pattern:

In-seam pocket free PDF sewing pattern for kids' sizes 1 to 12 years

This is a one-page PDF.

Here's a step-by-step guide to attaching an inseam pocket to a skirt or dress.

Materials Needed:

Pocket pattern pieces (4 pieces – 2 for each pocket)

Skirt or dress fabric (front and back pieces)

Pins

Sewing machine

Thread

Scissors

How to Sew?

Step 1: Cut Pocket Pieces

Cut 4 pocket pieces from your pocket pattern.

Step 2: Mark Pocket Placement

Decide on pocket placement by measuring down from the waistband (usually 2-4 inches from the waist, depending on comfort). 

Mark this spot on both side seams of the skirt front and back pieces.

Step 3: Pin and Sew the Pockets to the Skirt

With right sides facing, pin one pocket piece to each side seam of the skirt, aligning the straight edge of the pocket with the side seam. Ensure that the top of the pocket aligns with your marked placement line.

Sew the pocket pieces to the skirt with a 3/8-inch seam allowance.

Serge the seams.

Step 4: Press the Seams

Press the pockets outward (away from the skirt) so the seams lie flat. Understitch as shown in the image below, to prevent the pocket from showing on the outside of the dress.

Step 5: Sew the Side Seams and around the Pocket

Align the skirt front and back pieces, right sides together, with the pockets sticking out to the sides.

Pin along the side seams, around the pocket, and down to the hem.

Sew down the side seam until you reach the pocket opening. Sew around the pocket (following the curve), then continue down the rest of the side seam.

Reinforce the corners at the top and bottom of the pocket by backstitching.

Step 6: Finish the Seam 

Finish the seam allowance with a zigzag stitch, serger, or pinking shears to prevent fraying. You need to be more careful when you serge along the sharp corners and curves.

Step 7: Press the Pocket toward the Front

Once sewn, press the pocket towards the front of the skirt so it lies flat and invisible in the side seam.

And that’s it! You now have a neat inseam pocket added to your skirt. This method keeps the pocket hidden in the side seam while being functional and secure.

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.

Pattern drafting tutorials 

Sewing tutorials 

Happy sewing!

---Flora

How to Sew a Raglan Sleeve Top with Back Closure for 18-Inch Dolls (with Free PDF Pattern)

Today, we will learn how to sew a Raglan sleeve top with back closure for 18-inch dolls.

A Raglan-sleeve top is a great sewing project for 18-inch dolls, and the distinctive sleeves make it stylish and easy to wear. 

You can adjust the pattern to add different embellishments, like cuffs, or play with fabric colors to create a contrast between the bodice and sleeves for a sporty look.

The measurements of the doll I used are

Chest 11.5 inches

Waist 11 inches

Hip 11.75 inches

This pattern will fit most of the18-inch dolls like Our Generation dolls and American Girl© dolls.

Here’s a simple guide for sewing a Raglan top for an 18-inch doll.

Materials You’ll Need

Woven or knit fabric (like jersey or any stretchable fabric). You can use different colored fabrics for bodices and sleeves to create contrast.

Sewing thread

Velcro or small snaps (for back closure)

Scissors

Sewing pins or clips

A sewing machine (preferably with a stretch stitch or zigzag) or hand needle for sewing.

Sewing pattern (Link for the free PDF pattern is given below.)

Paper and pencil 

Steps:

1. Print the Pattern

Click here to download the free Raglan top pattern.

The top consists of three main pieces: the front bodice, back bodice, and sleeves.

2. Cut Out the Fabric

Fold your fabric in half and place the pattern pieces on top.

Cut two sleeve pieces.

Cut one front bodice piece on the fold.

Cut two back bodice pieces (as there will be a back opening for the closure).

Let's arrange the pattern pieces.

Front:

Back:

3. Attach the Sleeves to the Bodice Pieces and Hem the Sleeve Edges

With right sides together, pin the sleeves to the front and back pieces, aligning the sleeve's diagonal edge to the bodice’s armhole edge. Make sure to match the front of the sleeve to the front piece of the top and the back of the sleeves to the back piece of the top.

Fold each sleeve edge down the wrong side by about 1/4 inch twice and sew along the folded edges.

Serge the raw edges of the sleeve seams. 

4. Sew the Side Seams

Pin and sew the side seams from the ends of the sleeves down to the bottom hem of the bodice with a 1/4 inch seam allowance.

Serge the raw edges of the side seams.

5. Finish the Neckline

Use a small piece of bias tape (about 13 inches long and 1 inch wide) to make a binding for the neckline, which you can sew around the neck opening.

Fold the edges of the back extensions to the wrong side by 1/4 inch and press.

Fold again by 1/4 inch and press.

Trim the folded edges to the shape of the neckline.

Turn over the folds to the right side like so.

Pin the bias tape to the right side of the neckline like so, while keeping the back extension folds intact.

Sew the bias tape to the neckline with a 1/4 inch seam allowance.

Make small slits all over the seam allowance. Make sure you don't cut through the stitch line.

 

Now, fold the bias tape to the wrong side and sew along the neckline to hold the folded bias tape.

This is how it looks on the right side.

Flip the folded button closures to the wrong side and fold down the bias tape again to the wrong side and sew along the folded edge. I hemmed it by hand.

The top is almost ready.

6. Hem the Bottom Edge of the Top

Fold the bottom hem of the top down by 1/4 inch.

Fold again by 1/4 inch and sew to finish the edge neatly.

6. Finish the Back Closure

Fold over the center back closure edges and sew to create a clean edge.

Attach Velcro strips (of length equivalent to the center back length and width equivalent to 1/2 inch to 1 inch) or small snaps along the back edges, so the top can open and close.

 

And that's it! You now have a Raglan top for your 18-inch 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.

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.

Pattern drafting tutorials 

Sewing tutorials 

Happy Sewing!

---Flora