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Wednesday, January 29, 2025

Surplice Peplum Top for 18-Inch Dolls---Free PDF Sewing Pattern and Sewing Tutorial





 


This surplice peplum top for an 18-inch doll has a cross-over front bodice and closures at the back of the top. The bodice is sleeveless and is fully lined. 

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.

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












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

Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you make the surplice peplum top:

Materials Needed:

  • Lightweight cotton or knit fabric
  • Matching thread
  • Scissors
  • Fabric marking pen or chalk
  • Sewing machine (or hand-sewing needle)
  • ¼-inch Velcro or snaps (for back closure)
  • Paper for making a pattern
  • 18-inch doll for fitting

Step 1: Download the PDF Sewing Pattern

Pattern download link:


Use the diagram below as a guide to assemble the pattern pieces:

Seam and Hem Allowances:

Bodice:

Neckline, surplice edges, armholes, center back, lower edge of the bodice: 1/4 inch
Side seam: 1/2 inch

Peplum:
Hem allowance: 1/2 inch
Top edge: 1/4 inch
Side seam: 1/2 inch

Step 2: Cut the Fabric Pieces

  • Cut four front bodice pieces (Cut 1, mirror and cut the other from main fabric; cut 1, mirror and cut the other from lining fabric.)
  • Cut four back bodice pieces (Cut 1, mirror and cut the other from main fabric; cut 1, mirror and cut the other from lining fabric.)
  • Cut the peplum pieces or the peplum strip.
  • To make the peplum strip, measure the waist circumference of your bodice pattern. Cut a strip of fabric that is 1 1/2 or 2 times the waist measurement and about 2 3/4 to 3 wide.

Step 3: Assemble the Top

  1. Sew the Bodice

    • Join the front and back lining and main fabrics at the shoulder seam.
          With the right sides of the lining and main pieces facing, sew around the neckline, including the surplice edges, armholes, and center back with a 1/4 inch seam allowance.
          Sew the side seams and finish the raw edges.

  2. Overlap the two fronts at the "V" to create the wrap style, pin, and baste in place.




  3. Attach the Peplum

    • Join the front and back peplum side seams and finish the raw edges. Skip this, if using a strip for the peplum. Gather the peplum strip until it matches the waist circumference.
    • Sandwich the top edge of the peplum to the bottom edge of the bodice and sew.
    • Finish the bottom hem by folding ¼ inch and again by folding 1/4 inch and sewing.


  4. Add a Back Closure

    • Attach Velcro or snaps to the back opening.



Step 4: Finishing Touches

  • Press all the seams for a professional look.
  • Decorate with lace, bows, or trim!

If you need any specific pattern for your doll, please feel free to leave a comment in the comment section.

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
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Monday, January 27, 2025

Peplum Top with Back Closure for 18-Inch Dolls---Free PDF Sewing Pattern and Sewing Tutorial




 




This peplum top for an 18-inch doll has closures at the back. I have added sleeves to the pattern. But you can make it sleeveless too.





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.

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












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



Here is the step-by step tutorial to make this top for your doll.

Materials Needed:

  1. Fabric: Lightweight cotton or similar fabric.
  2. Thread: Matching the fabric color.
  3. Closure: Velcro, snaps, or small buttons.
  4. Scissors: Fabric scissors and paper scissors.
  5. Sewing machine or needle for hand sewing.
  6. Pattern: Download link is given below.
  7. Extras: Ruler, pins, or clips, and optional embellishments like trim or lace.

Instructions:

1. Download the Free PDF Sewing Pattern

Pattern download link:


Use the diagram below to assemble the pattern pages:






Seam and hem allowances are included in the pattern.

Neckline, center back 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
Sleeve cap curve: 1/4 inch
Sleeve side seam: 1/2 inch
Sleeve hemline: 3/4 inch



Use the below diagram as a guide to assemble the pattern pages.








2. Cut the Fabric

  • Lay your pattern pieces on the fabric, and pin it down.
  • Cut out the front bodice, two back bodice pieces, two sleeve pieces and peplum pieces (curved pieces for a flared effect)
  • 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.

3. Prepare the Bodice

  • Sew the shoulder seams of the front and back bodice pieces (right sides together).
  • Finish the raw edges with a serger, zigzag stitches or pinking shears.
4. Attach the Sleeves

5. Join the Peplum Pieces and Hem the Bottom Edge

  • With right sides facing, join the sides of the peplum pieces together with an 1/2-inch seam allowance.
  • Fold the bottom edge of the peplum up 1/4", press, and fold again for a clean finish.
  • Sew the hem in place.

6. Attach the Peplum

  • Gather the top edge of the peplum to match the bodice width.
  • Pin the gathered edge to the bottom of the bodice, right sides together.
  • Sew in place and finish the seam.

5. Finish the Back Closure

    
  • Take two pieces of 1 1/2 inch wide fabric pieces with length equivalent to the length of the center back opening plus 1 or 2 inches.
  • Press both the long edges of these fabric pieces down the wrong side by 1/4 inch. Sandwich the center back edges into these fabric pieces and sew close to the folded edge to finish the back closure.
  • Attach your chosen closure method neatly along the edge.

7. Finish the Neckline

  • Use bias tape to finish the raw edges around the neckline and armholes.



8. Embellish (Optional)

  • Add lace, buttons, or ribbons to the bodice or peplum for decoration.

9. Final Assembly

  • Make sure the raw edges of all seams are finished.
  • Test fit the top on the doll and adjust as needed.

This stylish peplum top is perfect for 18-inch dolls!

If you need any specific pattern for your doll, please feel free to leave a comment in the comment section.

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
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Saturday, January 25, 2025

Tie-Front Top for 18-Inch Dolls---Free PDF Sewing Pattern and Sewing Tutorial


 






This tie-front top is easy and quick to sew. I have included the link to the free pattern below.

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.


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












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


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:


Use the diagram below as a guide to assemble the pattern pages.

How to print and assemble the pattern pages?


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




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

  1. Fold the fabric in half and pin the pattern pieces to it.
  2. Cut the fabric pieces.

3. Sew the Shoulders

  1. Pin the front piece to the two back pieces at the shoulder seams.
  2. Sew the shoulder seams using a ¼-inch seam allowance.

4. Finish the armholes

  1. Pin a bias strip folded in half to the right side of the armhole and sew.
  2. Trim the raw edge of the armhole and the bias strip.
  3. Fold down the bias to the wrong side and sew close to the folded edge.

5. Finish the Neckline

  1. Pin a bias strip folded in half to the right side of the neckline and sew.
  2. Trim the raw edge of the neckline and the bias strip.
  3. Fold down the bias to the wrong side and sew close to the folded edge.

5. Sew the Side Seams

  1. Align the sides of the front and back bodices.
  2. 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

  1. Make eight small ties from straight pieces of fabric.
  2. Mark four points of equal lengths on both the edges of the center front opening.
  3. Sew the ties in place.
  4. Pin a bias strip folded in half to the right side of both the edges of the center front opening and sew.
  5. Trim the raw edges of both the center front opening and the bias strip.
  6. 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
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Tiered Dress for 18-Inch Doll---Free PDF Sewing Pattern and Sewing Tutorial




Today we will learn how to make a tiered dress for 18-inch dolls with a free PDF sewing pattern (link to download the pattern is given below).



This is a sleeveless dress with a three-tiered skirt, with the top tier attached to the bodice at the waistline. The bodice is fully lined. 

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.

Check out my other PDF Patterns and tutorials:


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












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



Materials Needed:

  1. Fabric – Choose lightweight cotton or similar fabric for ease of sewing.
  2. Thread – Matching the fabric color
  3. Velcro, snaps, or buttons – For the dress closure.
  4. Basic sewing tools – Scissors, sewing pins, measuring tape, needle, sewing machine, etc.

Steps:

1. Download the Free PDF Sewing Pattern

Pattern Download Link:




Pattern Assembly:

Please use to the diagram below as a guide to assemble the pattern.


Seam and Hem Allowances:

Neckline, armholes, center back, lower edge of the bodice: 1/4 inch
Side seam: 1/2 inch
Tier 1:
Top edge: 1/4 inch; bottom edge: 1/4 inch

Tier 2:
Top edge: 1/4 inch; bottom edge: 1/4 inch

Tier 3:
Top edge: 1/4 inch; bottom edge: 1/2 inch for hem allowance

2. Cut the Fabric Pieces

Bodice:

Front Bodice

Back bodice

Skirt Tiers:

Cut strips for each tier

    • Tier 1
    • Tier 2
    • Tier 3

3. Assemble the Bodice

    Join the front and back lining and main fabrics at the shoulder seam.
    With the right sides of the lining and main pieces facing, sew around the neckline, armholes, and center back with a 1/4 inch seam allowance
    Sew the side seams.

4. Gather and Attach Skirt Tiers

    
  • Gather Fabric: Use a long basting stitch on the top edge of each skirt tier. Pull the thread to gather until the length matches the bottom edge of the layer above (or bodice for the first tier).
  • Add the Middle and Bottom Tiers: Repeat the gathering and attachment process for the second and third tiers, sewing each tier to the bottom of the one above it.

5. Hem the Bottom Edge

  • Fold the bottom edge of the last tier up ¼ inch, press, and fold again to hide the raw edge. Sew the hem in place.
6. Create button extensions at the center back of the skirt.
Attach a straight piece of fabric (which is 1 inch wide with length that is equal to the center back seam of the skirt) to the right side of the skirt's center back edge with a 1/4 inch seam. Then fold it down the wrong side and sew close to the folded edge. Repeat this for the other side of the center back opening. 
  
Add a closure (Velcro, buttons, or snaps) to the center back edges for ease of putting the dress on the doll.
7. Attach bodice to the skirt
Sandwich the top edge of the skirt's tier 1 between the bottom edge of the bodice's main and lining fabric.

8. Final Touches

  • Put the dress on the doll to check the fit.
  • Add embellishments such as lace, ribbon, or bows if desired.

You now have a beautiful tiered dress for 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.


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
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