This summer top designed for 18-inch dolls has an A-line shape and has shoulder ties that resemble bunny ears, which could be fastened at the shoulders.
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:
1. Gathered Skirt with Elastic Waist
4. Panel Skirt with Elasticated Waist
8. Swirl Skirt with Elasticated Waist
9. Spiral Skirt with Elasticated Waist
10. Full Circle Skirt
11. Easy Sleeveless A-Line Summer Top
12. Elastic Waist 8-Gore Skirt
13. Tiered Dress
15. Bermuda Shorts
17. Playsuit
18. Jumpsuit
13. Tiered Dress
15. Bermuda Shorts
17. Playsuit
18. Jumpsuit
Let's jump in to the tutorial.
Materials Needed:
- Fabric (cotton, lightweight linen, or knit)
- Matching thread
- Scissors
- Pins or clips
- Sewing machine (or hand-sewing needle)
- Cross-grain fabric strips for the shoulder ties
- Measuring tape
- Iron
Steps to Sew the Doll Top:
1. Download the Free PDF Pattern:
Pattern download link:
*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.
Use the below diagram as a guide to assemble the pattern pages:
Seam and hem allowances are included in the pattern.
For both the top and facing:
Neckline and armholes: 1/4 inch
Edges of the bunny ears shoulder ties: 1/4 inch
Side seam: 1/2 inch
Bottom hem: 1/2 inch
2. Cut the Fabric
- Cut one front piece and one back piece on fold.
- Cut one front facing and one back facing on fold.
3. Sew the facings to the front and back of the top
- With right sides facing, sew the neckline, armhole, and bunny ear ties of the front facing to the top's front main fabric, with a 1/4 inch seam allowance.
- Repeat this for the back facing and the top's back main fabric.
4. Sew the Side Seams
- Open up the facings away from the main fabric so that the shoulder ties fold back and sit on the main fabric.
- Place the front and back pieces and facings right sides together matching the side seams.
- Pin and sew 1/2-inch seams along both sides.
- Finish the edges with a zigzag stitch or pinking shears to prevent fraying.
5. Hem the Bottom Edge
- Fold the bottom edge 1/4 inch up, press, and fold 1/4 inch again.
- Sew along the folded edge.
Final Touches
- Trim any loose threads.
- Try the top on your doll and adjust the shoulder ties as needed.
Now your 18-inch doll has a cute top with shoulder ties! Would you like to make matching bottoms or a skirt to go with it? Check these links!
Gathered Skirt with Elastic Waist for 18-Inch Dolls---Free PDF Sewing Pattern
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
