It’s that time of year- time to head back to school!! As the summer months start to wane, try these quick and easy skirt fashions to get your 18 inch dolls (Like American Girl dolls) ready to hit the books in style! These patterns are also great beginner projects to fill those last days of summer boredom for kids to learn to sew!
Free tutorials and patterns for 18 inch Doll Skirts for School
Free Mini Skirt Tutorial for Dolls
When it comes to a simple skirt, this is about as easy as it gets. This tutorial has no pattern pieces, and can be made very quickly for any size doll. Make a bunch to fill out your doll’s wardrobe. Check out the mini skirt tutorial right HERE.
Free Skirt Pattern from Oh Sew Kat!- the Four Season Skirt
In any color for any season, the free pattern, Four Season Skirt, is easy to sew and offers the perfect amount of back to school flair. Pair it with a blouse or tee!! Find the pattern HERE.
Sixth Grade Skirt Sewing Pattern for Dolls- Easy to Sew PDF Pattern
The Sixth Grade Skirt is a simple, wrapped skirt with an open back (no gathering or elastic) and also looks really cute with POCKETS!! Add trim or lace for extra flair, or use different fabrics for each panel. This pattern is available in six doll sizes HERE.
Ruffled Twirl Skirt PDF Sewing Pattern for 18 inch Dolls by Oh Sew Kat!
The Twinkle Twirl definitely takes your skirt making up a notch!! The pattern includes five doll sizes and three variations to mix and match and make a fun, unique, boutique style twirl skirt. I love mixing and matching prints and ruffles, as well as using fun holiday prints. Find it HERE.
What skirt will you choose to send your dolls back to school in style?
American Girl® is celebrating it’s 40th anniversary, and released their original canon historical characters on a limited basis. (Addy, Kirsten, Felicity, Samantha, Molly, and Josefina.) These characters have been around for years, and each had a pretty extensive wardrobe and accessory collection, but those are all retired now and can be very expensive on the second hand market. The good news is that with a little time, effort and Oh Sew Kat! pdf sewing patterns, you can make your own!
Sewing for American Girl Doll, Kirsten Larson™
Sew for Your 18 inch Kirsten American Girl® Doll
Kirsten Larson™ comes to us from 1854. She’s the “Little house on the prairie” and the “holly hobbie” doll- if you know, you know. Her clothes are simple calicos with growth pleats and high necklines with pinafores and aprons to keep dresses clean during chores. Much of her collection has a red, white and blue color palette- so by sticking with those colors, I can add some mix and match options with her meet outfit pieces. Look for calicos, homespun stripes, and small ginghams. The AD: PRAIRIE DAYS collection by Moda in the Fat Quarter Shop is perfect fabric collection for Kirsten!!
Looking over Kirsten’s wardrobe on google, you notice that most of her dresses are very similar. A basic dress, with short or long puffed sleeves, high neckline, growth pleats and a thin waistband. This blue dress is inspired by Kirsten’s pink spring dress from American Girl®.
Oh Sew Kat! Pattern Hack: Sugar n Spice Dress for Kirsten
Use the Sugar n Spice PDF Sewing Pattern to make Kirsten a new dress for spring!! This basic dress pattern also includes a simple apron tutorial, check THIS POST to see how to make it fit just like Kirsten’s meet apron. Find the Sugar n Spice pattern in four doll sizes HERE. Use the pattern pieces for the basic underdress with a few modifications to make it more historical for Kirsten, although this pattern hack is cute for modern dolls too!
Cut out your pattern pieces. Add 3/4 inch to the length of the short sleeves. (I added 1/4th inch to my blue sleeves, which have a cute, modern look, but for a more historical dress, the sleeves should be longer.) Cut a waistband 1 inch by 14 inches- just trim the end off if there is any extra. Skirt length is 7.5 inches, or 8 inches if you want to add the growth strip. See the tutorial for the growth strip HERE.
Finish the raw edges of the sleeve. I used a rolled hem on my serger, but you can press it up and hem it as well.
Stitch 4 inches of 1/8th inch elastic to the inside of the sleeve hem, approximately 1/4 to 3/8th inches from your hemmed edge. You can use a pencil or marking tool to draw a line to follow if you want. This makes that pretty ruffled sleeve! On the inside of the sleeve, put your elastic on the line to sew, and lower your needle into it. This will hold the elastic tail while you pull the other end “generally” to the end of the fabric (where you want the elastic to end.). Stitch very slowly, pulling the elastic as you go, and keeping it on your marked line.
Follow the pattern instructions to complete the bodice. With right sides together, add your waistband to the bodice. Top stitch if desired. (Of the three AG branded Kirsten dresses I own, none have topstitched waistbands, but it does create a nice, neat finish.)
Gather the skirt, attach it to the waistband, and complete the dress according to the pattern.
This dress looks super cute on your modern dolls as well!
Sewing Doll Clothes for your 18 inch Kirsten Larson Doll
Your dolls will be ready for spring sunshine with matching outfits made in a fun, buzzy print! Poppy and Callie are wearing matching Backyard Bibs outfits with Playtime Peasant Tops. You can find the patterns in six popular doll sizes right HERE.
Matching Sister Dresses for American Girl Dolls- Backyard Bibs by Oh Sew Kat!
The Backyard Bibs is a simple sewing pattern to sew for dolls from 8-18 inches. With attached straps (no buttons or button holes) and a simple, one piece bodice, the outfit comes together in no time at all. Choose pants or skirts for your one of a kind outfit.
Make your own American Girl Doll Clothes
The teeny, tiny Caring for Baby sized bibs join the bigger dolls for this fun, popular pattern. Make it for your 16 inch dolls like Animators and A girl for all time, or for your 15 inch Bitty Baby Dolls. It’s also available for both American Girl dolls and Welliewishers and Glitter Girls. With an open back, it’s easy for young hands to dress their own dolls.
The 8″ sized Backyard Bibs pattern includes the peasant top (long and short sleeves) and offers two options: pants or gathered skirt. Find it HERE.
DIY Doll Clothes for 8″ baby Dolls like Caring for Baby by American Girl®
Oh Sew Kat! offers pattern hacks and tutorials for many of their patterns. Find the full list HERE. Be sure to also visit the Backyard Bibs Inspiration Gallery HERE to see more tester photos and sewing ideas.
The 18 inch sized Backyard Bibs patterns offers shorts, capris, a-line skirt, and gathered skirt. The peasant top is sold as a value bundle or separately.
Matching Doll Clothes for 8″ and 18″ Dolls- Backyard Bibs by Oh Sew Kat!
Is the Easter Bunny headed to your house soon? Dress up her dolls with pretty new dresses for the big day. Oh Sew Kat! offers doll dress sewing patterns in popular doll sizes and you can sew one up in just an afternoon!
Easy Easter Dresses for Dolls: Oh Sew Kat! Sewing Patterns
How about a free skirt pattern? The Four Season Skirt is FREE in 3 sizes. Click HERE to get yours. This skirt is quick and simple and will give your dolly that perfect outfit for hunting Easter eggs.
The Spring Shine dress has pretty flutter sleeves and can be made with or without the button placket. Use your fun prints like these rainbow unicorns (above) or unicorns and castles (below).
Sewing Easter Dresses for American Girl sized Dolls
The Sugar n Spice dress is perfect for Easter and every other occasion. Visit the Inspiration Gallery to see the many ways to sew this fun pattern. The Sugar n Spice pattern is now available for 15 inch baby dolls too! Find the pattern HERE.
The Bloomer Buddies pattern also has a dress option (with or without sleeves) that can be a fancy dress as well, such as Willa’s ruffled dress (Photo by Shirley F.). Find the pattern HERE.
And finally, the Summertime Stroll is quick to sew for your spring dresses too! Find the pattern HERE.
Pretty Spring Dresses to DIY for your Dolls
Be sure to visit the Easter Inspiration Gallery for more ideas for your dolly dresses. Visit OhSewKat on Etsy to find these patters, plus many more, including the BEST DRESSED Bundle to save 15% on three dress patterns.
Girls and dolls alike will fall in love with pretty, Easter fashions that you sew yourself with the easy to follow PDF sewing patterns from Oh Sew Kat! Find a full selection of patterns for dolls that are 18 inches, 16 inches, 15 inches, and 14.5-15 inches in the OH SEW Kat Etsy shop and download and sew today!
Easter Dresses for Your Dolls- DIY Doll Clothes
Click on the photos to go right to the post. Click on the description’s pattern name, to go to the Inspiration Gallery for each pattern. Find all the patterns in the OhSewKat Etsy shop for instant download.
Need a little inspiration for your March sewing? How about some shamrocks and rainbows? These adorable dresses are made with the Oh Sew Kat! Party Time dresses sewing pattern for dolls. It’s now available in 5 sizes!
The Party Time Dress is a quick dress with a full gathered skirt and elastic at the neck and sleeves. Here I left out the sleeve elastic for fuller sleeves. It goes together in just an afternoon! With a fully open back, it’s very easy for little hands to dress their own dolls. Mix and match your fabrics to create a unique dress for your own doll and it’s quick enough to make one for every season!
Don’t forget the bitty crew! Party Time Peasant is now available in two new sizes! Bitty Baby and A Girl for All Time 16 inch slim doll patterns are available in my Etsy shop.
See more Party Time dresses here and click this link to see more ideas to sew for Valentine’s Day. Happy St Patrick’s Day to you and your little friends!
Who says doll dresses for St Patrick’s Day have to be all bright colors and rainbows? I found this subtle shamrock fabric at the fabric store last spring and thought it would make a perfect dress for March- and still work for the rest of the spring months too!
Easy to Sew 18 inch Doll Dress Pattern: Summertime Stroll by Oh Sew Kat!
Mary’s dress was made with the Summertime Stroll PDF Sewing Pattern from Oh Sew Kat! You can purchase it HERE. You will find a full selection of 18 inch doll clothes patterns in my Etsy Shop.
With PDF Sewing Patterns for Dolls, you can design your own Doll Dresses
The Summertime Stroll has just a few pieces and goes together fairly quickly. You can mix and match your fabrics, for a fun, colorblock look, or you can stitch it all in one print. Visit the Summertime Stroll Inspiration Gallery here, and also check out this post and this one.
DIY American Girl Doll Clothes with Oh Sew Kat! PDF Patterns
Valentine’s Day is just around the corner!! Nothing says I love you like handmade doll clothes. Shop in my Etsy Shop and download your pattern immediately. Print your pattern at home and be ready to sew in just minutes. Here are some fun Valentine fashion ideas to get you started.
Valentine’s Day Sewing for American Girl Dolls- patterns by Oh Sew Kat!
The Sugar n Spice and Everything Nice pattern includes a simple dress and pinafore/jumper. The pinafore makes a great stand alone dress as well. Here I kept it short, but it’s fun to make longer versions like in THIS POST. Layer the pinafore over a turtleneck, like the one included in the Jumping Jack pattern, or a tee or peasant top. Add some fun tights (these pink and red ones were actually from a Bitty Baby set by American Girl® called Sweetheart Outfit) and some cozy boots to complete the look.
DIY Valentine’s Day Doll Clothes with simple Sewing Patterns
If you are like me, I collect holiday prints, usually purchased in bundles like THESE from the AD: Fat Quarter Shop. I love to mix and match the colors and prints. The Twinkle Twirl Skirt was made for these fabrics. The single pattern includes five doll sizes and three variations!!
PDF Sewing Pattern for Dolls- Oh Sew Kat!
The Party Time Peasant Dress is quick to sew and is my favorite GO TO pattern for a fun, holiday dress. I made it with long sleeves like in THIS POST since Valentine’s Day can be a little chilly around here!
Kira’s skirt was made with the Sugar n Spice and Everything Nice bundle- it’s a simple overskirt that ties with a bow. It can also be worn over a dress with the opening in the front, as seen in THIS POST.
Valentine’s Day Fashions for American Girl Dolls- Easy and Quick to Sew!
Click the photos below to see more ideas for Valentine’s Day, and visit the Valentine’s Day Inspiration Gallery HERE.
Use the easy sewing patterns from Oh Sew Kat! to make your doll a Halloween themed outfit this spooky season.
It’s time for pumpkins and candy corn and trick or treat parties! Your 18 inch dolls can join in the fun with a cute outfit or dress made with fun Halloween themed fabrics. Whether you like spooky eyeballs, cute ghosts, scary spiders, or arched back cats, your local fabric stores are full of fun fabric surprises to sew to get your in the Halloween mood- so jump on in!
Make your 18 inch doll a Halloween dress with the School Dance Sewing Pattern
With three ways to change up the dress front, the School Dance Dress gives your fabric room to shine. Add a bow or belt. With long sleeves and a nice A-line skirt, your doll will be ready for whatever treats come her way. Available in 3 doll sizes here.…see more School Dance Dress ideas HERE. Don’t forget to check for multi size bundles to save a few dollars when your purchase more than one size pattern.
Make a Party Time Peasant Dress with fun Halloween print fabric.
The Party Time Peasant Dress is a quick and easy project. With easy elastic for the neckline and a full gathered skirt it’s a perfect pattern to showcase some fun Halloween prints, like these from Doodlebug Designs. Find the pattern in 5 doll sizes HERE.
Make a Boardwalk Boutique top into a Pumpkin Jumper
For a quick project, you can’t beat the super popular Boardwalk Boutique. Available sized for 5 different dolls, use the long length cutting line and add a ruffle for a cute, quick, halter top jumper. Kelly is wearing it here with a black turtleneck made with the Jumping Jack pattern. Find both patterns on Etsy. See THIS POST to use the Boardwalk Boutique for a fun elf, santa or gingerbread outfit!
Make a cute School Bell Blouse in Halloween fabric for Wellie Wishers and Glitter Girls.
Michele made these adorable Halloween tops for her 14.5 inch girls when she helped me test the School Bell Blouse pattern. See more ideas for this pattern HERE. It’s available in 3 doll sizes. The black skirts are made with the very easy Sixth Grade Skirt pattern to complete the look.
Let your dolls play along with the season in cute outfits you make with fun, Halloween themed cotton fabric. You can’t go wrong with any of the patterns you choose. Share your work on my facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/ohsewkat. Happy sewing!!!
Fall Looks for Dolls- The Easy Up! Jumper Sewing Pattern
The Easy Up! Jumper can be reversible too! I like to pair holidays together when I do this- Fall to Christmas, or Valentine’s to St Patrick’s Day or Easter. Two outfits for one sew!!
Find the Easy Up! Jumper Pattern HERE. It is available for 18 inch dolls, 15 inch baby dolls, and 14.5 inch Welliewishers.
Sewing Fall Doll Clothes: Easy Up! Jumper and Turtleneck Shirt
Don’t be afraid to try something new. Use a large floral print for a fun and festive dress!!
Click each photo below to see more ideas for your Fall doll clothes sewing!
Oh Sew Kat! 
