Step it Up! Series: Make a Sleeveless Doll Top with the School Bell Blouse Pattern Hack

Your Oh Sew Kat! PDF patterns can just be the starting point for so many more outfits to make for your dolls.  One advantage of using PDF digital patterns, instead of commercial, tissue patterns, are they are much simpler to print a new copy, and make a few tweaks, to make something a little different than the original pattern design. You can find a long list of easy pattern hacks of Oh Sew Kat! patterns on the Tutorials Page.

Try this fun pattern hack to make a sleeveless blouse for your 18 inch Doll.

This post will show you how to take my popular fall long sleeve blouse pattern, the School Bell Blouse, and make an easy, breezy sleeveless top for warmer weather too!  Now you can use this pattern all year long!

See more ways to change up the look of the School Bell Blouse pattern here and here. The School Bell Blouse is available in 3 sizes. This hack will work the same for all three.

Purchase the pattern here or on other sites where Oh Sew Kat! patterns are sold.

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To make the School Bell into a sleeveless blouse, you really just need to make one change to the pattern.  You can use either View A, the pleated neck top, or View B, the peplum top for this pattern hack.

View A:  Make Sleeveless School Bell Blouse with a Pleated Neck.

View A:  Pleated Neck Sleeveless Top:

1.  Cut out the front and back for the top of your main fabric. Do not cut out the sleeves or the facing.  Cut out an additional front and back using the pattern pieces from view B. This will act as the lining (inside) for your top.
2. Serge or zig zag stitch the bottom edges of the lining front and back.
3. Create the neckline pleat as directed in the pattern.  Press.
4. Sew the fronts to backs at shoulders as stated in the directions and press seams open.  Do the same for the lining pieces. (Main fabric to main fabric and lining fabric to lining fabric.)
5. With right sides together, pin the lining to the main fabric at the neckline and arm holes.  Stitch, clip curves, press, and turn to right side.  Press well.  (Note:  this turning to the right side can be tricky with smaller doll sizes.  See this tutorial and this one to see the ways and tools I use if you start to have trouble. Just take your time.)
6. With right sides together, open up side seams and pin them together.  Stitch as one seam (you are stitching the main fabric front to the main fabric back, and the lining fabric front to the lining fabric back in this step.)
7. Pull it down, right sides, out and press arm hole if needed.
8. Hem and finish the back opening according to the pattern directions.

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View B:  Make a Sleeveless School Bell Blouse with Peplum Skirt

View B:  Peplum Top:

1.  Cut out the peplum, two front pieces and two back pieces.  Do not cut out the sleeves or the facing.  Your additional front and back pieces will act as the lining of your top.
2. Serge or zig zag stitch the bottom edges of the lining front and back.
3. Sew the fronts to backs at shoulders as stated in the directions and press seams open.  Do the same for the lining pieces. (Main fabric to main fabric and lining fabric to lining fabric.)
4. With right sides together, pin the lining to the main fabric at the neckline and arm holes.  Stitch, clip curves, press, and turn to right side.  Press well.  (Note:  this turning to the right side can be tricky with smaller doll sizes.  See this tutorial and this one to see the ways and tools I use if you start to have trouble. Just take your time.)
5. With right sides together, open up side seams and pin them together.  Stitch as one seam (you are stitching the main fabric front to the main fabric back, and the lining fabric front to the lining fabric back in this step.)
6. Pull it down, right sides out, and press arm hole if needed.
7. Attach the peplum, sew the hem, and finish the back opening according to the pattern directions.

You can also make a sleeveless version of the School Bell Blouse Dress, by combining this pattern hack with this one.

VISIT THE OH SEW KAT! INSPIRATION GALLERY TO SEE MORE DOLL CLOTHES IDEAS.

Find more ideas for the School Bell Blouse pattern here and here.  What will your doll wear today?  Find the patterns at the links below.

School Bell Blouse Pattern for 18 inch Dolls (like American Girl®

School Bell Blouse Pattern for 14.5 inch Dolls (like Wellie Wishers™ and Glitter Girls)

School Bell Blouse Pattern for 16 inch Animators’ Dolls

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70s Fashions to Sew for Your Julie American Girl Doll

Sewing for BeForever character Julie Albright?  Her stories are set in 1974 and she has some groovy fashions! Give your Julie a personalized 70s themed wardrobe with these twists on PDF sewing patterns from Oh Sew Kat! Find all of these patterns in my Etsy Shop:

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Click on the links below to go right to each easy tutorial.

1.  Sunshine Dress with Daisy Trim
2. Jumping Jack 3 in 1 Jumper Set
3. Boardwalk Boutique Ruffled Maxi Dress
4. Playtime Peasant and Sugar n Spice Everything Nice Overskirt

What other Oh Sew Kat! patterns might work for Julie outfits? Visit the Julie page of the Historical Fashions gallery for more ideas.  See more sewing ideas for the BeForever characters like Melody and Maryellen too!  Comment below with your ideas!

Visit & follow my 1970s doll fashion PINTEREST Board for more ideas. Pin these images to save them for later!

VISIT THE OH SEW KAT! HISTORICAL FASHIONS GALLERY TO SEE MORE IDEAS.

Oh Sew Kat! Shop Feature: Etsy

Here at Oh Sew Kat! Designs, you will find quick and easy sewing patterns to make an entire doll clothes wardrobe for your 18 inch dolls (like American Girl®) as well as other, smaller sized dolls, like Wellie Wishers and Bitty Baby®.  PDF patterns are simple to use (shop and print at home!) and easy to store (computer files- save your pattern pieces for next time or toss them and print them again later).  Read below to learn more about the pattern sites where Oh Sew Kat! patterns are sold.

Many of us have favorite sites we like to use and choose and collect reward points to buy (yes!) more patterns.  I want you to be able to shop where you like to shop- so I offer my patterns on multiple selling platforms.  Each platform is a little different, and all patterns are not available on all the sites.  Click HERE to find the FREE Four Season Skirt pattern in 3 sizes.

SHOP THE OH SEW KAT! PATTERN COLLECTION

Please note:  Due to the variety of internet browsers, you should always download your PDF file first, and save it on your computer, before opening it and printing your pieces at actual size.

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ETSY

The full catalog of all Oh Sew Kat! patterns is always found at Etsy.com.  This is normally the only shop to find every single Oh Sew Kat! pattern.  This site is simple to navigate, gives you different options to pay (credit card, etsy gift cards, and paypal), and your patterns remain in your library forever.  Once you place your order (all orders are digital files- no physical patterns will be sent,) you will get an email confirming your purchase with the link to download your file and save it to your computer.  You can also log into your account, and find your patterns in your profile, under PURCHASES and REVIEWS.

My etsy shop also has a selection of bundled patterns, to save you more when you purchase multiple patterns. Some bundles are by size (all for 18 inch dolls for example), some are for the same pattern in multiple sizes.  Be sure to check out all the options HERE.   See more bundles in THIS POST.

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VISIT THE OH SEW KAT! INSPIRATION GALLERY TO SEE MORE DOLL CLOTHES IDEAS.

SHOP THE OH SEW KAT! PATTERN COLLECTION

Shamrocks and Rainbows! Sew St Patrick’s Day Doll Clothes

Who doesn’t love March? With the small glimpses outside that spring is just around the corner, and the daylight lasting a little longer each day, it’s fun to sew with shamrocks and rainbows.  Here are a few dresses to inspire you this Shamrock Season.

I used my Cricut Maker to cut out these Party Time Dresses.  Every doll in the house got one this year!  I think the rainbow waistband gives a perfect pop of color!

FREE SKIRT PATTERN FOR DOLLS (3 SIZES)

Shirley Fombey of Doll Clothes by Shirley created these adorable Wellie Wishers outfits above using the Four Season Skirt and Popsicle Top patterns.

Find the Party Time Peasant Dress pattern (now available in 5 sizes!) HERE. Above for Saige, I layered a Sugar n Spice modified overdress to offer two outfits in one! Find more details HERE.

Carol Meadows made this darling Party Time dress below for her A Girl for All Time Doll.  More shamrocks and polka dots!

Are you stitching green doll clothes this month?

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Step it Up! Series- 60s Dress for Melody Ellison- School Bell Blouse Dress

Your Melody doll will feel groovy in a swing dress you made yourself with the Oh Sew Kat! School Bell Blouse pattern.

When you are fabric shopping, keep your eyes open for small scale prints that look retro.  For Melody’s dress, I found this cotton fabric in a quilt store. I had no idea what I would make at the time, but I knew it would be perfect for Melody. Doesn’t she look great in this color?

VISIT THE OH SEW KAT! HISTORICAL FASHIONS GALLERY TO SEE MORE IDEAS.

Here are some pins on my Melody board on Pinterest that I used for inspiration.  Don’t forget to follow me while you are there! This white dress for ladies , this Barbie sized pattern, and this blue and red dresses all have the same wide sleeves, a-line look, and even the front pleat.

This the pattern I used: The School Bell Blouse.  It has two styles of blouses to make for your doll and comes in three sizes (Animators, 18 inch and Wellie Wishers).  Click HERE and HERE for the tutorials to make this pattern into two cute dresses.

These cute little bows were the perfect color to accent the pleats in the front and sleeves of the dress.

Be sure to share your 60s dresses you make for Melody or any of her friends with hashtag ohsewkat.

VISIT THE OH SEW KAT! HISTORICAL FASHIONS GALLERY TO SEE MORE IDEAS.

FREE OH SEW KAT! SKIRT PATTERN FOR DOLLS (3 SIZES)

Step it Up! Series: Make a Floor Length Nightgown with the Bloomer Buddies Sewing Pattern for Dolls

If there is one thing that little girls like to do with their dolls, it is to dress them for bed and put them to sleep.  The dolls in your life will have sweet dreams with a flowing nightgown you make yourself with this easy PDF sewing pattern from Oh Sew Kat!  Use this simple pattern hack to the Bloomer Buddies PDF sewing pattern to Step it Up!

Make a nightgown for your 18 inch doll with easy sewing patterns by Oh Sew Kat!

First, you need the Oh Sew Kat! Bloomer Buddies pattern. It’s available in three sizes where Oh Sew Kat! patterns are sold.  Print out the pieces for the dress with short sleeves.

SHOP THE OH SEW KAT! PATTERN COLLECTION

You will need to make a few minor adjustments to the pattern pieces.  You may be able to lengthen the pieces on the original printout, or you may need to cut it out and then tape it to a fresh sheet of paper first, depending on the size doll you are sewing for.

Using the short sleeve pattern piece, and THIS TUTORIAL, add 3 1/2 inches to the length of the sleeve. Measure down from the side edge, not the center, and draw your new sleeve hem edge straight across, not curved.  For this 18 inch doll nightgown, I lengthened my sleeve by 3 1/2 inches, and used a 3/8th hem/elastic casing.  You will need 4 inches of 1/4th inch elastic for the wrist.

Add 1 inch to the front and back pieces length, below the dress length line to make a floor length nightgown.

Cut a ruffle so the nightgown will reach the floor.  I cut mine at 3 inches by 44 inches.  It can be anywhere from 33-44 inches long, depending how full you want your ruffle.

Follow the pattern directions as written, adding 4 inches of 1/4th inch elastic into the sleeve hem when you hem it, and gathering and attaching the ruffle to the hem before you stitch up the back.  It’s easier to hem the ruffle before you attach it to the nightgown.

Make a snuggly nightgown for your 18 inch doll with the Bloomer Buddies Sewing Pattern.

VISIT THE OH SEW KAT! INSPIRATION GALLERY TO SEE MORE DOLL CLOTHES IDEAS.

Your dolls will be ready to snuggle into bed in a new, cozy nightgown.  See more ways to sew the mix and match Bloomer Buddies pattern here and here.

Click HERE to purchase the Bloomer Buddies Pattern for 18 inch Dolls.

Click HERE to find the pattern in other sizes and value bundles.

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Backyard Bibs: A New Sewing Pattern for 18 inch Dolls by Oh Sew Kat!

Oh Sew Kat! has a new sewing pattern for your 18 inch dolls! The Backyard Bibs pattern offers country cuteness with the signature ease of Oh Sew Kat! patterns. Inspired by the new collection for Blaire Wilson (American Girl®, this pattern is quick to sew and offers four fun variations. Add shorts or capri pants to your bibs- or finish it with a straight or gathered skirt. This pattern is also great to make overalls for boy dolls too!

With attached straps and easy one piece bib, your doll is ready for outside play in her cute bibs. The pattern is a perfect match to the easy hPlaytime Peasant Top to make a full outfit. Visit the Backyard Bibs INSPIRATION PAGE to see more cute bibs!

Click here to purchase the Backyard Bibs 18 inch doll sewing pattern on Etsy.

Click here to purchase the Backyard Bibs pattern for Dolls

Option 1: Backyard Bibs with Gathered Skirt

Option 2: Backyard Bibs with A-Line Skirt

Option 3: Backyard Bibs with Cuffed Capris

Option 4: Backyard Bibs with Shorts

VISIT THE OH SEW KAT! INSPIRATION GALLERY TO SEE MORE DOLL CLOTHES IDEAS.

This new pattern is perfect to make outfits for the 2019 Girl of the Year, Blaire Wilson. Use soft pastels, florals, or even denim to fill her closet with outfits to wear in and out of the farm she lives on. What kind of Backyard Bibs will you make for your doll? This pattern is now available in five doll sizes in my Etsy Shop.

CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE the Backyard Bibs pattern for 18 inch Dolls

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Find the complete Oh Sew Kat! pattern library HERE.

Step it Up! Series: Make a Doll Nightgown with the Bloomer Buddies Sewing Pattern for Dolls

Sewing doll clothes this weekend?  Snuggle up!  Use the simple to sew Bloomer Buddies PDF pattern to turn the dress into a snuggly nightgown for your doll. This easy pattern that you download and print on your home computer will work on any size doll.  Use this simple pattern hack to the Bloomer Buddies PDF sewing pattern to Step it Up!

SHOP THE OH SEW KAT! PATTERN COLLECTION

First, you need the Bloomer Buddies pattern. It’s available in three sizes where Oh Sew Kat! patterns are sold.  Print out the pieces for the dress with short sleeves.

You will need to make a few minor adjustments to the pattern pieces.  You may be able to lengthen the pieces on the original printout, or you may need to cut it out and then tape it to a fresh sheet of paper first, depending on the size doll you are sewing for.

Using the short sleeve pattern piece, and THIS TUTORIAL, you will need to lengthen the sleeve pattern piece to make it a long sleeve.   Measure down from the side edge, not the center, and draw your new sleeve hem edge straight across, not curved.  For this 18 inch doll nightgown, I lengthened my sleeve by 3 1/2 inches, and used a 3/8th hem/elastic casing.  I used 4 inches of elastic for the wrist.

Sew the dress as directed by the pattern. Choose a snuggly flannel or pretty cotton for your nightgown.  The nightgown Grace is wearing below, is the same dress length as the dress length pattern lines.

Luciana is ready to hop into bed in her Bloomer Buddies nightgown!

Another option is to add a pretty ruffle to the bottom of the dress length.  Here I used a piece of a jelly roll, that was 2 1/2 x 40 inches long. A jelly roll is a quilting fabric precut of 20-45 2 1/2 inch strips like this one Ad:  https://amzn.to/2VNxmED.  I keep a few on hand to use as precut dress and skirt ruffles.  I used one end of the same strip to cut the yoke.  Any size ruffle will do; you can choose how long you want your doll’s nightgown to be.

Your dolls will be ready to snuggle into bed in a new, cozy nightgown.  See more ways to sew the mix and match Bloomer Buddies pattern here and here.  Be sure to pin these images to save them for later!

Find the Bloomer Buddies pattern here.

Make a nightgown for your 18 inch doll with easy sewing patterns from Oh Sew Kat!

SHOP THE OH SEW KAT! PATTERN COLLECTION

Oh Sew Kat! PDF Sewing Patterns for Dolls- Where to Shop!

Here at Oh Sew Kat! Designs, you will find quick and easy sewing patterns to make an entire doll clothes wardrobe for your 18 inch dolls (like American Girl®) as well as other, smaller sized dolls, like Wellie Wishers and Bitty Baby®.  PDF patterns are simple to use (shop and print at home!) and easy to store (computer files- save your pattern pieces for next time or toss them and print them again later).  Read below to learn more about the pattern sites where Oh Sew Kat! patterns are sold.

Many of us have favorite sites we like to use and choose and collect reward points to buy (yes!) more patterns.  I want you to be able to shop where you like to shop- so I offer my patterns on multiple selling platforms.  Each platform is a little different, and all patterns are not available on all the sites.  Click HERE to find the FREE Four Season Skirt pattern in 3 sizes.

Please note:  Due to the variety of internet browsers, you should always download your PDF file first, and save it on your computer, before opening it and printing your pieces at actual size.

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ETSY

The full catalog of all Oh Sew Kat! patterns is always found at Etsy.com.  This is normally the only shop to find every single Oh Sew Kat! pattern.  This site is simple to navigate, gives you different options to pay (credit card, etsy gift cards, and paypal), and your patterns remain in your library forever.  Once you place your order (all orders are digital files- no physical patterns will be sent,) you will get an email confirming your purchase with the link to download your file and save it to your computer.  You can also log into your account, and find your patterns in your profile, under PURCHASES and REVIEWS.

Oh Sew Kat on Etsy

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PIXIE FAIRE

Pixie Faire is a one stop shop for sewing patterns for many, many doll types and sizes, and it offers a large selection of Oh Sew Kat! patterns, as well as patterns from 90+ other designers.  PF also offers multiple payment options; an account is required to purchase, but you will also find weekly contests and tutorials as well.  You can also earn credits with your purchases and use them towards the products on the site.

Oh Sew Kat! on Pixie Faire

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You Can Make This

You Can Make This, or YCMT, is a sewing lovers’ dream!  This was the site where I first found my love of PDF digital sewing patterns.  This site offers much, much more than doll clothes, with a large variety of handbags, kids’ clothes, craft projects, toys, and more from over 300 designers.  They offer weekly newsletters, a place to feature the items you’ve made, and also take most forms of payment.  You will need to establish an account, but your pattern files will always be available for you in your pattern library.  You can also earn points for purchases and use them for future purchases as well.

Oh Sew Kat! on You Can Make This

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iCreateMarketplace

The iCreateMarketplace is a new site that is all about dolls all of the time.  It offers a marketplace to buy patterns, notions, supplies, and finished doll clothes and items.  With a select number of designers, your purchases will add up and you can redeem points for further purchases.  There are forums to ask questions, galleries to post projects, and even scheduled chats, sew alongs, and master classes.  You can join for free to take advantage of the full iCreateforDolls experience, or shop without an account in the marketplace.

Oh Sew Kat! on iCreateMarketplace

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Blaire Wilson- Girl of the Year 2019 – New Sewing Pattern Sneak Peek!

If you are new to American Girl doll world- let me tell you that January 1st is always a super exciting day. That is the day that American Girl ® reveals and begins the sales of the new Girl of the Year doll. The stores have a big reveal event, and everyone is excited to see the photos of the real doll as well as her entire collection.  Last year’s Girl of the Year was Luciana Vega- her collection still has availability unlike previous years’ where they pulled all the stock on Dec 31st.

For 2019, AG has released Blaire Wilson…a creative girl from upstate New York who lives on a farm, and helps with wedding planning. Her collection is an adorable mix of dainty pastels, cute farm animals, and bumblebees.  Sounds right down my alley!!

Here at Oh Sew Kat! Designs, we are excited too!! Blaire is on order and will be here any day!  A new redhead to dress! What could be more fun?  As soon as I started to see online glimpses of the Blaire collection, I started to work on a brand new pattern release, that will be a perfect (and quick and easy!) way to add her country style to your doll’s wardrobe.  Or maybe make a few more outfits for Blaire herself.

Here are a few sneak peaks of the prototypes I have created for the new Oh Sew Kat! Backyard Bibs pattern- coming to some of your favorite pattern shops later in January of 2019.  There will be four or five options total, so stay tuned to see more and to see Blaire modeling her new bibs!!  I still need to add a few details (buttons, pockets, you know the drill…) and it will be available in multiple sizes (like 14.5 inch and A Girl for All Time to start) so be on the lookout later this month for this easy project sewing pattern.

Are you adding Blaire Wilson to your doll family?  Find my full collection of sewing patterns for 18 inch dolls like Blaire, as well as other popular doll sizes HERE.  Visit the TUTORIALS page to see more ways to sew Oh Sew Kat! patterns.