Have a wonderful and safe holiday weekend to all of my American dolly friends!
Find the Backyard Bibs and Playtime Peasant Top PDF sewing pattern bundle HERE.
There are so many ways to change up your sewing patterns to create your own unique doll clothes. One of my favorite fashion features is to add a pocket (or two) to a simple garment. Some of my patterns include pattern pieces to add a pocket (HalterAlls for example) but any square or circle scrap of fabric can work too.
Enjoy these outfits that POP with the addition of pockets.
My Oh Sew Kat! Testers love pockets too!! Michele is my pocket QUEEN! Pam, Sophie, and Shirley also add stunning accents to outfits with their pockets. Be inspired to try a few pockets on your next outfits.
What outfit will you add cute pockets to?
I often get asked where I buy the cute shoes my dolls wear with my outfits. As you can see, my dolls have not always had the fanciest footwear.
Be sure to check out my favorite way to organize my doll shoes in THIS POST.
That works for some of the summer outfits… and sometimes I just crop out their feet 🙂 but at the same time, a well dressed doll deserves some perfect shoes to complete the perfect outfit. If you are looking for doll shoes, and don’t want to make your own, I’m sharing where I buy most of my shoes to help your doll shoe shopping needs! (Kendall’s outfit is made with the HalterAlls sewing pattern.)
My favorite place to buy shoes is directly from American Girl®. They offer trendy styles (although pricey, especially if you have to buy the outfit to get them), but they are well made, fit perfectly and come in all sorts of styles and colors. My daughter is now 18 years old. We got her Bitty Baby when she was 1, and her Mia GOTY doll when she was 6. That is a LOT of years of buying doll clothes and shoes from American Girl, so you just have to watch the styles and try and purchase what you like when you see them. (Riley’s boots- above- which I use ALL the time, are the meet shoes that came with my Saige GOTY doll.) Patterns used: Backyard Bibs, Playtime Peasant Top Pattern bundle.
Emily’s shoes above are from Nicki’s collection also from American Girl®. Nicki was the GOTY in 2004. Emily’s outfit is made with the Picnic Play top and the Everything Nice Skirt worn backwards.
Every so often, I place a large order from American Fashion World. Their prices are very low, and the quality and fit are not as high as American Girl®, but they are perfect for playtime and for photographs and offers lots and lots of styles and colors, to include boys’ styles, along with other things like tees, hats, belts, and much more. You no longer have to have a wholesale account with them- find them on Amazon. Affiliate link: https://amzn.to/378OrPr. This three pack of tennis shoes is just $9.99. Or find these cute “sherpa” look boots in lots of colors here. (Maryellen’s outfit: Jumping Jack sewing pattern.). Both wellies in the photo below are wearing AFW shoes and the Picnic Play sewing pattern was used for their outfits.
Don’t forget some of the more popular online shopping sites to look for cute and inexpensive doll shoes. Etsy and Ebay also offer some options. You can find a whole range of styles by searching by doll size (Animators’, 14.5 inch dolls for example.). I’ve found lots of really cute shoes on Etsy. Plus there are tons of patterns out there if you want to make your own!
So those are places I shop the most often for my doll shoes. Do you have any shops you would add to this list? Leave a comment below and let us know!
I also had recommendations from readers about Sophia’s and also Monique’s. I think if you poke around the net, you will find lots of places to buy some cute doll shoes to match your adorable handmade outfits!
Don’t forget to check out my idea for organizing doll shoes in my POST here.
The Backyard Bibs pattern is a quick sew with lots of options. Make it with capri length pants, as shorts, or choose an A line or gathered skirt. The one piece bib is simple and quick with sewn in straps and no fussy buttons or buttonholes. All outfits close up in back.
The Backyard Bibs is super popular for the 18 inch doll. Find it HERE in my Etsy Shop. You can purchase it with or without the peasant top pattern. See many more ideas for the Backyard Bibs pattern in the Inspiration Gallery.
A Girl for All Time is a popular new ball joined doll- (BJD). I’ve resized many of my patterns to fit them as well. Find the Backyard Bibs for AGAT here. Michele Anderson’s Clementine doll is ready for summer in her patriotic bibs.
The Disney Animators dolls are also 16 inches tall. The animators patterns will also fit the Mae Meadow dolls (some patterns may need a little tweaking.). Find a full assortment of Animators’ patterns, including the Backyard Bibs pattern here.
Bitty Baby, and the retired Bitty Twins dolls from American Girl are 15 inches tall. They look adorable in the Backyard Bibs pattern and this pattern also makes super cute brother /sister sets too! Find the Bitty Baby pattern here.
Find the Backyard Bibs for 14.5 inch dolls here. (Wellie Wishers, Ruby Red Fashion Friends, and Hearts for Hearts Dolls. Photo credit Michele Anderson. See more Backyard Bibs for the little dolls here and here.
Winter is winding down, and the flowers are starting to bud and peek out. Days are getting longer, and the weather is getting warmer… our thoughts turn to cherry blossoms, Easter eggs, baby birds and more. Here’s a few of my favorite Oh Sew Kat! sewing patterns for quick and easy spring dresses. Find the patterns in my ETSY SHOP and download, print and sew today!
The Spring Shine Dress looks great as a top or a dress. With pretty flutter sleeves and a fake placket in front, you can really have fun with the details. Try eyelet lace or add trims for a unique Easter dress or dress for spring. See many more Spring Shine dresses in the Inspiration Gallery.
Find the Spring Shine sewing pattern in four sizes HERE.
Photo Credit to Edith S.
Photo Credit to Michele A.
The PDF pattern, Bloomer Buddies, offers lots and lots of mix and match options. You can make dresses, tunics, and tops, and add bloomers that are short, knee length, or long to go with them. Add short, puffy sleeves or leave them off. This classic look is quick and easy to sew in 4 popular doll sizes. See more ideas for Bloomer Buddies HERE. This pattern also makes cute pajamas!!
Find the Bloomer Buddies Pattern HERE.
The Boardwalk Boutique is a top selling Oh Sew Kat! pattern available in five doll sizes. It’s so quick and easy with an elastic waistband, elastic halter and ribbon or fabric ties. Make it with or without the ruffles for the perfect spring outfit. Find the directions to make the top into a gorgeous halter dress or maxi here.
Find the Boardwalk Boutique pattern HERE.
The Backyard Bibs is my favorite pattern, no matter what the season. You’ll find it on my favorites for winter too! No matter the season, this easy overalls pattern can’t be beat. You can make it shorts, pants, slim or full skirted…add long sleeve or short sleeve shirts too. The simple one piece bodice has sewn straps and stitches up very quickly in five doll sizes. See more bibs in the Inspiration Gallery. The Playtime Peasant Top completes the outfit.
Find the Backyard Bibs Sewing pattern HERE.
Photo Credit to Sophie P.
Love is in the air! Oh Sew Kat! PDF sewing patterns are the perfect choice to make a heart covered outfit for your favorite 18 inch or 14 inch sized doll. (Patterns are also available for Animators, A Girl for All Time® and 15″ baby dolls. Be inspired by these pretty fashions that are some of Kat’s favorites!! Click HERE to go right to my pattern shop. Download and sew up some love for the doll lover in your life today!
The classic Sugar n Spice Dress: Every holiday I can pull out the white underdress I made one day, and add a pretty, holiday themed apron or pinafore. Easy to sew and fewer clothing pieces to store. 🙂 See more photos HERE. Need the pattern? Grab it bundled with the dress up accessories in three sizes HERE.
Party Time Peasant Dress: Quick and easy and fun to play with fabrics. See more photos HERE. Find the pattern in 5 sizes HERE. Add lace to the neckline with this easy TUTORIAL.
Blaire’s dress (below) and Grace’s dress (above) were both made with the same pattern. This pattern is available in 5 sizes! See more ideas for the Party Time Peasant Dress HERE and HERE.
The Party Time Peasant Dress is also available sized for 14.5″ dolls like Wellie Wishers and Glitter Girls. See more ideas in the Inspiration Gallery.
Try this fun version of the School Bell Blouse Dress! I used THIS pattern hack to make this pretty dress for Blaire. See more photos of Blaire HERE.
Kelly looks so lovely in her Sugar n Spice pinafore with bright tights and a Jumping Jack turtleneck shirt. Don’t be afraid to mix and match your sewing patterns! See more photos of this lace and glitter dress HERE.
Because sometimes Valentine’s Day falls in the summer months where you live…Sonali has a Doodlebug fabric Boardwalk Boutique to let her show off her lovebugs. (And also because sometimes girls that play with dolls don’t care how cold it is outside, am I right?) This pattern is super quick to sew and a favorite with little girls everywhere! Did you see this pattern used to make an elf, Santa, and gingerbread trio? Or as a gorgeous MAXI DRESS?This pattern really does work all year long!
Ruffles and ruffles- ruffles are perfect to show your dolly love! This Playtime Peasant Top and Twirl Skirt is the perfect showcase for your favorite mix and match Valentine fabrics.. No closures- and quick and easy- your doll can wear this outfit by dinner time! This pattern is available in 5 popular doll sizes HERE.
And finally, Kailey is rocking the casual look with her Backyard Bibs skirt variation and a Playtime Peasant Top underneath. This pattern works wonderfully throughout the year and is so quick and easy to sew! Find more Bibs ideas in THIS POST and THIS ONE.
So many choices!! What will your doll be dressed in this Valentine’s Day? Tag OhSewKat online to share the love with me! Happy Sewing!!!
This post contains affiliate links. See my disclosure policy HERE.
The Backyard Bibs PDF sewing pattern from Oh Sew Kat! is available in 5 popular doll sizes, including for the very popular Bitty Baby™ and Bitty Twins™ 15 inch baby dolls from American Girl®.
Use this simple sewing pattern for boy dolls and girl dolls- with 2 pants and 2 skirt options, you’ve got all of your bases covered. Add a fun pocket and mix and match coordinating prints for sweet twin outfits. These outfits were made with the Urban Zoology cotton prints from the Fat Quarter Shop.
The Backyard Bibs PDF Sewing Pattern is available in 5 popular doll sizes, from 18 inches to 14.5 inches. See them all HERE.
These bitties are wearing their Backyard Bibs with either a Playtime Peasant Top (you can purchase the patterns together in a value bundle) or a Simple Sweet Tee. The Backyard Bibs also looks great with a Jumping Jack Turtleneck Shirt, or even as a swimsuit as in this post!
Find more sewing patterns for 15 inch baby dolls HERE and see more ideas for the Backyard Bibs pattern HERE and HERE.
The chill is in the air and I thought I’d share some of my favorite Oh Sew Kat! patterns that will keep the dollies a little warmer. All of my patterns can be downloaded from my Etsy Shop as soon as payment clears, so you can print the pieces on your home computer and get started sewing right away!
The Jumping Jack 3 in 1 Jumper Set PDF sewing pattern is three outfits in one great pattern. The long sleeve turtleneck shirt is my go to knit shirt for cooler weather. Add a pair of wide leg shorts and tall boots for a cute outfit, or include the reversible open sided apron jumper (attach with buttons to shorts or a simple elastic waistband) for a mock dress style based on the 70s. The great thing is this jumper works over a tee shirt for spring or summer too! See more ideas for the Jumping Jack pattern HERE.
Find the Jumping Jack Sewing Pattern HERE.
The Easy Up! Jumper is a quick to sew jumper with a few options to add contrasting straps or side kick pleats. It also has a fake button front option that is super easy to sew with no button holes required. You can also make it reversible. The Easy Up! Jumper has elastic straps and pulls up over the doll’s feet without any closures to sew. It’s also a great canvas for your machine embroidery, your applique, and your heat transfer vinyl (HTV) ideas! See more Easy Up! Jumpers HERE and HERE. Find the pattern and download it HERE.
The School Bell Blouse has two options for two different doll blouses! Add the Sixth Grade Skirt in a thin wale corduroy and some tall boots for a perfect outfit for colder days like for Grace (below). You can also make either style into a cute dress which makes this pattern an even better value! Find the instructions HERE and HERE.
The School Bell Blouse pattern is available in 3 doll sizes HERE.
No matter the season or the weather, the Backyard Bibs offers the most value of any other Oh Sew Kat! pattern. Pair it with a peasant top or a turtleneck, a tee shirt, or a tank top. With four options (two pants and two skirts) this quick sew project will be the one you turn to in all the seasons for both the style and the fun! Nicki’s Bibs have cute little buttons on them, but rest assured. This pattern has fully sewn attached straps. No buttons or button holes required!
See more ideas for the Backyard Bibs pattern HERE and HERE. It’s available for 5 sizes of dolls- find them all HERE.
What will you sew to keep your dollies warm this winter?
Find even more ideas for DIY Doll Clothes on my Pinterest Boards!
Is it just me, or are there buffalo checks just about everywhere you look? From holiday pajamas, to bows on green wreaths, the pop of black and red checks (of all sizes) is a fun trend to join in to!
I found this small scale red and black checked fabric at Walmart. (I always wash my Walmart fabric with a color catcher before I use it just in case!) The Backyard Bibs is a quick and easy jumper outfit- and I cut the waistband on the diagonal for fun. Find the pattern HERE. This pattern is available in 5 popular doll sizes in my SHOP.
The blouse under the bibs is the Playtime Peasant Top. I used THIS TUTORIAL to add the ruffle at the neck. Remember to not attach it to your side seam or your won’t be able to put the bibs over the shoulder. See more Playtime Peasant Tops HERE and HERE. Purchase the pattern on its own (includes a skirt!) or bundled with the Backyard Bibs.
See more holiday outfits for your dolls HERE and HERE.
What cute outfits are you making for your dolls? Today I’m sharing a favorite outfit I made recently with some nautical fabric I’ve been saving for “just the right” project. It looks perfect on Kit with her bright blue eyes!
This outfit is super quick to make. The Backyard Bibs Overalls/Skirtalls has attached straps and an easy hook and look tape closure. With a lined bodice, it’s quick to make without using a lot of fabric, plus with four options included (2 skirt versions and 2 pants versions) it’s a great value too. Put a matching peasant top underneath. The Playtime Peasant Top includes both long and short sleeves to create just the look you want in a very short amount of time. Find the patterns in 5 sizes in my ETSY SHOP. You can find the Backyard Bibs alone or bundled with the Playtime Peasant Top.
Oh Sew Kat! offers a wide variety of easy to sew PDF digital sewing patterns. After you make your purchase, you can print your pattern pieces on your home printer, and get started sewing right away. Find more bibs and peasant tops HERE and HERE. Read more about OSK PDF patterns in the FAQ.
