Sewing for Melody Ellison? Try these twists on patterns from Oh Sew Kat! to make a 60s inspired outfit for your doll. Find all of these patterns in my Etsy Shop: www.etsy.com/shop/ohsewkat.
Make 60s inspired doll clothes with Sewing Patterns by Oh Sew Kat!
Have you seen the pattern value bundles section of my Etsy shop? I now offer bundles of patterns for more than one size in one listing, with more being added all the time. I also offer quite a few bundles of 2 to 4 patterns that go together…like for summer or school, as well as certain pairs of patterns that were designed as outfits. See the selection of bundles HERE.
Make your doll a set of Ruffled Backyard Bibs with this easy pattern hack.
Create this adorable ruffled bibs dress by combining the two patterns (shown above) in the Bibs and Blouse bundle. Follow the instructions as written to make the bibs, then instead of adding one of the skirt or pants variations, add the two bottom ruffles from the Playtime Twirl Skirt. Go even further by adding all three ruffles if you like! (Just realize that the top ruffle of the skirt goes into an elastic waistband, which the Bibs pattern does not have. You will need to make the top layer longer in order to be full enough for the larger bibs waistband.)
Riley is ready for the spring and sunshine!! Ad: This outfit was made with a fabric bundle sold by Cricut. Check out their bundles for a great fabric bundle selection.
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:
Make a 1970’s themed outfit for your 18 inch American Girl doll.
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!
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!
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!
A new year is here!! It’s time to clean up the sewing area and start brainstorming projects for 2019. Before I dive into another fresh year of sewing, I like to share my annual 5 latest “must have” tools and notions for doll clothes sewing (or any sewing really!) These simple tools can make sewing smaller doll clothes a little easier and you can find all of them on Amazon. Click here to see my list from last year, and here to see my list from 2017.
My annual list of best notions and tools for sewing doll clothes.
This post contains affiliate links, which means that if you click on one of the product links, I’ll receive a small compensation. See my full disclosure policy HERE.
This brand new tool, made by Patty Young, is a game changer for doll clothes. I LOVE THIS TOOL. In a facebook group one day, Patty asked what tools we would like to see made that had her fabric designs on them. I suggested a gripping, foreceps type of tool and she not only picked my idea, she sent me one when it was actually produced about a year later! This handy tool is well worth the wait, and also the price tag (about $12). You will use it for all sorts of things- mostly to pull that slipped elastic back out of the casing, or to turn a tiny doll bodice right side out after you sew it together with just one little pull.
This little tiny iron really packs some punch for the price. It gets super hot, has a steam option, and doesn’t turn off by itself (which is an advantage and disadvantage for sure!). I first used one at a sewing retreat a few years back. We plugged it in and left it on all week long. Lightweight and tiny, it got the job done and is a perfect companion to your doll clothes sewing tools. I think the difference from some others on the market is that it’s a travel iron not a craft iron.
Everyone needs a pair of nice, sharp, high quality fabric scissors. You know the ones- the ones that you lock up yourself each night or threaten bodily harm to anyone found using them for anything other than fabric? I started using KAI scissors with my paper crafting. Strong and sharp, I found a pair that was a bit shorter and they are my go to for all of my fabric cutting. I own three pairs!
I know I’ve mentioned this little gadget before, but yes, this year, my ruffler foot is on my top five list. It’s just so quick to gather up a doll skirt (like 15 seconds quick!) that is really pays for itself over and over. I’ve kept a spreadsheet of some of my common skirt length settings (to make the skirt match up with the bodice for example) so I don’t have to figure it out each time. This foot is also great for the popular ruffled sleeves too, and makes putting a ruffle on a full skirt a breeze! Be sure to get the one that is correct for your specific sewing machine make and model.
I believe I have an omnigrid ruler in every size they make- from 1 x6 all the way up to 24 x 24 inches. However, even with multiple rulers right at my finger tips, this 4×8 inch one is the perfect size for so many of my doll clothes needs. It’s easy to use to extend a pattern (make pants from shorts, or long sleeves from short sleeves for example) or for cutting straps, waistbands, and skirts with my rotary cutter. Keep this handy ruler right next to your work area.
So there’s my Favorite Five for 2019. Use these few tools to make sewing your doll clothes a little easier and a little more fun. We’re going to have a great sewing year ahead, stop by again soon!
You only need the FRONT pattern piece. This pattern hack is super easy if you just use felt, but you can certainly use other fabric and fun materials like fringe, cotton balls, jingle bells, htv, vinyl, embroidery, scraps, felt etc. I used felt for my samples because I wanted a “no fuss” project, which is also very inexpensive and available at every craft store.
You only need to print the front pattern piece. On your paper pattern piece, measure over 1/2 inch from the center fold and draw a new fold line. Cut off the extra 1/2 inch and use this as your new center fold line. Cut off all of the seam allowances, top, sides, and bottom. (Especially if using felt, which does not fray.) . Draw a line across the top from where the front meets the strap, to your new fold line. This “fills” in to make a top that goes straight across. If you like the look of the squared off front, just realize you will have to trim those edges in step 5.
For the length, measure up 1/4th to 1/2 inch up from the “Cut here for ruffle” dashed line and draw a new line. Use this as your new hem line.
Cut out the front pattern piece on the fold of your fabric. Do not cut into the square neckline, leave that filled in so it’s straight across the top.
Using a heat and bond product, or a careful edge stitch, add a 1/2 inch wide, black ribbon across the middle to form the belt. Trim even with the apron sides. Add lace or a white band across the bottom, turning in each side’s raw edge by 1/4th inch. If you want to add a Santa beard, or a pointed elf collar, cut them from felt, and bond or sew them to your apron.
Enclose the top, raw edge in a 5 inch piece of bias tape and stitch. Do the same for each straight side edge, turning the raw end of the bias tape under at the hemline. Trim to be even with the edge of the apron. (You could also use ribbon or even fold over elastic.)
Cut 2 straps (also of bias tape) 30 inches long. Mark the center of each strap and place it at the middle of the armhole. Place your apron in between the bias tape and pin in place, working your way out to the edges, attach the bias tape and when you sew, continue the seam from one end to the other so the strap is sewn together and the apron is sandwiched in between.
Try it on your doll and trim the straps to the length you prefer with a diagonal cut. If you used bias tape, you will not need to turn in the raw edges.
Using ribbon, a buckle, or glitter heat transfer vinyl, cut a one inch belt buckle and attach it to the apron. Add buttons, bells, pom poms etc (glue or sew on) if desired.
SNAP or Hook and Loop Tape VARIATION IDEA: Cut your ties to 18 inches each. After you finish the apron, try it on your doll and add velcro or snaps at the neck and waist, trimming off the long ties for a more fitted, easier to put on apron.
Make a holiday apron for your 18 inch doll.
It’s the perfect way for your doll to keep her special holiday dress clean!
Would you rather a full outfit for your doll? Find the Elf, Santa, and Gingerbread outfits from this same pattern HERE. Find my 5 Favorite Holiday pattern hacks HERE.
Shop for the Boardwalk Boutique pattern in 4 sizes HERE.
Here is an easy 1970s style top to make for your American Girl doll, Julie. Julie is the BeForever character from 1974. I was seven years old in 1975, and I had a top that looked just like this one, red fabric and all, but the print was of mushrooms. I used “Little Ruby” fabric for this imitation calico top and the Oh Sew Kat! Bloomer Buddies sewing pattern.
Make a retro 1970’s themed outfit for Julie and other dolls with this easy sewing pattern from Oh Sew Kat!
This outfit was inspired by THIS PIN. For this outfit, I didn’t make any adjustments to the Bloomer Buddies pattern. In order to be more authentic, next time I might add a seam allowance and make the front open with buttons. That will stay on my “to do” list for now. 🙂
It’s easy to add pockets to any pattern, especially square pockets. I add the pockets after the front is complete, before I add the sleeves as it’s a little easier to work with a flat item than a rounded one.
Figure out what size you want your finished pocket. On this blouse, my pockets measure one inch square. Add 1/2 inch to the width, and the length for seam allowances. I cut my pieces 1 1/2 inch square. With right sides together, sew three sides of the pocket, and turn right side out. Press well, folding the unfinished edge to the inside.
I put my top on my doll, and use scotch tape (the magic, transparent kind) to hold the pockets in place. It’s easier to sew over tape than pins that are longer than your pocket! Use a top stitch or edge foot if you have one to get nice topstitching around the three lower sides of the pocket. Complete the top as directed by the pattern.
Make a calico top for Julie and her friends- inspired by the seventies.
Complete the 70s inspired look with an easy headscarf. Find the full tutorial HERE.
Free tutorial and pattern for a 70s retro headscarf for dolls.
What other outfits will you make for your Julie doll or her friends? Find more 70s inspiration here in my Inspiration Gallery, as well as here and here. Don’t forget to visit and follow my Julie inspired Pinterest board!
Make 1970’s fashions for your dolls with the Oh Sew Kat! Bloomer Buddies Sewing Pattern.
Looking for a quick outfit to make for 14.5 inch dolls like Wellie Wishers and Glitter Girls? Try the new Easy Up! Reversible Jumper sewing pattern found HERE . Add a Jumping Jack turtleneck or Playtime Peasant Top to complete the outfit.
The Oh Sew Kat! test group never ceases to amaze me. Their talent and creativity are top notch! I always love checking me email 2-3 days after sending out a patter to test because my mailbox is full of photos like these lovelies below!!
This unicorn princess outfit was sewn by Jenny.
The Easy Up! Jumper PDF Sewing Pattern for 14.5 inch dolls is quick and easy to sew!
Linda made this adorable spring jumper. I love the added button detail.
This sewing pattern fits both Glitter Girls and Wellie Wishers Dolls.
Michele added a cute pocket to her striped jumper.
Make a jumper for your Wellie Wisher sized doll with the Easy Up! Sewing Pattern
The instructions (and pattern piece) to make the faux button front version are also included in the pattern.
Willa is out and about in her animal jumper, that is also reversible!
Let your creativity shine as you play designer to create your own version of this simple sewing pattern. Find the pattern here and also for 18 inch dolls here. See more Easy Up Jumpers in this post and this one!
Make a perfect doll outfit this fall. Look at this adorable denim and gingham! This outfit was made by Julie. She used a woman’s shirt to make this adorable outfit, and took advantage of the fun, quilted detail from the shirt.
This adorable fall outfit was created by SewDolledUp81. Be sure to check out her etsy shop on a regular basis to see what she’s created lately for sale. The cute shirt was made using the Playtime Peasant Top pattern.
Find more easy sewing patterns for doll clothes in the Oh Sew Kat! Etsy Shop.
Find more ideas for your Easy UP! Jumper pattern here and here.
No, it’s not too early for this! It’s really not. Do you know there are less than 80 days until Christmas? You need to get your sewing started now and I’ve got a few adorable outfits to inspire you! You may have seen these images on instagram or facebook, but they are just too cute not to be shared here as well!
Wouldn’t Luciana make an adorable Elf on the Shelf?
I was working up some holiday ideas, specifically an apron using the Boardwalk Boutique top as a base (details coming in November), and then it struck me. Why not just use the whole outfit? I immediately set to work and came up with these cuties!! No changes to the pattern- just add some belts, buttons, and ric rac and make some deliberate color choices. I also think a snowman version would be adorable too! They fit perfectly over the Jumping Jack Turtleneck Shirt or a short or long sleeve Playtime Peasant Top.
Elf and Santa themed Doll Clothes- easy to make with Oh Sew Kat! patterns
And who says the Gingerbread Boy has to be a boy? Find the very easy Boardwalk Boutique Halter Top and Capri pattern HERE in 4 popular doll sizes.
Make a doll sized Gingerbread holiday outfit with this easy sewing pattern
Pin these images for later and see more Holiday Outfits for your dolls HERE. I used ribbon ties for all of these outfits to keep them quick and easy. They take so little fabric (less than a fat quarter!) and are so fast, you could really stock up for your fall craft shows with these!
I tried the elf outfit with and without a ruffle tucked into the neckline. Depending on the shirt you layer with it, both look cute! Just be sure to attach the belt (I stitched black ribbon across the front and made a buckle with glitter HTV.) before you sew the side seams.
A little ric rac and some red and green buttons create an easy Gingerbread outfit. Add some fun striped socks and layer it over a Playtime Peasant Top for a complete outfit. (Red high tops are made by AG).
Make a special Christmas themed outfit for your dolls.
Have you started sewing for the holidays! Share what you make with me on Facebook and Instagram (hashtag #ohsewkat). Still soaking in the pumpkin spice? See this same pattern stitched up like a pumpkin HERE.
