How to Sew a Doll Dress

Making a doll dress is an easy and inexpensive way to let your creative imagination have a field day as you choose the material and pattern and all the things you will need to enhance your doll’s appearance and her wardrobe. For a doll’s dress, a little bit of material goes a long way.

Step 1 - Take the Measurements

Having chosen your pattern for your type of doll, take its measurements to choose which size you will make and which will be a perfect fit. If it is a specific type, say a Barbie or Marie Osmond type of doll, you can omit this step, as the pattern will be made to measure; if you have experience with patterns, you can create your own.

Step 2 - Cut the Material

Cut the material you have chosen and any lace or frills according to the pattern instructions after tracing the pieces of the pattern on the material with the tailor’s chalk, or you can pin the pattern on to the material and cut around it.

Step 3 - Start Sewing the Dress

Using a fine needle and dressmakers’ thread, sew the upper part of the dress, first sewing the sides and shoulders together, then putting in sleeves and collar, if any. If the dress has a waist, you can do the side seams of the bottom part after dealing with the top, then joining them together. Always allow for seams, pay attention to details, and when hemming any part of the dress, use the least material possible.

Step 4 - Go Over Your Inside Seams

Once the dress is put together, go over all the seams using the sewing machine fitted with a very fine needle and set for small stitching for a sturdier finish. Try the dress on the doll first so you can correct wherever needed before using the machine.

Step 5 - Include Buttons or Zippers

Put in any buttons or zippers and other ornaments you have chosen. Instead of tiny doll zippers, you can put in double sided Velcro, which is easier to use.

Step 6 - Iron the Garment

Iron all seams to get them flat and then iron all the dress thoroughly, right side up, using a soft cloth to protect the material from the heat of the iron, especially if the material is of the flimsy type.

If you follow the pattern’s instructions, you can’t go wrong; once you get the knack for it, making doll’s dresses and clothes can be a very creative hobby, giving you a sense of satisfaction, especially if you make doll’s clothes for your children, your grandchildren or even the children in the neighborhood.