Guest Author - Susan Kramer

This prairie dress is a nice addition to your doll's wardrobe. Here is a pattern with instructions for making dresses that will fit 18 inch (45cm) American Girl, other American historical dolls, Gotz Precious Day Girl Dolls, Corolle Dolls, and similar size dolls. The skirt length at 9.5 inches (24cm) falls just above the ankle.

For link to pattern pieces click here.

For link to sewing instructions click here.

Hints

- Choose smaller rather than larger prints for dress fabric, keeping in mind the scale of the doll. I like to use quilting material.

- Make the dresses from cotton and natural fabrics if you'd like to keep to historical time periods.

- Use washable materials and trims. Use velcro closures rather than buttons of hooks and eyes for safety's sake.

- Use contrasting materials and trims - they show off best.

The photo below shows how the neck trim is made and attached from the same fabric as the dress. The strip is 20 inches (50cm) long and 2 inches (5cm) wide folded in half and gathered to fit on the 10 inch (25cm) neckline, right side of gathered piece facing right side of bodice - then sewing bias strip over both layers and turning to inside and blind stitching in place.

Also note in the above photo how the front ribbon decoration is sewn on.

Have fun with your projects!

18 inch American Girl Type Series
18 inch American Girl Doll Style Clothes - Homepage
Long Sleeve Prairie Dresses
Prairie Dress on Precious Day Doll
Doll Accessories

Article, Patterns and Photographs Susan Kramer