Guest Author - Susan Kramer

This cap sleeve dress is a very easy pattern to sew and a nice addition to your doll's summer wardrobe.

The cap sleeve dresses will fit 18 inch (45cm) American Girl, other American historical dolls, Gotz Precious Day Girl Dolls, Corolle Dolls, and similar size dolls.

The finished skirt length of 7 inches (17.5cm) falls just below the knee.



Our Cyber Doll House pet dog, Floppy, enjoys being in the picture!

For link to pattern pieces click here.

For link to sewing instructions click here.

Hints and Tips

- When using the cap sleeve dress pattern, fold up the sleeve hem one half inch twice before hemming. First pin hem in place and try on your doll, to be sure this shorter length will look okay. Some dolls have fabric bodies and the vinyl arms begin partly off shoulder. It looks better if this is covered by the sleeve length.

- I like to use calico for dresses because the smaller scaled prints suit the dolls well.

- Make the bodice/sleeve in a lighter solid color. This gives the dress a layered appearance - like a skirt and blouse combination.

- A decorative edging stitch looks nice at lower edge of sleeves.

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

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

Have fun using this very easy pattern to make your special dolls cap sleeve summer dresses!

How to Make Clothes for American Girl, Corolle, Gotz and Similar Dolls - Homepage
Cap Sleeve Dresses
Short and Cap Sleeve Dress Pattern Pieces
Short and Cap Sleeve Dress Sewing Instructions
Doll Accessories

Article and photo credits Susan Kramer