Amanda is my 18 inch (45cm) cloth doll and she loves posing in her ballet tutu, especially in time for Halloween.
The link to her tutu pattern is here. And sewing instructions are here. The costume is made with a bodice and separate tutu on an elastic waistband. The tutu also fits my 18 inch Raggedy Ann doll.
Tutu construction
I used a stiff nylon net material in a strip 8 inches by 42 inches (the width of the nylon net).
Bodice construction
I used shiny satin lining fabric for the bodice and trimmed with one quarter inch satin ribbon.
The bodice is completely lined. For finished side cut one piece of bodice front on fold of fabric and cut two pieces of bodice back. Cut the lining pieces the same way. If you are making the costume for Madeline and wider body dolls, be sure to increase width of doll bodice before cutting material. This pattern as drawn fits dolls with a 9 inch chest. Madeline has a 10 inch chest.
If a child will play with the costume use velcro closures at the center back rather than hooks and eyes or buttons, for safety's sake!
Bring any questions while sewing to our discussion forum at the link at the foot of this article.
Have fun making Amanda's costume!
Amanda 18 inch Cloth Doll Homepage
Costume Pattern
Costume Sewing Instructions
Doll Body Sewing Instructions
How to Soft Sculpture Cloth and Fabric Dolls
Doll Body Pattern
Special Doll Making Techniques
Yarn Wig
Article and photo credit - Susan Kramer
