Here is a short sleeve dress that is perfect for any tea party or dolly prom! This one will fit 18 inch (45cm) American Girl, other American historical dolls, Gotz Precious Day Girl Dolls, Corolle Dolls, and similar size dolls.
In the photo is my 18 inch Corolle doll, Helene. At her feet, Floppy seems perfectly happy!
For link to pattern pieces click here. For the short sleeve party dress cut out the sleeves pattern and then trim one inch from the lower edge because of the addition of lace to the length of the sleeve.
For link to sewing instructions click here.
For link to 'special' instructions to sew lace and ribbon to neck edge and sleeve edge click here.
For more doll making and dressing sewing tutorials click here.
Supplies
- One half yard (one half meter) material for bodice, sleeves and skirt.
- For skirt, cut a piece of material 32 inches (80cm) wide and 8 inches (20cm) long. Finished skirt length above lace is 6 inches.
- 20 inches (50cm) embroidered ribbon for neckline and lower edge of sleeves.
- 20 inches (50cm) pre-gathered lace for neckline and lower edge of sleeves.
- 32 inches (80cm) of wider pre-gathered lace for lower edge of skirt hem.
- 13 inches each of 2 strips of ribbon for the horizontal trim on the bodice.
- One velcro narrow strip or two velcro dot closures for closing back of bodice.
Hints and tips
- To make dresses special use satin or embroidered ribbon trim for its sparkle.
- Making the dress from just one color fabric gives a nice silhouette to your doll dress and allows more variety in trims.
- Use washable materials and trims. Use velcro closures rather than buttons of hooks and eyes for safety's sake.
- On this dress I've used 3 kinds of ribbon trim, all matching the main dress color. This emphasizes the main color of the dress.
Enjoy making this dress and bring any questions to the Doll Making forum at the foot of this page so we can help each other!
How to Make Clothes for American Girl, Corolle, Gotz and Similar Dolls - Homepage
Sewing Instructions
Dress Pattern
Index of Special Doll Making Techniques
Article and photo credit Susan Kramer
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