This tutorial is an easy method to attach lace and ribbon at the neckline of your special doll dresses. I think that the lace and ribbon together form a combination that makes doll dress collars look very dressy and fancy.
In the first photo you'll see a finished lace and ribbon collar. It is being modeled by my 18 inch Gotz doll Emily.
For a view of the whole completed dress click here.
Sewing Technique
- First sew shoulder seams of front and back bodice together and press open.
- Now, if your neck edge seam allowance is one quarter inch, clip on round edges almost to that width, about one eighth inch.
- Turn the seam allowance to finished side of bodice instead of inside. Baste in place.
- Working on the finished side of bodice, sew lace in place so that the lace falls down over the bodice and the edge of the lace is even with the neck edge.
- The ribbon is sewn over the lace. I hand sew the lace on so that I do not disturb the design on the ribbon.
See the 2nd photo for an example of the work in progress.
I recommend using either one quarter inch or one eighth inch wide ribbon for the neckline as it should be wide enough to represent a collar.
Also, my preference is for a decorated ribbon but if the dress had a busy pattern then a plain collar would give the eye some relief.
I also prefer, in general, satin more than cross grain ribbon, but again, it is really what fits with the dress material chosen.
If you decide to use a white or plain material for the dress bodice it will give the illusion of being a blouse and skirt. And it is a nice background for the lace and decorated ribbon collar.
Most of all, have fun and be creative in your choice of materials for doll dresses and the neckline finishes!
Index of Special Doll Making Techniques
Doll Costumes
Fancy Dresses for American Girl and Similar Dolls
Article and photos by Susan Kramer
