Here are sewing instructions for making pinafores to fit 14-inch to 16-inch Bitty Baby in the American Girl Dolls series, Baby Born and similar baby dolls. For clothes to fit 18-inch American Girl, Corolle, and other historical dolls click here.

Bodice

Cut two pieces for bodice and place right sides together. Beginning at lower front edge of bodice front sew up the long side, and follow around all edges until you reach the other lower front bodice edge at waistline. Leave seam across waistline open to turn bodice right side out. Turn in lower edge one fourth inch and blind stitch closed. Press. See photo below:

Skirt

Turn up material for hem one quarter inch twice on sides and lower edge and blind stitch.

Gather top edge of skirt to doll's waist measurement. I made this apron 14 inches (35cm) around the waist.

Center the gathered edge of skirt along the center of 1 yard of 1-inch satin or cross grain ribbon, or ribbon you make from skirt fabric. Enclose the gathered edge in the ribbon and sew in place.

Tie the skirt with a bow or in a square knot.

How to attach bodice to skirt

Center and sew in place the lower edge of bodice front one-half inch below underside of top of waistband. Adjust placement to match the waistline of the doll dress apron will go over.

To attach strap at back waist, fold straps up and back and sew to waistband one half inch from center bow.

For pattern pieces click here.

Now, dress your doll and enjoy your handiwork!

Have fun making baby doll clothes!

14 to 16 inch Medium Baby Dolls
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Pinafore Pattern
How to Sew Pinafores
American Girl and Similar Dolls
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12 to 13 inch Small Baby Dolls
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Doll Making Tutorials
Gotz 16.5 Inch Maxi Muffin Doll
Article, Patterns and Photographs Susan Kramer