Today I’m sharing a top I designed for 18 inch dolls like American Girl! I think it turned out great and with it’s Velcro closure but it’s worth noting that we have the flexibility of adding REAL button holes if we’d rather. It’s fully lined, too, which not only looks nice on the inside but eliminates those tedious tiny hems!
A fat quarter will give you enough fabric for the outside and the ruffle but you’ll need some scraps for the lining. (Note that the ruffle is 24″ long so when using a fat quarter, you’ll have to sew pieces together to achieve that. A simple fix AND it eliminates wasted fabric! I show this, btw, in the video tutorial linked below.)
In my continuing quest to use up my stash AND refashion/recycle/reuse fabric as much as possible, the polka dot top was sewn from a crib dust ruffle I bought on closeout for 90% off! (Gotta love those overstock-buy-up stores!)
Download the pattern and written instructions here and be sure to print actual size. And a video tutorial can be found here!
I’ve also provided options for attaching the ruffle:
Option 1 encases the raw edges and is best if you don’t have a serger/overlocker. (I think this looks so nice, too!) I think the “proper” way is to hand stitch the lining to the ruffle but if you like to take shortcuts like I do, you can use fusible webbing, fabric glue or even hot glue works great!
But Option 2 is faster and easier! While it’s great if you have a serger/overlocker, it CAN be done with a zig zag or overlock stitch on a regular sewing machine!
Have fun with this free pattern! Feel free to share by linking back to this page!
Thank you for the pattern. Very cute top!
You’re so welcome, Mae Lynn! Enjoy!
Hello I would love your pattern and instructions please. So kind thank you. Grandma Rose
Hi, Rose… there’s a link right here in the post that takes you to the pattern and instructions! Have fun!
Thank you! So cute and how thoughtful of you to share 🙂
My niece has an American Doll and now a toddler of her own. She will be excited to see this!
You’re so welcome! It turned out cute if I do say so myself! Happy to share!
Where are the instructions to download the pattern?
No instructions needed. Click on the link and the pdf pops up. Do whatever you normally do to print and/or save a pdf file. (What that action is will of course depend on what device and software you’re using.) Google can guide you if you need further help.