If you are interested in doll fashion, you may already know that strapless tops are popular clothing items for dolls. However, finding the perfect strapless top for your dolls can be challenging, especially if you have specific designs in mind. Instead of searching for the perfect strapless top, you can make one yourself using basic sewing skills. This design includes contrasting bias tape to create a simple hem, and is tied in the back to create a pretty bow accent on the shirt.
In this blog post, we will guide you through the process of making this strapless top for your 18″ doll.
Materials necessary
- Our free printable PDF strapless top sewing pattern
- Printer friendly detailed instructions
- Fabric (cotton or other lightweight fabric)
- 26″ length of 1/2″ double fold bias tape
- Scissors
- Thread (matching color to the fabric)
- Pins
- Sewing machine
- Velcro or snap closures
Steps
- Using our free pattern for 18″ doll strapless top, print and cut out pattern
- Before cutting out the fabric, test the pattern on your doll to check the fit and determine if you need to make any adjustments for your doll.
- Pin the pattern on your fabric, and carefully cut around the pattern. 1/4 inch seam allowance has already been included in the pattern, so cut exactly around the pattern. Cut 2 pieces – one layer will be a liner, the second layer will be the outer layer.
- Pin fabric right sides together.
- Carefully sew a straight stitch along the top, following the sweetheart neckine. Tip: It can be a bit tricky to follow the neckline precisely. I find it easier to place my needle directly in the middle and sew along one side of the top, return my needle back to the middle and sew the other side.
- Open the two layers out and sew the velcro in place, being sure to sew it to the correct layer. Tip: Make sure you place your velcro 1/4 inch from the side to allow for seam allowance, and 1/2″ above the bottom of the shirt to allow room to hem the bottom of the shirt.
- Fold shirt over so that right sides are together and sew along both sides, leaving the bottom open.
- Turn shirt so it’s right side out, and iron all the seams flat
- To hem the bottom of the shirt, we are using a 26″ length of double fold bias tape. Find the center of the bias tape, and the center of the top, and place the bias tape around the bottom of the shirt with centers lined up. Sew bias tape from end to end.
Voila! You have just made a strapless top for your doll. This straightforward sewing project will give you a cute addition to your doll’s wardrobe. You can customize the top with different fabrics, embellishments or designs to match your doll’s style. It’s a great way to exercise your creativity and make your dolls stand out. Happy sewing!
More Doll Clothes Sewing Patterns
We have a wide variety of free printable doll clothes patterns, check out the gallery here.