How To Make a 4th of July Tee for 18 inch Dolls

The 4th of July is just around the corner! And, in honor of the occasion, here's how to embellish a plain, white tee with a quick and cute American flag. In need of a tee? You can use theFREE Trendy T-Shirt pattern to make one (several doll sizes available).

Knit fabric works best for the 1/4" strips -- you can even just cut up an old red t-shirt! Cut two pieces that are 1 3/4" long, and two pieces 2 1/2" long. Pin them onto the shirt, being sure to center them. Put the top stripe about 1" down from the neckline.

 

Sew down the center of the strips. For a fun contrasting effect, try using white thread!

 

Finally, sew a star button onto the top left corner of the shirt. Ta-da! We just used a single blue star, but three smaller silver stars would also look really cute.

 

 

Wishing you all a safe and happy 4th!

Melinda, for PixieFaire


26 Comments

Carolyn M.
Carolyn M.

August 01, 2023

These are just too cute! I love it on the Trendy, T but it would also make up cute on a long sleeve T or a sweatshirt/hoodie. I’m 73 and waiting for a granddaughter, fingers crossed it will be soon!

Cho Chiyo
Cho Chiyo

June 28, 2023

It would be easier and neater to just make the red stripes with puffy paint. Put a piece of thin cardboard inside the shirt so the paint couldn’t soak through, get the thin tip puffy paint, and draw the red stripes on the tee. I would also use blue thread to sew the star on. I don’t like the white thread on it much.

Diane
Diane

June 28, 2023

Cute and patriotic! Thank you for sharing.

anita
anita

June 28, 2023

LOVE this hack!!

Linda
Linda

June 28, 2023

I’ve done this using red ric rack on a white bodice with patriotic skirt for a cute dress

Fran
Fran

September 05, 2021

Clever T-shirt idea.

Cathy
Cathy

July 30, 2021

So simple but lots of Wow. What a good idea.

Janet  P.
Janet P.

June 18, 2021

I really like this idea – simple and eye caching! It’s a very effective design for a tee. but would work on a tote or smaller on the turned back brim of a floppy sunhat

I also watched the video about Thread loops and even though I do know how to make them, I learned something new! Thanks so much!

CATHIE Peck
CATHIE Peck

August 03, 2020

Clever, cleaver, clever idea! I have to have bling! I’m thinking about using sequins for the red stripes. I have a feeling I’m going to be making Halloween and Christmas T-shirts for the dolls as well!

CATHIE Peck
CATHIE Peck

August 03, 2020

Clever, cleaver, clever idea! I have to have bling! I’m thinking about using sequins for the red stripes. I have a feeling I’m going to be making Halloween and Christmas T-shirts for the dolls as well!

Theresa
Theresa

July 03, 2020

So cute! Happy 4th of July!

Judy Hayes
Judy Hayes

July 03, 2020

Love it! Easy and very patriotic!

Granny Sandy
Granny Sandy

July 03, 2020

Thank you for another great Idea!

Janet  P
Janet P

July 03, 2020

This T shirt is adorable. I can’t wait to make it.

Hayden Cardon
Hayden Cardon

August 30, 2016

Fold each tulle strip in half and knot it around the elastic, alternating red, white and blue tulle strips. Hand-stitch the elastic to the bottom of the t-shirt or tank top to complete the h of July tutu dress.

Nolina
Nolina

July 28, 2016

Bravo!! This is way cuter than i thoght. Love it!

Sharon Collins
Sharon Collins

July 28, 2013

I will make this shirt for my three dolls and my granddaughter’s doll. I have been to the Dallas store twice and can’t wait til my youngest granddaughter has her birthday to go again. I buy retired items from a lady in Tyler who has a store that sells them.

Cathy G
Cathy G

July 02, 2013

I’ve been trying to think of something to do with my granddaughters this weekend. They will love decorating t-shirts for their dolls. So easy, and so cute!

Madison
Madison

July 02, 2013

I love the idea!
I will definitely try it!!

Gloria H
Gloria H

July 01, 2013

cute cute cute

Margaret F Johnson
Margaret F Johnson

June 30, 2013

Thanks – it is adorable.

Jazzie L
Jazzie L

June 30, 2013

Super cute! Can’t wait to try this out with one of my boring old white doll tees. ;)

Marlene
Marlene

June 30, 2013

Heart button would look cute too!

Patricia Clark
Patricia Clark

June 30, 2013

Really cute! GR8 project while I hibernate indoors due to the high temps this weekend. Love your sites and your generosity of providing free ideas and tutorials. :-)

Barb B
Barb B

June 30, 2013

Soooo Cute! The simplest ideas are the best sometimes, don’t you think?? Good Job!! Happy 4th everyone!

Suzanne Dahl
Suzanne Dahl

June 30, 2013

This is adorable! Found a T on Pintrest for adults which was similar but not near as cute. You all are awesome! I’m 56 yrs. old and waiting desperately for a granddaughter someday. Have Samantha and Kalani (sp, so sad can’t remember how to spell her name!). But enjoy them myself. My kids took me to the AG store here in Dallas, had a blast! Thanks for you’re great ideas!

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