Guess what? For the month of October, we're planning a posting mini-series on how to make your 18" doll a minion costume! This should be lots of fun -- so be sure to follow along!
Today, I'll show you how to turn the Liberty Jane Mini Skirt pattern into an adorably cute pair of overalls. You'll need lightweight denim fabric, some velcro, two buttons, and (if you want to add the applique on the front pocket), a scrap of black felt.
Start by making up the mini skirt, following the guidebook directions. I added elastic to mine, but feel free to omit it -- since you'll be adding straps, you won't need elastic :)
(Note: If you don't have that pattern you can make a simple skirt by cutting out a rectangle that is 13.5 inches by 5 inches. Sew together the two short ends, hem the top and bottom edges and then proceed with the following instructions.)
Cut two straps, one bib piece, and (if you'd like) a pocket piece, with the dimensions shown above.
Fold the bib piece in half. This fold will become the top of the bib. Sew down the two sides, as shown; clip the corners and turn the bib right side out. Topstitch around the three finished edges.
Next is the pocket, if you'd like to add one. Start by rounding off two corners of the 2 1/4" square piece. Fold over the top (straight) edge twice, forming a narrow hem, and topstitch.
Applique time! I drew the "Gru" logo on a piece of graph paper, then cut it out to make a stencil. Bond one side of your favorite double-sided fusible (Wonder-Under, Stitch Witchery, &c) to a small scrap of felt, then trace around your stencil onto the paper side. Be sure to flip the image over!
Cut out your applique, then fuse it to the right side of the pocket.
Fold under the curved edge of the pocket, and pin it to the bib. Topstitch around the edges to finish.
Next, tackle the straps. Press under each long edge and one short edge 1/4". Fold the entire strap in half, and topstitch around the edges.
Once that's done, sew a small piece of velcro to the finished end of each strap. Sew the corresponding pieces of velcro to the front corners of the bib.
Sew the buttons on the other side of the strap, above the velcro, for a 'faked' button closure.
Velcro up the straps to the bib, just to double-check everything works as it ought to.
Pin and topstitch the bib to the skirt, being sure to center it.
Next, try the overalls on your doll; adjust the straps to the right length by tucking the raw ends underneath the waistband. Pin them into place. Don't forget to cross them!
Topstitch everything into place (just for looks, I ran an entire second row of topstitching around the top of the waistband) and, you're done!
Are you a super Minion fan? Looking for the other posts in this Lil' Yellow Costume Series? Find those posts here:
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Diane R
September 17, 2022
I just love the Minions, they are so cute.