The Aloha Pleated Top and Dress, by Forever 18 Inches, is designed to pair with the Aloha Sarong Skirt. It features a unique and easy pleating method and a bias binding applied with a Hong Kong Finish. If you’ve never used the Hong Kong Finish, stitching and trimming without finishing the edge will probably feel very unorthodox. Don’t worry! Bias-cut fabric frays very little (it’s why pinking shears work), and most knits don’t fray at all. As an added bonus, pre-made bias tape can be used for the binding. Just iron it flat and you’re ready to sew!
If pleats intimidate you, you’ll like the unique and easy pleating method used in the instructions. If you hate chalk and marking pens, this pattern is for you!
In addition to taking the fear out of pleating, the pattern has a dress-length option with a bonus tie belt. And probably the best news of all for knit-phobic seamstresses: the pattern can be made with either woven or knit fabrics!
Aloha, and Happy Sewing!
*Note - The fabric flowers featured on the top are not included in this pattern. You can find the free Pixie Faire tutorial to make the fabric flowers HERE.
This pattern was sized on a recently purchased American Girl Doll (Chest: 11”, Waist: 10-1/2”, Hips: 12 -½”). The key measurement in this pattern is the width of the hips. If your doll’s hips are larger than 12 -½”, you may need to make adjustments to the pattern for an optimal fit.
Recommended Fabrics: Knits: Lightweight knits with a one-way stretch and a moderate (no more than 40%) stretch. (If in doubt, think “Man’s Hanes T-Shirt!” The fabric weight and stretch are both ideal, and are very easy to handle.) Wovens: All fabric should drape softly. Lightweight wovens such as chambray, batiste, or lawn are recommended for the Top, and quilter’s weight cottons, light weight denim, or medium-weight chambray are recommended for the dress.
Supplies Needed:
-A pair of small, very sharp scissors (essential for the Hong Kong Finish trimming process)
-Matching thread
- 2-3 small snaps OR Two strips of ¼”wide hook and loop tape (approximately 3-1/2” long for the Top, or 4” long for the Dress)
-Fabric: Dress: 1/3 yd. of fabric + two 18” x 1-1/2” bias strips
Top: ¼ yd. of fabric + two 18” x 1-1/2” bias strips
-Optional: graph paper for drawing the bias strip pattern piece OR rotary scissors and a cutting mat.
-Optional: a ball-point sewing needle (often used with knits). FYI: I used a regular needle for all the pieces I sewed with this pattern with great success.
-Optional: cellophane tape (aka “Scotch” tape) to protect the pleats
-Optional: purchased bias tape (use in place of cut bias strips; just iron completely flat before sewing)
Skill Level: Intermediate
What You Get: One 36 page sewing pattern that you digitally download as a PDF file so you can start your project immediately! The PDF sewing pattern provides full color step-by-step illustrated instructions and full size pattern pieces. A PDF reader is required to view and print the files (example: Adobe Reader or Preview for MAC). The download link is received immediately after the transaction is complete. Print copies are NOT available.
Download, Print, Sew!
*Creating a customer account will ensure that you have the ability to access your purchased (and free) files at any time.
For detailed information and answers to the most common questions, be sure to read the Terms of Use and FAQ's related to the doll clothes patterns sold at Pixie Faire. PixieFaire and the designers featured are not affiliated with American Girl®
