Based on a designer dress I made for my daughter in the 80s, this doll-sized version features a fitted bodice with stand-up collar, a gathered skirt with below-the-knee ruffled hem, leg o’ mutton sleeves with optional trim, and a front buttoned closure (buttons may be replaced with snaps or decorative buttons with hook and loop closure). The three collar variations can be overlaid with lace fabric or trimmed with ribbons and lace. Custom holly embroidery embellishment adds to the charm. Make it sleeved or sleeveless.
With this pattern, by FROG Princess Fashions, you can create lovely dresses suitable for year-round use. While this dress is best made in lightweight cottons or polycotton fabrics, it is versatile enough to fashion from lightweight pinwale corduroy or dressier fabrics such as brocades and satins. I used a variety of laces, as well, from a flat crocheted lace to a cotton eyelet and a polyester scalloped lace as trims. I even tried lace fabric for the sleeves with a gorgeous result. Narrow (1/8”) satin ribbon trims worked well on the sleeves. The collar variations give the dress multiple looks and are fun to overlay with lace fabric or to trim with ribbons. Make the collars in an accent color for extra pizazz or simply use lace fabric by itself, as shown on the cover.
The custom embroidery options (available separately) add even more charm. The set includes a sleeve design, three collar designs (one for each collar shape), and a set of fancy buttonholes for the front band. It is adorable for the holidays or any days! There are so many ways to be creative with this sweet dress!
Be sure to check out the coordinating Holly and Lace Machine Embroidery Design!
This PDF sewing pattern is designed to fit 18" dolls such as American Girl®.
Recommended Fabrics: lightweight cottons and polyester cotton blends in mini solids, stripes, chevrons, calicos, polka dots, and plaids; lightweight quilting cottons, dotted swiss, eyelet, seersucker, lightweight oxford cloth, poplin, lawn, lightweight thin wale corduroy, lightweight brocade, medium weight satin
Supplies Needed:
Fabric
- ½ yd fabric
- ⅛ yd contrast for collar (be sure to add additional fabric for cutting more of the dress from contrast)
Notions
- Polyester all-purpose thread to match fabrics
- Button thread (if hand-sewing buttons) to match buttons
- 7 ⅜” buttons
- Optional: thin hook and loop tape
- Optional: ½” flat lace, 1/8” ribbon
Tools
Skill Level: Intermediate
What You Get: One 24 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 four-page summary of instructions is included to help save on printer ink. 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.
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