How to sew a Dress for 18 inch doll - American Girl - FREE Pattern

[@heatherwhiteley3556]

Timestamps 0:00 Cut out pieces prepare sleeves, iron them. 4:07 instructions for the bodice without sleeves 4:27 pin sleeves to the lining 6:11 pin the lining to the bodice, right sides together 6:50 Sew sleeve seam 7:17 how to slow down the video 7:35 fold sleeve down, sew neck 9:07 sew down the back, around the neck, and up the back 11:20 optional top stitch 11:40 hem the skirt 12:55 optional pockets 14:51 optional top stitch 15:25 sew pocket down 16:05 press 1/2" twice on side of skirt and sew 16:47 sew sides of bodice 18:19 Baste stitch skirt waist 19:30 mark skirt center and 1/4 marks 20:04 Pull top strings to gather skirt waist to 14" 20:39 Line up seems with bodice 21:06 Pin bodice to skirt one side at a time, adjusting as needed. 22:18 sew 1/2 " from edge 22:55 Sew on pockets 24:20 check for pocket alignment 25:46 add velcro

[@Lelesdesigns]

Thank You for taking the time to do this

[@heatherwhiteley3556]

@@Lelesdesigns Thank you so much for making this incredible tutorial! I can't wait to finish it! if you copy and paste the time stamps into your description, it will make "chapters" for you.

[@shannonselff8262]

I love that you go slow so that I don't have to keep pausing the video. Thank you soo much

[@Lelesdesigns]

You’re welcome 😊

[@p_3amedition]

yuss agreed

[@bethanymcelroy-vogel3771]

By FAR the best patterns and tutorials I've ever seen! You're straight to the point, and your videos are very easy to watch.

[@Lelesdesigns]

😊Thank You so much for your kind words 😊

[@eileendoyle6835]

Thank you so much for the pattern and for your clear instructions on the video. My granddaughters will love dressing their dolls in this dress.

[@Lelesdesigns]

You are so welcome!

[@maryalgar8779]

I can't imagine why anyone would give this video a thumbs down -- it is SO well done and thorough. Great job.

[@Lelesdesigns]

Thank You so much Mary

[@jeanettereynolds3151]

Best lesson I have had at 71 🇬🇧

[@Lelesdesigns]

WoW! Thank You for such a wonderful compliment.

[@jeanettereynolds3151]

If I had lessons like this in my senior school for my leaving exam in the 60s I wouldn't have failed.a sheet of paper with a diagram showing you to make a school blouse??? As I was dyslectic tried to go by the drawings but after an hour work collected and on my leaving exam sheet was FAILED AT NEEDLEWORK. Well we were never taught so thank you I'm 72 and now I can put a garment together better late than never.thank you for a very clear wonderful tutorial 🇬🇧

[@Lelesdesigns]

I failed sewing in home ec in 8th grade and when I got pregnant I was determined to sew. Tried many patterns but would get frustrated. then I started taking shirts apart just to sew them back together. I wish there were videos back then. When my grandchildren came along I started creating my own patterns for dolls and decided it would be great to share this with others and hope it helps. It was such a delight to receive your messages. today. Makes it well worth it. Thank You so much!

[@MamaNadina]

This is a GREAT video. I used to sew doll clothes a lot but it has been a few years so I decided to review to remind myself of how to deal with the small pieces. This video is clear and complete and now I am ready to resume dressing my granddaughter’s dolls. I am also saving this to use for sewing lessons with them. THANK YOU!

[@Lelesdesigns]

Glad it was helpful!

[@susanwatford629]

My mother sewed clothes for my sister and I as well as our dolls. She passed away before I got around to learning to sew. So many times I've been to the fabric store and wished I could sew some clothes. Today I watched your video and for the first time believe I can figure this out! What a gift you've given me and my daughter. Thank you!

[@Lelesdesigns]

You are so welcome! Love hearing you will make this with your daughter. I am sure she always look back on this special memory.

[@Beencouraged777]

This video was by far the best in helping me as a beginner to make dresses for little girls and adults. Thank you; very thorough and easy to understand.

[@Lelesdesigns]

You are so welcome! Happy to hear it was helpful.

[@diannacarroll5161]

I love your teaching and the options you give. Thank you! I am a grandmother that is learning to sew.

[@Lelesdesigns]

Thank you so much!

[@teapartybliss3758]

Great video instructions! I learned how to make a simple/quick gather by marking a sewing line with pencil or pressing a crease, then placing dental floss over sewing line and sewing a long (basting zigzag, not like a tight button hole) zigzag all the way to the end, and all within the seam allowance. Then pull the dental floss to make a gather! :)

[@Lelesdesigns]

Wonderful!

[@narelleblears9052]

I'd like to thank you for your tutorial. Your instructions are excellent. Thank you

[@Lelesdesigns]

You are welcome! Glad to hear you like them😊

[@kristinakozsmith]

You are such a great teacher. Thank you for these tutorials and pattern pieces!

[@Lelesdesigns]

You are so welcome! Thank YOu for your kind words

[@ui2760]

The best tutorial I have found and i have watched so many. The stitch lines drawn over the video is so helpful. Thank you so much. I will be printing your template and using it.

[@Lelesdesigns]

Glad it was helpful!

[@gayestover3286]

This is a great pattern and video. My granddaughter will be so excited when we make this dress. She wants me to teach her how to sew so she is pinning the patterns on the fabric and pinning the pieces together.

[@Lelesdesigns]

You are so welcome! Thank You for your kind words. Glad to hear that your granddaughter and you will do this project together.

[@gabybravo7110]

I’ve always wanted to learn how to see so I could make dresses for my daughters doll. And I can finally say I’ve done it !!! I’m so happy and excited thank you so much for such a great video.

[@Lelesdesigns]

Wonderful!

[@rischelletrayner5250]

I have now made 2 of these dresses for my daughters dolls. This is the easiest and most straightforward tutorial while also leaving room for creative additions. Thank you for posting this and the pattern

[@Lelesdesigns]

You are so welcome!

[@Bucsdk]

Excellent instructions. I modified the pattern to make the dress fit a 26 inch doll. I also added a layer of lace over the bodice to make it a wedding dress. It turned out perfect. Thanks so much!

[@Lelesdesigns]

Thank You! That is amazing you were able to make adjustment to make it bigger and adding lace sound super cute. Great job!

[@aubreygarcia689]

I just got my niece a (used like new) american girl doll for her birthday and I wanted to ship her with a few matching wardrobe options. Thanks so much for taking the time to create this pattern and provide such clear and concise instructions! You're such a natural teacher and your voice is pleasant to listen too.

[@Lelesdesigns]

Thank You so much for your sweet and kind words!😊

[@gabbyvalenciano5956]

Great tutorial! I can't wait to make this for my daughter and another for her best friend. Thank you for doing these tutorials with pattern included.

[@Lelesdesigns]

You are so welcome!

[@evee.9337]

I'm a beginner and I managed to make this dress. Thank you so much for your tutorial!

[@Lelesdesigns]

You’re welcome 😊

[@modgranny]

Thanks so much for this wonderful design. I've cut out 6 dresses for my 20" dolls...Chatty Cathy. It's a wonderful pattern and your instructions are amazing!

[@Lelesdesigns]

Thank You so much!

[@glitterygirlie8570]

I'm completely new to sewing have been watching a few videos. This is is by far the best video ever!!! Thank you so much for taking the time to explain everything and all the effort you put into helping people like me. You are so amazing! ❤

[@Lelesdesigns]

aww, Thank you so much! that truly made my day. Happy to hear this was helpful

[@LaurieSilva]

You are so easy to follow and listen to! I really enjoyed creating this dress; and thank you for the free pattern.

[@Lelesdesigns]

You are so welcome! Thank You for your kind words.

[@sharonrich7414]

Really cute! Needed the instructions cause I’m a visual learner. Thank you so much!

[@Lelesdesigns]

You are so welcome!

[@akhilauppada3456]

Thank you so much!! We made a dress for my daughter’s doll Maryellen. She loves it!

[@Lelesdesigns]

That is awesome!

[@maureenstamp1305]

This is the best tutorial I have seen ! Thank you so much for this and I will definitely make this dress for my granddaughters. Looking forward to more of your videos. I am going to make this today as you have really inspired me. Thank you again !!

[@Lelesdesigns]

You are so welcome!

[@katielove9932]

Except for sewing over pins, you are an excellent teacher and very thorough. Thanks.

[@Lelesdesigns]

Glad it was helpful!

[@MamaNadina]

I am old. The sewing machine salesmen used to brag you could sew over pins and many women learned todo that.

[@MamaNadina]

I am old. The sewing machine salesmen used to brag you could sew over pins and many women learned todo that.

[@juls811]

Excellent tutorial. Clear, concise, easy to understand and follow. Thank you.

[@Lelesdesigns]

You're very welcome! Glad you enjoyed it!!

[@lisamonahan3658]

I love this dress. I was able to sew one up in a few hours for my granddaughter. Thank you!

[@Lelesdesigns]

You are so welcome! and happy to hear it did not take you long at all

[@49lucky]

Oh this was perfect for me. I use to sew all the time and then I had a stroke. Well I found out I can't sew correctly anymore. Sew now I have to retrain myself and this was perfect. Thank you 😊 💓

[@Lelesdesigns]

I am so sorry to hear of your stroke. I am happy to hear that the video is helping you get back to sewing.

[@paulsikkema4812]

I am in the same spot. I had a stroke and one of my goals was to sew again. Bravo to you for your positive attitude!

[@julietapley6874]

Had so much fun making this doll's dress for my granddaughter. Your instructions are great and really appreciate your suggestions on some of the products you used in making the dress. Thank you so much for this wonderful free pattern!

[@Lelesdesigns]

You are so welcome! Happy to hear you had fun making this dress.

[@joannefrancis7040]

Thank you for this cute little pattern. You are a very good teacher. I watched to the very end.❤❤❤

[@Lelesdesigns]

Thanks so much 😊I'm glad you liked it😊

[@cesiagudiel1943]

Thank you for the pattern, I made this dress for my daughter, she was really happy!

[@Lelesdesigns]

You are welcome 😊

[@rebekahtoepperwein4502]

I just completed my project! I chose to attempt box pleats instead of a gathered skirt and it came out beautiful! This was my first independent project, thank you for the detailed tutorial!

[@Lelesdesigns]

Great job! Thanks for sharing you great idea.

[@helenpaxton292]

In a previous post I said I made a dress and also a long gown with this pattern, and they look great. But I forgot to say how I made a slight modification to the pattern. I did not sew the bodice side seams together. Instead, I decided to "clean finish" those two seams so they are "open," and I love the result of how it looks. Added bonus, I think this change not only looks good, but it may make it easier for my granddaughter to fit the dolls into the dresses and the beauty of the dresses not being diminished. P.S. Lisa, you are the greatest!! You DO inspire us.

[@Lelesdesigns]

Hi Helen, Sounds like a great idea and would love to see it. I wish youtube would allow photo's. Thanks for sharing your idea. Thank you for your kind words.

[@Lolly1122dooda]

I've done that, too. 👍

[@river102208]

Made this dress; thank you for the pattern. It turned out pretty good, if I must say myself.

[@Lelesdesigns]

You're welcome 😊

[@daboo177]

Thank you for the pattern,it is so easy and cute. I love that I don’t have to sew the shoulder seams. Love it and so well explained. Fits perfectly

[@Lelesdesigns]

You are so welcome! Happy to hear you love it 😊

[@MsKateOutschool]

What a great tutorial! I had my daughter pick out the fabric to make this doll dress (my first attempt at a dress) and she is going to be so excited to put it on her doll. Thank you for the great instructions and pattern - very clear and easy to follow!

[@Lelesdesigns]

Glad it was helpful!

[@MsDeb1954]

I am so happy I found you! You just made this process so much easier! Thank you!

[@Lelesdesigns]

You are so welcome! Im happy you found me as well

[@tamiesnow-becker6820]

This was my very first doll dress solely made by watching this video!!!! Thankyou for such an easy to follow tutorial.

[@Lelesdesigns]

Wonderful! So Glad to hear it was helpful. Thank You!

[@margaretbeard6564]

I can't wait to make this for my grand daughter's doll! Thank you so much!

[@Lelesdesigns]

You are so welcome!

[@lisabryce8837]

This is a perfect pattern, thank you ! Can't wait for the girls to see the new dresses for their dolls.

[@Lelesdesigns]

You're welcome 😊 Happy to hear you like the pattern. Thank You so much!

[@sueschueren5882]

You r soooo amazing!!!! I luv your directions, I'm making the pink dress for my Grand daughter's doll but my material is red with small white dots!!! U explain the directions like a GOOD teacher, if you are not a teacher u should be!!!💕💕💕💕💕💕💕

[@Lelesdesigns]

No I am not a teacher. Thank You for you so much for your kind words. have fun making this for your grandaughter

[@Islamish]

My toddler just got very into her my life doll I rescued from good will. Thank you for the clothing patterns.

[@Lelesdesigns]

You are so welcome!

[@suzannebenfield2794]

Just finished for my grandgirls, age 9. Love the variations. Thank you! Now to think of something for my grandson, age 6...

[@Lelesdesigns]

Happy to hear you completed this. I am sure she is going to love it since grandma made it for her

[@CindieMcCormack]

Thank you for the wonderful video! Great pattern and easy to follow instructions.

[@Lelesdesigns]

Thank you so much for the kind words!

[@Betsyboo1883]

Thank you so so so much for this video and pattern. Wanted to make my dolls some clothes and couldn't do it at all, I was close to giving up but your video is fantastic! Thank you!

[@Lelesdesigns]

you're so welcome! I'm really happy the video and pattern helped you out. Don't give up-you're doing great!

[@Aljobritt]

Thank you so much for the video and pattern. Just so cute!

[@Lelesdesigns]

You are so welcome!

[@edithvierck9342]

The very best tutorial. Thank you.

[@Lelesdesigns]

thank you so much

[@Patricia200901]

Thanks so much for this pattern & tutorial. I've made a Christmas dress for my daughters doll. Love it 😀 😍

[@Lelesdesigns]

You are so welcome! I happy to hear you love it.

[@6MerenRe]

absolutely love it, my 10 yo daughter will use it for her projects

[@Lelesdesigns]

That is great to hear. Have fun stitching it out

[@robbinallen5189]

What a wonderful video. I made one dress in a few hours. Thank you so much!

[@Lelesdesigns]

Great job!

[@mariajurado8580]

Again Thank You so much for your lovely tutorials, so well explained. You are a lovely lady love your sweet voice. 💖👍🌟🌟🌟

[@Lelesdesigns]

Thanks so much 😊

[@gabbijackson]

i really wanna learn how to sew and your voice is very warming

[@Lelesdesigns]

Thank You so much!

[@angiestojanovski1463]

New subscriber can't wait to show my Granddaughter something we can do together. Thank you for sharing hope to see more of your beautiful work 😊 Your a master teacher 💖

[@Lelesdesigns]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@angiestojanovski1463]

@@Lelesdesigns Do you have other that also offer a free pattern, I haven't had a chance to look, I am a New subscriber absolutely perfect can't wait to give it a go❣

[@Lelesdesigns]

@ ANGIE Stojanovski sorry did not see this as it never notify me if it is not a new message. I do quite a few. here is the playlist for all my american doll video kzbin.info/aero/PLMsM56LHs7UT8YyDPrTdHjpmcP67TU4UT and if your intersted in baby alive and barbie I have some patterns here kzbin.infovideos

[@annahobbins7797]

Thank you so much I have made many of these for my family and even on vintage dolls for an elderly lady. Your instructions are so easy and thank you for the free pattern.

[@Lelesdesigns]

You are so welcome!

[@kimspeers2916]

Thank you so much for the video. I've made a few dresses but I'm not real satisfied with my work. I needed to see a simple dress done so I could learn some things. Embellishments will come later. I have lots of 18 inch dolls mostly OG dolls and Madam Alexanders. Which I pay very little for at the thrift stores. They never have clothes tho. I clean them up and it's a joy to see a couple dresses I made on them occasionally I find bags of different sizes of doll clothes and mostly 18 inch. I don't think anything can beat a simple little dress like yours. I appreciate your time and video very much. God bless you and your magical hands. Truly, Kim Oklahoma City Oklahoma

[@Lelesdesigns]

Hi Kim from Oklahoma I appreciate you taking the time to send some kinds words.it really made my day and appreciate hearing from viewers. my favorite thing is finding thrift store doll, fixing them up and dressing them. So much more rewarding when you give it to a little one. God bless you

[@jeanettereynolds3151]

@@Lelesdesigns all these clothes are to fit 18 inch dolls?? We don't have luxury of finding these dolls in charity shops here in UK but only occasional barbie matted hair no cloths.i get hair nice by soaking in lenor then it combs out and shines just a tip for dolls hair.my daughters had a sandy each thier still immaculate today and thier in thier late 40 s.but sadly barbie doesn't have same type of hair the old Cindy doll had. Uk

[@Lelesdesigns]

sorry You are not able to get the 18" dolls I do have a some barbie patterns here is the playlist of all my video of barbie patterns

[@sanjaniramkissoon5327]

I’m new to sewing and love this video. You do a great job of explaining and the video quality is great. Thank you sooo much 😊❤🪡

[@Lelesdesigns]

I'm so happy to hear you found this video useful. Thank You for your kind words🥰

[@vLuke-e5s]

Your video about the doll dress was absolutely amazing. The video was clear and easy to watch. Your voice was soothing, and your explanation was clear. Printing the free form was so appreciated. Please, please do more videos. I am so happy I stumbled into seeing your video.

[@Lelesdesigns]

Thank you so much! Your so kind and very happy to hear you enjoyed the video

[@deelinsalato491]

Thank you for sharing this, brought back my love of sewing doll clothes, and now for another granddaughter😊.

[@Lelesdesigns]

You are so welcome!

[@ingridgustavsson1622]

Great pattern. Very nice instructions. Thank you SO much from Sweden.

[@Lelesdesigns]

Thank you so much! Thank you for sharing where you are from. Love hearing my pattern are traveling around the world

[@c.c.c.9403]

OOOH MY GOODNESS THANK YOU THANK YOU FOR THE PATTERN❣️🥳. This is so awesome and you are so generous ❤️ God bless you

[@Lelesdesigns]

You are so welcome

[@carolsiems8650]

Thank you, thank you for sure a wonderful tutorial . I felt as if you were sitting right here with me showing me what to do.

[@Lelesdesigns]

Glad it was helpful! Thank you so much!

[@drptb]

Thank you so much for making free PDF's i love making doll cloths and i love how awesome they look, you are amazing. thank you so much❤❤❤

[@Lelesdesigns]

You are so welcome!

[@MysticHyppie]

Love your detailed tutorial and free pattern. Thank you !

[@Lelesdesigns]

You are so welcome!

[@kulwindersra1830]

my daughter had so much fun making a dress for her doll maryellen

[@Lelesdesigns]

Love hearing this :)

[@susanmg1810]

Thank you for this easy to follow video. You are a fantastic teacher. You are clear and concise. I made a lovely little doll dress.

[@Lelesdesigns]

You are so welcome! Happy to hear you were able to make this dress. Thank You so much for your kind words. 😊

[@chrisanndunn8814]

Oh my goodness, I just made this little dress. Thank you for inspiring me to make some doll clothes for my granddaughter.

[@Lelesdesigns]

You are so welcome!

[@shirleywelch3194]

loved this video and the pattern was wonderful and easy to sew. thank you so much!

[@Lelesdesigns]

You are so welcome!

[@medawson01]

Thank you for the pattern and the tutorial. It is very thorough.

[@Lelesdesigns]

You’re welcome 😊

[@MsVision4]

Tank you for free pattern and the awesome tutorial .

[@Lelesdesigns]

You’re welcome 😊

[@angelamcnab8537]

The best tutorial ever and excellent pattern. Thank you so much.

[@Lelesdesigns]

You are so welcome!

[@maryboehmke9575]

This is a cute little dress that came out beautifully! Thank you for the super clear directions.

[@Lelesdesigns]

You are so welcome!

[@SusanGuyatt]

from susan guyatt in new zealand wonderfull clear instructions veyr impressed with the video thank you

[@Lelesdesigns]

Thank You so much!

[@tonywild1963]

This was interesting and at a good speed and well explained. I did notice that you sometimes sew over your pins in the fabric. I was always told the needle may break if it hits a pin, thank you for sharing

[@Lelesdesigns]

Thank It is not a good idea I did that

[@marjoriemoore3546]

You are wonderful! Thank you for great instructions! Have a blessed day.

[@Lelesdesigns]

You are so welcome!

[@jeanbenham5898]

What a sweet little dress

[@Lelesdesigns]

Thank You!

[@gramdaycare2611]

Thank you for free pattern and easy to follow step by step directions.

[@Lelesdesigns]

You’re welcome 😊

[@Max-vc2rn]

I have used your pattern so many times- it is so versatile. Thank you, I appreciate your clear instructions and the fact that it is free.

[@Lelesdesigns]

You are so welcome and Thank You!

[@shestampedit]

I have made this dress several times. Easy pattern and instructions. Even made one for my daughter.

[@Lelesdesigns]

Wonderful! I am happy to hear it was an easy pattern

[@lucyjane9221]

This is such a cute dress, I can't wait to try it out. It is going to be so cute!

[@Lelesdesigns]

Thank you! 😊

[@BetsyBallard]

Very good tutorial!! I used it to show the little girl I am teaching how to sew!!! Thank you!!

[@Lelesdesigns]

You are so welcome!

[@lindadurochia7066]

Hi! I made 2 dresses with the flutter sleeve & 2 dresses sleeveless with pockets. Turned out beautiful. Love your tutorial and patterns. My granddaughters are going to be so happy!!! Thanks!!!!!

[@Lelesdesigns]

Wonderful! Happy to hear you were able to make these for your Grandaughters

[@sonialorenzo9223]

Thank you for the free pattern with such good instructions.

[@Lelesdesigns]

You’re welcome 😊

[@patriciahenderson6404]

What a blessing to find this site, Thank you

[@Lelesdesigns]

Our pleasure!

[@travelswithmytribe]

Your videos are so wonderfully clear and explanatory! I love how you explained each step so clearly - I'm not a beginner but I would highly recommend them for someone starting out.

[@Lelesdesigns]

Thank You so much for your wonderful comment. You made my day brighter 💕

[@judithdennis8377]

I found out that if you put the end on the fold of the material where you tape the pattern pieces together, it works really nicely also I made this into a small top and made it reversable. Really cute. I have made the dress also. Very nice pattern.

[@Lelesdesigns]

That's a great idea! Thank You for sharing😊

[@rsr4099]

I love all your videos and have made a few of items, my granddaughter loves them. I'm new to sewing so I appreciate your detailed instructions. Blessings

[@Lelesdesigns]

You are so welcome! This is wonderful to hear the detailed instructions were helpful. I sometimes wonder if I should of explain more or less. Thank You!

[@judithdennis8377]

Very cute pattern, easy to make, and great instructions.

[@Lelesdesigns]

Thank you! 😊

[@judithdennis8377]

It fit my doll beautifully. Made a mask to go along with it. Very nice.

[@Lelesdesigns]

Very Nice!

[@angelamaloch515]

Thank you! It was excellent! I learned so much

[@Lelesdesigns]

Glad it was helpful!

[@jennifersalisbury7667]

What a wonderful tutorial!

[@Lelesdesigns]

Thank you!

[@shavala2589]

Thank you love this pattern, can't wait to make it. Again thank you when you are on a budget it really helps to have a free pattern:)

[@Lelesdesigns]

You are so welcome!

[@Max-vc2rn]

I always appreciate your tutorials - they are so well explained. I just printed off this pattern and will start it tonight. Thanks. Question - Would you be able to do a video on how to add a collar and change up the collar styles. I think this would look so adorable with a round collar. Thanks again.

[@Lelesdesigns]

Thank You so much! I am taking a mini break from the patterns but that is an awesome idea on the collar. Thank you for sharing

[@suyung58]

Thankyou for yet another great pattern, my grand daughter has this doll so now i can make her lots of outfits.

[@Lelesdesigns]

You’re welcome 😊

[@vlu3517]

i love your video and i love the way you explain it in details. Watching your video helped me to improve my sewing of dresses for my toddlers.

[@Lelesdesigns]

You are welcome 😊

[@carolinegagnon6112]

J’adore comment vous expliquez. Merci!

[@Lelesdesigns]

Thank you

[@barbaramatthews4921]

A really well put together video, thank you,😊

[@Lelesdesigns]

So nice of you

[@dehemi1]

It was amazing watching your video. I love how you explain things very clearly

[@Lelesdesigns]

Thank you so much!