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A Little about Fabrics
Woven Fabrics:
Woven fabrics don’t have much stretch when you tug on them. When project instructions call for woven fabrics, look for fabrics such as quilting cotton, calico cotton, chambray, lightweight denim, flannel, poplin, or corduroy.
Knit Fabrics:
Knit fabrics are stretchy. T-shirts are made from knit fabrics. When project instructions call for knit fabrics, look for fabrics such as cotton Lycra, jersey knit, and cot ton interlock. Be cause knit fabrics don’t unravel, there is no need to finis h the seam allowances of knits.
Selvage:
Fabric has a width and a length. The selvage edge is the length. It sometimes has writing on it. The width of fabric is the other direction, perpendicular to the selvage edge. Be sure to cut off the selvage edge before pinning and cutting pattern pieces.
Tip:
Most projects use small pieces of fabric. Use scraps you have on hand. And check the remnant bin at your local fabric store.
From left to right: small-scale print, medium-scale print, large-scale print
Tip:
When making doll clothes, you may want to choose smaller-scale prints. These smaller-scale prints look great on doll clothes, and the design of a large-scale print might be lost when you cut out your pattern pieces. Narrow lace and ribbons also work well for embellishing your doll’s outfits and accessories. You should choose what you like … large-, medium-, or small-scale prints … you are the designer. Whatever you choose, your doll will like too.
The fabric in the upper left corner is the only one that would need all the pieces cut in the same direction.
Tip:
When your fabric has a specific direction to its design, make sure all the pattern pieces are facing the same way.
Tip:
To make your patterns last longer, trace the paper patterns onto tracing paper or pattern-tracing fabric. Use the tracings to cut out the fabric pieces. Fold the paper patterns neatly and store them in a plastic bag or manila envelope when you are finished with the project.
- Make, mix, and match super-cute clothes, bags, and jewelry for all your dolls!
- Gain a bunch of new sewing skills with the help of easy directions and tons of pictures.
- Comes with plenty of great tips that’ll teach you to sew like a pro!
catherine waite
Reviewed in the United States on September 30, 2024
This book is designed for kids learning how to sew but is so well written that even someone who’s been sewing for many years finds it useful to use. I would highly recommend this for anyone wanting to make doll clothes or for a child interested in sewing.
Henry
Reviewed in the United States on February 3, 2024
This pattern book and instructions for 18 inch dolls is excellent. It is very complete and easy to follow. The patters are cute and versatile. It is easy to be creative in making many different clothes.
William Martin II
Reviewed in the United States on January 19, 2024
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Joe and Jenna Guidi
Reviewed in the United States on March 1, 2023
I bought this for my daughter (8 years old) last year for Christmas and she finally cracked into it today…and made two patterns successfully! Directions are clear, achievable and the results are cute and professional looking. She can’t wait to make the rest! I particularly love the included patterns to cut out and the extra help on Velcro, etc.
SR
Reviewed in the United States on December 28, 2023
I have been so impressed by this book! I learned to sew clothing from my mom and grandma. My 8 year old wanted to learn, and a friend recommended this book. Not only are the patterns cute and simple enough for a beginning seamstress, the instructions are so quality! This book actually teaches you how to sew garments rather than just providing patterns. It will be easy to transition from sewing doll clothes to sewing people clothes because the author did an amazing job using the doll clothes as a vehicle for teaching so many of the skills you need to sew garments.
Sallyanna
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on January 30, 2022
Patterns have a indication of difficulty level. My 7 yr old can easily do the easy patterns. We bought tracing paper to copy so as to save the actual patterns. Thorough explanations and helpful hints for using with a sewing machine. Great book. My daughter loves making her dolls clothes xx
Marlene B.
Reviewed in Canada on April 23, 2021
This was a great find for me. I hadn’t sat down with a sewing machine for 35 years, and this was exactly the book I needed to build up my confidence. The projects are simple and the instructions are very clear. And... best of all, the clothes are really cute!
Marivi
Reviewed in Spain on January 18, 2020
Estaba deseando recibirla. Muy contenta con el contenido. Muy bien explicado los patrones de las muñecas.
Cristina palombina
Reviewed in Italy on May 28, 2016
Idea creativa per fare tanti vestitini ! Il libro è' in inglese ma facilmente comprensibile . A mia figlia è' piaciuto tanto ed anche a meSoddisfatta!!
Dorayme
Reviewed in the United States on October 24, 2016
I can't begin to explain how much I love this book. I am a sewing teacher and have offered this as a curriculum choice for the first time to my students as young as 8. My daughter and another student chose this book to sew for their dolls.The patterns are accurate, as least for my daughter's AGDs and her friend's 18" dolls so far. The instructions are clear, and concise as are the prep and tips at the beginning. The picture tutorial method of explaining steps really enables young children to self check when they are learning.The designs are easy to modify with trims, decorative stitches, and fabric choice, which just makes the process of sewing that much more fun!Since I also sew with my daughter away from class, I have also sewn some of the designs along with some of Erin's designs in Doll Days. Each one has been a frustration free delight. My daughter has improved in her skill just from the few projects she has made from this book. And I love how the designs model the type of modesty I have taught my daughter in dress.For the variety of patterns offered, and the number of them, the price is phenomenal! We have made 7 of them so far, and each has been less fabric than a fat quarter. Since this book isn't getting into intermediate and advance finishes/closures, after fabric, you need thread, touch tape and elastic, along with the usual sewing kit (which Erin clearly outlines in the beginning of thr book).For the budget conscious 18" doll lover, this book is a must have. When doll clothes cost more than people clothes, it's worth it to learn how to sew your own!
busy mom to 4
Reviewed in the United States on April 21, 2015
This book is awesome for kids as well as adults beginning to learn to sew. It has clear photos & easy to understand instructions unlike other patterns I've purchased. I like how there are different "levels". You can choose something easy or a bit more challenging. The patterns included will take your doll from morning to night. There are even some cute accessories! I like that the patterns are only printed on one side of the paper. It was easy enough for a 2 10 yr olds to do with a little help. One had never used a sewing machine before & her skirt came out just as adorable. Considering that printable patterns are $3.99 & up from most sources, this book is also a great value. I highly recommend purchasing this book for the special AG fan in your life, whether they are young or a little older. There are lots of great pieces with lots of customizing potential!
Illustration et Cie...
Reviewed in France on September 28, 2014
Je constate de plus en plus que les livres de couture de vêtements pour poupées en provenance des USA, sont vraiment très bien conçus (photos, mise en page, explications, etc), par rapport à eux proposer en France. Je recommande ce livre aux couturières même débutantes pour créer des vêtements sympas pour poupées de 45 cm (un peu "costaudes"), comme les Journey Girls disponibles en France, ce que ne sont pas les American Girls à qui ce livre est destiné.
Grandma S.
Reviewed in the United States on November 21, 2014
This is a Christmas gift, so it hasn't been used yet. It is a nice book, and I hope an 8 year old will find it easy enough to follow!
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