"Sew" anyone out there sew clothes for their daughter's American Girl doll? My daughter and I took a class and now I have been bitten by the sewing bug. The class was based off of a Kwik Sew pattern so now I am looking to branch out. Nothing too complicated though.
So can anyone recomend some good patterns? I'm not looking for period clothing...just contemporary things. Ideally I'd like to find a pattern where I can sew something for my daughter to match her doll since AG charges an arm and a leg for matching outfits.
Any help would be greatly appreciated!
Free patterns:
http://thefrugalgirls.com/2011/12/free-american-girl-doll...
I have made a ton of clothes for 18 inch dolls and have several patterns. I found that I use the same top/bodice part most and just change its length and add trim and different things to make each outfit unique. I can make the skirt of the dress any length I want and its just basically a rectangle. I use one main pants pattern piece and make shorts, pants, jeans, jammies, and leggings from it. And a skirt is no big deal, just a rectangle hemmed at the length you want and elastic. Dont spend the money on a bunch of different patterns. A couple will do fine. The best one I found was Simplicity 7688 because of the swimsuit pattern. I love making little spandex suits and its simple as ever!
I also have liked Simplicity 8692 but only for the pantsuit view.
Simpllicity 8961 is similar but more a style in dresses I like.
I also have McCalls 2506 and 3040
McCalls 2195 also has little girls dresses, pants and tops to match.
I dont know if they still have these in pattern books but I know at Joanns you can go thru the books and find a lot of current ones and Im sure youll see some you like. Just dont be fooled into buying too many that are really all the same but with lace and buttons and different fabrics all come out with their own look. Have fun!
I save a lot of old baby clothes that had stained, ripped or I just thought were cute. So I just modified it to fit the doll and my daughter loved having her old clothes turned into doll clothes. I even had an old pair of leggins I turned into doll leggins. Old socks got turned into leg warmers too.
A few more comments to add- If you go to Joann's or another fabric store and look at the pattern books, take note of how many pieces are required to make the garment. Some patterns are very complicated and others are very simple. A doll's vest can be made from 1 piece of fabric or 4, depending on the design.
Inside the pattern there is a page of directions. Look at it before you buy and ask one of the sewing dept. staff if you have any questions. Fabrics like felt and cotton are easy to work with.
Have fun!
This week if you are near a Hobby Lobby the MIcCall patterns are on sale for $.99. They have many patterns for dolls and there are a few patterns that show an outfit for daughter and doll.
Just make sure you get easy to follow pattens until your skills are better. Welcome to the world of sewing and creating one of a kind items.
The other S.
If you don't have a basic pattern for the doll, look for one that you can alter or add to so that you can make matching outfits. I suggest that they won't have to be exactly alike if they're made from the same fabric.
It seems the major pattern companies all have patterns that fit the American Girl Dolls. Watch for sales and get some you can change up a bit with different trims and closures. Be careful though, some are vintage patterns and even though they are for 18" dolls, you need to enlarge the patterns width wise and in the armholes to make sure they are going to fit. Google American Girl Doll patterns to find some free online.
