Ruffled Skirt for 18 Inch Doll ~ Free Pattern

      Here is a quick ruffled skirt to make for an 18 inch doll.  It only has 2 simple pattern pieces. Layer fabric to cut out pieces so you can make several skirts in very little time.  Using scraps would make some beautiful multi-colored skirts.
      This tutorial includes my tip on my favorite way to gather fabric making this project a good beginner sewing lesson to practice gathering.
       You can actually adjust the measurements for a larger person.

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 The 2 pattern pieces

16 x 3 inches and 28 x 3 inches

Remember to add seam allowance. These do include seam allowance.

Hem the bottom of the ruffle with a double roll top stitched hem.

Press under 1/4 inch of the top edge of skirt.

Here is my gathering tip.  It came from the Sewing with Nancy program years, years ago.

Pull up the bobbin thread to the length of the ruffled piece.  Do not cut the bobbin thread.

Within the 1/4 inch seam, zig-zag over the thread.  

The smaller the zig-zag the smaller the gather.

Pull bobbin thread & distribute gathers.

Pin the ruffle piece right sides to the skirt piece.

No this is not a good picture to demo right sides together.  

The raw edge of the skirt piece was placed along the gathered edge.

Use 1/4 inch wide or less elastic.  DO NOT cut yet.

I used good elastic from old clothing for doll clothes.

Instead of making a tube and threading the elastic through that channel,

I like to just fold the fabric over the elastic.

I put needle in right position so the pressure foot rides along the top of the elastic.

After stitching is finished, pull elastic to desired length (fit around doll),

stitch ends in place, THEN CUT elastic.

Here is my other technique for elastic application.

For wear and tear, I serged over the gathering stitch.

Placing around doll to measure one more time, mark where you need to sew back seam.

Stitch and serge for wear and tear.

It's been about a year since I made this outfit. I had not posted it because I'd designed the top as well, but didn't have the pattern ready to post.  Maybe I'll get around to making the post for the top later.

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