Note: This pattern has been updated. Please visit BuzzinBea.com for the updated version of the pattern.
This has been on my list of things to do since the start of this month and I was even inspire more when I saw the red holiday outfit at AG called Sparkle Party Dress for Dolls. It is basically a bubble dress and it’s one of the easiest things to sew. I know it’s only 8 days to go before Christmas and I might be late from posting this; but on the other hand, there’s still new year, valentine, easter and even birthdays. So let’s just called this dress, a special occasion dress instead of a holiday dress.
For this dress, I used only 1/3 yard of woven calico fabric (44 inch wide) and a roll of trim. I got both from Hobby Lobby and they are on sale so I spent less than $4 for everything. I chose this red and white polka dot fabric and a white rose trim with little pearl and lace details on it. If you want to make it more festive, you can choose special occasion fabric such as satin, chiffon and tulle just like the red dress in AG.
1) Photo below shows the bodice pieces.
2)Sew both sets on the shoulder area to start lining the bodice.
4) With right sides together, sew the pieces together around the armhole and neckline area (starting from the back). The red thread on the photo below indicates where to sew them together. Then clip corners and curves around the armhole and neckline area for a smooth and nice finish when you turn the fabric to the right side.
7)Turn the fabric to the right side and sew on the side seams and finish the edges with zigzag stitch (or serge). After it’s sewn on the sides, measure the width of the whole bodice to determine how wide the lining for the bubble skirt will be. In my case, it’s 13 inches. I decided to add about 1/4inch more as allowance for zigzag stitch to finish the edges.
7) Set aside the bodice for now and work on the skirt. For the lining, the height will be 6 inches and the width is 13 1/4 inch (which is the width of my bodice above with 1/4 inch added to it). For the main skirt, the height is also 6 inches but the width is longer which can be 26 inches – 30 inches. In my case, I used a 30 inches width.
8)Gather the main skirt on both the top and bottom edges until it’s the same size as the lining. With right sides together, sew the lining to the main skirt on the bottom part. Turn to the right side and finish the edges.
9) With right side together, sew the bodice to the bubble skirt.
10) Then finish the side and back seams and sew a velcro for closure. Add a trim on the waistline for a dressy look.
And there you go, you have a pretty bubble dress for your American Girl Dolls. This is very easy and simple to make, I am sure you still have enough time to make it for the holidays.
If you enjoy my tutorial, please LIKE, PIN or SHARE.
A sweetheart dress is one of the cutest styles I’ve done on American Girl Dolls…
Halter style dress looks gorgeous on AG dolls because it accentuates their shoulders while covering…
This tiered dress is so adorable and it's easy to sew. You don't even need…
This dress was inspired by the 2014 American Girl Happy Holiday Dress which is a…
Leggings for dolls are one of the easiest things to sew, it only takes 30…
Skater skirt is a trend that I have been seeing a lot lately so naturally,…
View Comments
Wow, this is really pretty and you make it look so easy to put together. Thanks so much for sharing the pattern and techniques. I can't wait to try it. Even if I don't get it done for Christmas, it is a timeless design that will work all year long. Thanks again.
You're welcome. It really is very easy to sew.
Thank you for sharing, I love this pattern,
I'm glad you like it.
Love this pattern!!! Is there anyway you could make a tutorial for a matching one for girls? Specifically 5t?! ;-)
It should be the same method for girls, just trace a tank top that best fits her as a pattern for the top. And them for the skirt, a 30-40 width would make a very nice gather.
Lovely dress! I will definitely be making this one soon!
Jessica
xoxo
Yes, its easy to sew this.
Agreed. I'm making it today. Please make sure to check out my blog for pictures when it is finished!
~Jessica
such a nice dress and sooo nice of you to share the idea. My granddaughter will LOVE it (and so do I!) Thanks again for sharing. I am looking forward to sewing it.
I love this festive red bubble dress, and want to make one of a lovely little girl. Do I have to use the same fabric for the lining, or can I use a light weight cotton? Thank you for sharing. Plan to visit Hobby Lobby this week. Question is...Do I send it now, or save it for the holidays?
Where do you sew the tulle and what length do you cut it?
Where do you sew the tulle and how long do you cut it?
The measurement is right up there in one of the photos.
Howdy! I understand this is somewhat off-topic however I had to ask.
Does running a well-established blog like yours require a large amount of work?
I'm completely new to running a blog however I do write in my
journal daily. I'd like to start a blog so I will be able to sharte my
own experience aand thoughts online. Please let me know if you have any kind of ideas or tips for brand
new aspiring bloggers. Appreciate it!
I'm really loving the theme/design of your web site.
Do you ever runn into any browser compatibility issues? A small number
of my blog readers have complained about my website not operating correctly in Explorer but looks great in Firefox.
Do you have any recommendations to help fix this problem?