Does your daughter’s doll need a new outfit? Here are the best sewing patterns I’ve found for 18″ doll clothes. I included digital PDF patterns (you print these at home) and paper ones. 11 of the digital ones are free!
Contents list:
- Dresses
- Formal party & wedding dresses
- Tops
- Pants & shorts
- Outerwear
- Swimwear & sportswear
- Costumes
- Wardrobe sets (patterns with multiple clothes included)
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Dress patterns for 18″ dolls
Sweetheart neckline dress (BuzzinBeaPatterns)
Buy the PDF now from Etsy
- Sizes: 18 inch doll.
- Design: Sweetheart neckline, faux princess seams, double ruffle skirt, strap or off-shoulder variations included.
- Fabric needed: Lightweight woven fabric, quilting cotton, calico, gingham. Lightweight woven lining fabric.
- Amount of fabric needed: 1/3 yd main fabric. 1/8 yard lining fabric. 1/2 yard elastic depending on which version you make.
- Format: Print-at-home digital sewing pattern.
- Instructions included? Yes, included in PDF download.
- Suitable for beginners? I think this would suit a confident beginner in order to confidently tackle linings and princess seams.
Flutter sleeve doll dress (PA Country Crafts)
Download now from PA Country Crafts – FREE
- Sizes: 18 inch doll.
- Design: Flutter sleeve, square neckline, pleated skirt, ruffle detail.
- Fabric needed: Lightweight woven (non stretch) fabrics such as cotton, cotton lawn, gingham etc.
- Amount of fabric needed: Approx. 1/2 yard but it can be made from fabric scraps.
- Format: Print-at-home digital sewing pattern.
- Instructions included? Yes, in this blog post.
- Suitable for beginners? More suited to intermediate sewists. The flutter sleeves and pleats could be challenging for complete beginners.
Basic knit dress (Craft Patch)
Download now from Craft Patch Blog – FREE
- Sizes: 18 inch doll.
- Design: Versatile t-shirt dress that can be adapted to make different styles.
- Fabric needed: Stretchy knit fabric. It can be made from woven fabric but then the edges will need to be finished.
- Amount of fabric needed: Approx. 1/3 yard depending on what style you make. Old clothing and t-shirts can work well too.
- Format: Print-at-home digital sewing pattern.
- Instructions included? Yes, in this blog post.
- Suitable for beginners? Yes I think this would suit a beginner because the design is quite simple and the seams don’t need finishing (knits don’t fray).
Halter neck sun dress & top (My Angie Girl)
Buy the PDF now from Etsy
- Sizes: 18 inch and some 15 inch dolls.
- Design: Halter sun dress, backless, 1970s inspired, three lengths, tiered skirts.
- Fabric needed: Lightweight woven fabrics such as cotton blends, silk, or taffeta for a fancier dress.
- Amount of fabric needed: 6” to 1/4 yard depending on which version you make.
- Format: Print-at-home digital sewing pattern.
- Instructions included? Yes, within the PDF download.
- Suitable for beginners? Probably more intermediate level due to the elastic shirring and gathering involved.
Drawstring Dress (Pixie Faire)
Download now from Pixie Faire – FREE
- Sizes: 18 inch doll.
- Design: Simple drawstring dress with pretty shoulder ties and tie waist.
- Fabric needed: Woven fabric such as cotton, gingham, cotton lawn, or viscose.
- Amount of fabric needed: 3/8 yard (a fat quarter is perfect).
- Format: Print-at-home digital sewing pattern.
- Instructions included? Yes, included in the PDF download.
- Suitable for beginners? Yes. This dress is a simple style with no fiddly fastenings or frills. Only straight seams are needed.
Formal party & wedding dresses for 18″ dolls
Off-shoulder party dress (Apple Totes)
Buy the PDF now from Etsy
- Sizes: 18 inch doll.
- Design: Knee-length dress. Off-shoulder. Sweetheart neckline. Bow. Circle skirt with pleated overlays. Hook and loop tape closure at the back.
- Fabric needed: Woven fabric (non stretch), some drape will create a floaty feel to the skirt. Lining fabric (main fabric can be used if not too heavy). Silk and satin give a luxurious feel.
- Amount of fabric needed: 1/3 yard for the main fabric. 1/8 yard for the lining.
- Format: Print-at-home digital sewing pattern.
- Instructions included? Print-at-home digital sewing pattern.
- Suitable for beginners? I think this would be more suited to an intermediate sewist. Satin can be difficult to work with.
Off-shoulder ball gown (Apple Totes)
Buy the PDF now from Etsy
- Sizes: 18 inch doll.
- Design: Elegant, formal gown. Fold-over collar. Off-shoulder bodice. Full pleated skirt. Gloves and headpiece pattern included.
- Fabric needed: Woven (non-stretch fabric). Silk or satin provide a glamorous feel. Lace can be used for a wedding style dress.
- Amount of fabric needed: 1/2 – 3/4 main fabric. 1/8 yard lining fabric with extra for gloves and fascinator.
- Format: Print-at-home digital sewing pattern.
- Instructions included? Yes, within the PDF download.
- Suitable for beginners? No. There are some tricky details in the pattern such as pleating and collars. Plus satin and silk can be tricky to work with.
Long prom dress with tulle (LuminariaDesigns)
Buy the PDF now from Etsy
- Sizes: 18 inch doll.
- Design: Formal dress. Sweetheart neckline, fully lined skirt, sleeveless, circle skirt. Shrug pattern also included.
- Fabric needed: Woven (non-stretch) fabric. Cotton or sateen work well. Tulle and netting for the skirt. Faux fur for the shrug.
- Amount of fabric needed: 6” to 1 yard depending on which version you make. 1/3 yard faux fur.
- Format: Print-at-home digital sewing pattern.
- Instructions included? Yes, within the PDF download.
- Suitable for beginners? No, due to the tricky nature of the fabrics used and the detail involved in the pattern. The sweetheart neckline and tulle could prove frustrating to work with.
Meghan Markle inspired wedding dress (mppboutiquepatterns)
Buy the PDF now from Etsy
- Sizes: 18 inch doll
- Design: Simple, sophisticated design modelled on Megan Markle’s wedding dress. Off-shoulder, boat neckline, princess seams, ¾ length sleeves.
- Fabric needed: Light/medium weight woven fabrics. Silk and satin work well for a traditional style wedding dress.
- Amount of fabric needed: 3/4 – 1 yard of main and lining fabric.
- Format: Print-at-home digital sewing pattern.
- Instructions included? Yes, included in the digital download. Additional YouTube video tutorials are also available.
- Suitable for beginners? No. Some of the techniques could be difficult for a beginner such as princess seams and the lining. Silk and satin fabrics can also be harder to work with.
Tops for 18″ dolls
Crop t-shirt (Bombshell Bling)
Download now from Bombshell bling – FREE. Read the sewing instructions.
- Sizes: 18 inch doll.
- Design: Basic t-shirt, cap sleeves, slightly cropped, boxy style.
- Fabric needed: Knit fabric such as stretchy jersey. Or use an old t-shirt or item of clothing.
- Amount of fabric needed: Scraps or old children’s t-shirts work well.
- Format: Print-at-home digital sewing pattern.
- Instructions included? Yes, in this blog post.
- Suitable for beginners? Yes. This t-shirt is sewn with just a few seams so it’s a quick and easy project.
Puff-sleeved 80’s top (Pixie Faire)
Buy the PDF now from Etsy
- Sizes: 18 inch doll.
- Design: Puffed sleeves, gathered at the shoulders and cuffs, 80s style, round neck, romantic style.
- Fabric needed: Knit (stretch) fabric for the body such as jersey or lycra. Woven (non-stretch) fabric for the sleeves such as cotton or cotton blends.
- Amount of fabric needed: 1/3 yard of woven fabric. 1/4 yard of knit fabric.
- Format: Print-at-home digital sewing pattern.
- Instructions included? Yes, included in the digital download.
- Suitable for beginners? A confident beginner could try this pattern but there are some difficult aspects to it such as combining stretch and non-stretch fabrics, inserting elastic, and gathering the sleeves.
Halter-neck top (Chelly Wood)
Download now from Chelly Wood – FREE. Read the sewing instructions.
- Sizes: 18 inch doll.
- Design: Simple style, halter neck top, back neck ties, curved hem. Plus matching shorts.
- Fabric needed: Woven fabric such as cotton and cotton blends.
- Amount of fabric needed: Scraps of woven fabric or old clothing.
- Format: Print-at-home digital sewing pattern.
- Instructions included? Yes, in this video tutorial. And links to the shorts video tutorials are here.
- Suitable for beginners? Yes, there are minimal details to this simple top.
Fancy off-shoulder knit top (ValSpiersSews)
Buy the PDF now from Etsy
- Sizes: 18” and 20” dolls.
- Design: Off-shoulder, long sleeve, boat neck style.
- Fabric needed: Knit fabrics with stretch such as jersey or ribbing.
- Amount of fabric needed: Scraps of knit fabric, old t-shirts or stretchy clothing.
- Format: Print-at-home digital sewing pattern.
- Instructions included? Yes, included in the digital download.
- Suitable for beginners? Yes. This is a simple top with minimal features and simple snap fastenings.
Sleeveless peplum top (Apple Totes)
Buy the PDF now from Etsy
- Sizes: 18 inch doll.
- Design: Sleeveless fitted top, princess seams, double peplum band.
- Fabric needed: Contrasting woven (non-stretch) fabrics such as cotton, cotton blends, linen, poplin or gingham.
- Amount of fabric needed: 1/4 yard for the main fabric. 1/8 yard for the contrast fabric.
- Format: Print-at-home digital sewing pattern.
- Instructions included? Yes, included in the digital download.
- Suitable for beginners? No. Princess seams and contrasting fabrics can be difficult to sew, this pattern would better suit an intermediate level sewist.
Pants & shorts for 18″ dolls
Easy leggings (Artsy Fartsy Mama)
Download now from Artsy Fartsy Mama – FREE. Read the sewing instructions.
- Sizes: 18 inch doll.
- Design: Slim leg leggings, elasticated waist.
- Fabric needed: Stretch fabrics such as jersey, knit, ribbing.
- Amount of fabric needed: Scraps of knit fabric. Old kids t-shirts or leggings work well.
- Format: Print-at-home digital sewing pattern.
- Instructions included? The instructions are included in this blog post.
- Suitable for beginners? Yes, these leggings are a simple sew mainly using a straight seam.
Nautical shorts (Chelly Wood)
Download now from Chelly Wood – FREE. Watch the video tutorial on Youtube.
- Sizes: 18 inch doll.
- Design: Elasticated waist, almost knee length.
- Fabric needed: Woven fabric such as cotton, cotton blends, gingham, viscose.
- Amount of fabric needed: Scraps of woven fabric or old clothing.
- Format: Print-at-home digital sewing pattern.
- Instructions included? Yes, there’s a video tutorial on how to make the shorts.
- Suitable for beginners? Yes, there is minimal sewing for these shorts and the elasticated waist makes them easy to finish.
Tie-front shorts (Stella Sue)
Buy the PDF now from Etsy
- Sizes: 18 inch doll.
- Design: Tie-front shorts, above knee, elasticated waist.
- Fabric needed: Woven fabric (non stretch), cotton, linen, cotton blends.
- Amount of fabric needed: Exact requirements not given before purchase but scraps or old clothing could be used.
- Format: Print-at-home digital sewing pattern.
- Instructions included? Yes, in the PDF download.
- Suitable for beginners? Yes, I think a beginner would be able to tackle these shorts. The pattern does include a blouse too which would be more intermediate level.
Skirts for 18″ dolls
Tiered skirt with gathers (Sew Crafty Me)
Download now from Sew Crafty Me – FREE
- Sizes: 18 inch doll.
- Design: Gathered circle skirt, can be made as a mini or maxi, tiered gathered skirt.
- Fabric needed: Woven fabric (non stretch), various trimmings.
- Amount of fabric needed: Scraps of fabric or fat quarters.
- Format: Skirt pattern measurements are included within the blog post.
- Instructions included? Yes, as part of the blog post.
- Suitable for beginners? Yes, this skirt requires minimal sewing. Mainly straight seams and a simple elastic casing at the waist. A perfect first sewing project or something to try with children.
Peplum skirt (Apple Totes)
Buy the PDF now from Etsy
- Sizes: 18 inch doll.
- Design: Fitted skirt, peplum frill at the hem, elasticated waist.
- Fabric needed: Stretchy knit fabrics.
- Amount of fabric needed: 1 fat quarter of any knit fabric (approx. 18″ x 22″).
- Format: Print-at-home digital sewing pattern.
- Instructions included? Yes, within the PDF download.
- Suitable for beginners? Yes, this is an easy pattern with minimal sewing knowledge required. A good first knit pattern to try.
Outerwear patterns for 18″ dolls
Buttoned winter coat (My Angie Girl)
Buy the PDF now from Etsy
- Sizes: 18 inch doll.
- Design: Classic style, double-breasted, button-up, belted, option to fully line, kimono sleeves, short and long lengths.
- Fabric needed: lightweight wool, flannel, corduroy, fleece, suiting.
- Amount of fabric needed: 1/8 – 5/8 yard depending on which version you make.
- Format: Print-at-home digital sewing pattern.
- Instructions included? Yes, within the PDF download.
- Suitable for beginners? No. The pattern includes quite a few tricky details which beginner sewists might find difficult or frustrating.
Unisex cold winter snow suit (NoodleClothing)
Buy the PDF now from Etsy
- Sizes: 18 inch doll.
- Design: Raglan sleeves, partial zip, large front pocket, hood, sleeve pockets, fully lined pants, elasticated waist, knee pads, patch pocket.
- Fabric needed: Woven (non-stretch) fabrics.
- Amount of fabric needed: 1/2 – 2/3 yard of various different fabrics depending on the version or items you make.
- Format: Print-at-home digital sewing pattern.
- Instructions included? Yes, included in the PDF download.
- Suitable for beginners? No, this pattern is better suited to intermediate sewists. It involves more difficult techniques such as inserting a zip and lining.
Mackintosh coat with waist tie (Pixie Faire)
Buy the PDF now from Etsy
- Sizes: 18 inch doll.
- Design: Tie waist jacket pattern, mackintosh style, notched collar, long sleeve, princess seams.
- Fabric needed: Light to medium weight (non-stretch) fabrics such as cotton, twill, linen or felt.
- Amount of fabric needed: 1/2 yard for the main fabric. 1/4 yard for the lining fabric.
- Format: Print-at-home digital sewing pattern.
- Instructions included? Yes, included in the PDF download
- Suitable for beginners? No. The pattern includes some intermediate level techniques such as princess seams and lining.
Swimwear & sportswear for 18″ dolls
Ruffled Swimsuits (My Angie Girl)
Buy the PDF now from Etsy
- Sizes: 18 inch doll.
- Design: 70s style, ruched bodice, flouncy ruffled skirt. Options include two-piece and one-piece swimsuits, and a hat pattern.
- Fabric needed: Woven (non-stretch) fabrics for swimsuit. Burlap for hat.
- Amount of fabric needed: 1/3 – 2/3 yard of fabric depending on which version you make.
- Format: Print-at-home digital sewing pattern.
- Instructions included? Yes, included in the PDF download.
- Suitable for beginners? No. This pattern is suitable for an intermediate sewist due to the tricky nature of the frills and gathers.
Cheerleader outfit (Pixie Faire)
Buy the PDF now from Etsy
- Sizes: 18 inch doll.
- Design: Sleeveless bodice, pleated mini skirt, color-block design, hook and loop closure.
- Fabric needed: Lightweight, woven (non-stretch) fabrics such as cotton, calico, and linen. This pattern is not suitable for knits. You’ll need the main fabric in two colors to create contrasting pleats and the color-block design.
- Amount of fabric needed: not mentioned.
- Format: PDF download.
- Instructions included? Yes, within the PDF download.
- Suitable for beginners? No. The color-block design and contrast pleats are more suited to intermediate level sewists.
Swimsuit and leotard (Peek-a-boo)
Download now from Peek-a-boo Patterns – FREE with newsletter sign-up or $3
- Sizes: 18 inch doll.
- Design: One-piece swimsuit or leotard, round neck, low back, and wide shoulder straps.
- Fabric needed: Knit fabric with four-way stretch (stretches both horizontally and vertically around the body).
- Amount of fabric needed: 1/4 yard.
- Format: Print-at-home digital sewing pattern.
- Instructions included? Yes, in this blog post.
- Suitable for beginners? Yes, there are minimal techniques needed to sew this pattern.
Costumes for 18″ dolls
Medieval cape costume (myagdollcraft)
Download now from myagdollcraft.com – FREE. Read the sewing instructions.
- Sizes: 18 inch doll.
- Design: Medieval, full-length outerwear cape with hood.
- Fabric needed: Light to medium weight woven (non-stretch) fabric.
- Amount of fabric needed: 1 yard.
- Format: Print-at-home digital sewing pattern.
- Instructions included? Yes, in this blog post.
- Suitable for beginners? Yes, this is a very simple pattern mainly requiring straight seams.
Scrubs costume (DATOfficial)
Buy the PDF now from Etsy
- Sizes: 18 inch doll.
- Design: One pair of scrubs including V-neck t-shirt style top and straight leg pants.
- Fabric needed: Woven (non-stretch fabric) such as cotton or cotton blends.
- Amount of fabric needed: 1/2 yard.
- Format: Print-at-home digital sewing pattern.
- Instructions included? Yes, within the PDF download.
- Suitable for beginners? Yes. The t-shirt and pants are a simple style mainly using straight seams.
Wardrobe sets (patterns with multiple clothes)
10-piece wardrobe with gathers (Simplicity 1484)
Buy now from Amazon
- Sizes: 18 inch doll.
- Design: A variety of mix-and-match garments including dresses, skirts, leggings, tops, and cardigans. Gathers are a common design feature.
- Fabric needed: Light to medium weight woven (non-stretch fabrics) such as cotton, gingham, calico, chambray. Stretchy knit fabric for the leggings.
- Amount of fabric needed: 1/2 – 1/4 yard per garment depending on which item you make.
- Format: Printed pattern.
- Instructions included? Yes, within the paper pattern.
- Suitable for beginners? Some of the garments would be suitable for beginners such as the tops and leggings. Others require more advanced skills such as the dresses.
7-piece retro-inspired wardrobe for beginners (McCall’s 7106)
Buy now from Minerva – £9.50 (approx. $13)
- Sizes: 18 inch doll.
- Design: Seven garments are included. Two t-shirts, three skirts, 1 short, and 1 pants. The tops have velcro closures. The bottoms have elasticated waists.
- Fabric needed: Woven (non-stretch) fabrics such as cottons and cotton blends.
- Amount of fabric needed: 1/2 – 1/4 yard depending on which garment you make.
- Format: Printed pattern.
- Instructions included? Yes, within the printed pattern.
- Suitable for beginners? Yes. The patterns are designed with beginners in mind.
Vintage style 6-piece wardrobe (McCall’s M7583)
Buy the PDF now from Something Delightful – $17.95
- Sizes: 18 inch doll.
- Design: Six items are included. Sleeveless dress with a bow and gathered skirt. Puff-sleeve dress with a collar and fake buttons. Romper with elastic waist and bias binding. Pajama set with elastic waist.
- Fabric needed: lightweight cotton and cotton blends for most items. Lightweight denim for the pants. Tulle for the petticoats that go under the dresses.
- Amount of fabric needed: 18” to 1/2 yard of fabric, depending on which item you make.
- Format: Print-at-home digital sewing pattern.
- Instructions included? Yes, in the digital download.
- Suitable for beginners? Only the pajama set looks simple. All the other designs are quite complicated, so they’re more suited to intermediate sewists. I think the collars, pockets, trims, and bias binding would frustrate a complete beginner.
Mix-and-match vintage style wardrobe (Simplicity 1086)
Buy now from Minerva – £9 (approx. $12)
- Sizes: 18 inch doll.
- Design: Eight items are included. A cross-back full skirt dress, a button up fit and flare dress, a bodice, shorts, pants, and headband.
- Fabric needed: Woven (non-stretch) fabrics such as cotton, calico, chambray or cotton blends.
- Amount of fabric needed: 1/4 – 3/4 yard depending on which garment you make.
- Format: Printed pattern.
- Instructions included? Yes, within the printed pattern.
- Suitable for beginners? The pattern is marked as “easy” but there are a few techniques that could be difficult for a complete beginner, such as gathering and making a collar.
Vintage style mix-and-match wardrobe (Butterick 6150)
Buy now from Minerva – £11 (approx. $15)
- Sizes: 18 inch doll.
- Design: Retro style pajamas (pants and top), puff sleeve dress, swing jacket, and bonnet.
- Fabric needed: Light to medium weight woven (non-stretch) fabrics. Cotton, calico, denim, corduroy depending on which garment you make.
- Amount of fabric needed: 1/2 – 3/8 of a yard.
- Format: Printed pattern.
- Instructions included? Yes, within the printed pattern.
- Suitable for beginners? The pajamas would suit a beginner. However, the dress and jacket would probably suit an intermediate-level sewist due to the ruffle and collar details.
This article was written by Sally Gauntlett and edited by Sara Maker.
Sally Gauntlett (author)
Sally started sewing as a child. In 2008, she started a handmade business selling personalized gifts and homeware. She then became a sewing content creator, sharing her makes on Youtube and Instagram. Read more…