This prairie dress is being modeled by my 18 inch Gotz Precious Day doll, Emily. It will also fit 18 inch (45cm) American Girl, Corolle, and similar size dolls. The skirt length at 9.5 inches (24cm) falls between knee and ankle.
For link to pattern pieces click here.
For link to sewing instructions click here.
Hints for the prairie style dress
- I like to choose small and muted prints to give the feeling of a dress that had been out under the sun many times.
- Make the dresses from cotton and natural fabrics if you'd like to keep to the feeling of past time periods.
- Use washable materials and trims. Use velcro buttons for back closure if the dress will be played with by a child.
The lower photo shows how the neck trim is made and attached from the same fabric as the dress. The strip is 20 inches (50cm) long and 2 inches (5cm) wide folded in half and gathered to fit on the 10 inch (25cm) neckline, right side of gathered piece facing right side of bodice - then sewing bias strip over both layers and turning to inside and blind stitching in place.
Have fun doll making!
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Article, Patterns and Photographs Susan Kramer
