If you love making doll dresses from pretty cotton fabrics that quilters use then lining the bodice with a similar fabric gives a lovely smooth neat finish.
- Don't get carried away with trying to fully line a bodice so you can't see any exposed seams.
- These days clothes rarely have a separate lining.
- Historically outfits were lined to stop perspiration spoiling the fabric.
- You should be lining doll clothes to create the best look.
- Just line the bodice but leave the sleeve seams and side seams exposed.
You can enclose the side seams on a sleeveless bodice
Here's how I use lining to create neat a very neat finish both inside and out for a sleeveless dress.You leave the side seams for last so they are hidden between the main bodice and the lining.
This method eliminates the need for neck and armhole facings or fiddly 1/4" hems.
Start by sewing the shoulder seams for the main and the lining. Baste the collar in place on the right side of the main bodice.
Place the main and lining right sides together and stitch the back and neck and around each armhole.
Turn the bodice right side out and press it.
The hardest part is working out how to do the side seams.
It is a matter of pinning the main sides together and the lining sides together.
Download a PDF with a photo tutorial of how to sew the side seams.
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I love this little dress. You could make a whole summer wardrobe for your doll with this one design. Just use different fabrics and add some different trims. This is my 1804 The 18" Dress. There are lots of variations with sleeves and collars and skirt lengths included in the pattern. Read more about the 1804 dress pattern here. or just Buy it NOW
Happy Doll Dressmaking
Val