18" Doll skirt with cute layered ruffles

Wow! This skirt is so cute. 

When I made the first test skirt it looked terrible.

The top ruffle was too short and not gathered enough so it pulled oddly at the side.

The curved feature sat at the side seam and was hardly visible and the yoke was too long.

So, back to the drawing board.

I made all the adjustments and crossed my fingers.

I was so excited to see it come together more like I had imagined in the first place.

I love the challenge as much as I like making cute doll clothes.

The blue skirt I made for Kit Kittridge. She is a Summer colour type so cool colours suit her best. There is some contrast between her eyes and skin and hair so she can handle some contrast in her wardrobe.

This off-white top and mid blue skirt with off-white flowers complements her complexion perfectly and makes her look very together.

On my prototype I did a narrow double fold hem but on the two good ones I did a quick overlocked single fold hem. I like to try things without the overlocker (serger) because not everyone has one.

I especially made the curve of the top ruffle on the top edge to be gathered so the bottom hem edge would be straight and easy to turn up.

I just knew this skirt would look fabulous with some trim around one or both of the ruffles. I spotted the bobbly trim left out on a shelf and thought it would look cute. I didn't take into account how narrow the edging was. I had to use my zipper foot to get the needle onto the edge very close to the bobbles and had to restitch a few inches where I didn't realise the bobbles had pushed the needle off the edge.

When I first started making skirts with the yoke I realised that not enclosing the yoke and skirt seam made it hard to get the skirt on and off the doll and have it sit neatly. The neatest way to line the yoke is to fold a strip in half lengthwise and stitch the folded edge to make a casing for the elastic.

I am quite happy with the exposed back seam. Being in the back it doesn't get noticed when the skirt is on the doll.

The skirt with the bobbly trim is in warm deep colours that suit Lea Clark and her True Spring complexion. She can handle deep colours and lots of contrast so the white tops look good on her with the dark skirt.

You can get the pattern for this skirt in my Etsy Shop now.

Happy Doll Dressmaking,

Val