Doll clothes Summer capsule of perfect patterns for 18" dolls

Do you want to create doll clothes that can go together to make a series of nice outfits?

Do you want a plan that you can use to gradually build a co-ordinating collection for your doll?

Do you want a formula based on types of garments so you can use patterns that already have?

If you say yes to any of these questions then planning and sewing a doll clothes capsule collection is the way to go.

What is a doll clothes capsule?

The idea of a wardrobe capsule for people has been around for a while. If you search for wardrobe capsule on Pinterest and select summer capsule you get something like this:

If you search on Google and select for wardrobe capsule 2021 and click images you get something like this:

You find collections of clothes divided into types of garments and coordinating colours so you can mix and match and create lots of different outfits.

The doll clothes capsule works the same way.

I have used a simple capsule formula that can be repeated so you can build whatever size doll clothes collection you like. You can make separate capsules where only a few items might cross over or you can plan a series of colour coordinated capsules so nearly all the pieces can be mixed and matched.

I have put together a Summer doll clothes capsule based on my simple formula of 3 tops, 2 bottoms, a jacket and a dress. I will also be making an infinity scarf or two and a bag or two to go with it.

I have gotten my inspiration from a fashion vlogger on youtube.

I'll be using the free gathered skirt that has the sewn on elastic casing band and the free tank top pattern.

I decided to use the shirt that has the roll tab sleeves as my third top because I think it will also work nicely as a second jacket and look great layered over the other tops or the dress.

I am offering each garment as a separate pattern so you can just buy what interests you. 

I thought it might be useful to also offer them as a Summer collection so it takes some of the planning out of the creative process. You will find these designs and the combined collection inside the Summer Capsule section in my Etsy shop during Summer 2021.

Summer dress

Summer gathered shorts - still to be published

Summer Strappy top

Summer Tank top - 

free when you get the newsletter

Gathered skirt with a sewn on band - 

free pattern and instructions when you get the newsletter or see instructions on my blog here.

Summer cardigan

1806 Open neck blouse 

(extra layer plus extra top)

I am offering each garment as a separate pattern so you can just buy what interests you. 

I thought it might be useful to also offer them as a Summer collection so it takes some of the planning out of the creative process. You will find these designs and the combined collection inside the Summer Capsule section in my Etsy shop during Summer 2021.

Happy Doll Dressmaking,

Val

Bring out your creative passion with doll dressmaking

Doll dressmaking is my passion.

3 important core values for me are: 

• being Artistic; 
• being Creative, and 
• being Passionate about what I do

I am happiest when I am creating. I love going to work each day!

Each day there are 3 things that will get my heart pumping:

1. Yoga
2. Walking
3. Doll dressmaking

To get my creative juices flowing I like to walk and think. Watching the sunrise is so inspiring.

I am planning a Summer doll clothes capsule and I have some garment images that I collected from a fashion you tube channel that I follow. She puts links to the items in the online shops so I just take some screen shots.

The first item I want to make is a simple strappy dress.

When I start designing I begin by drawing up the pattern pieces that I need. I usually use existing patterns to create new ones so it doesn't take a long time to get a design ready for sewing.

I am using the 18"dress bodice to draw up the front pieces for my strappy dress.

Not every design works out and sometimes I will stop after I have sewn the first sample. I like this one and will try to make a skirt with the flat front and elastic back similar to the dress. I have another pattern ready to sew up so I will continue with that one.

I tend to use less expensive fabrics for the first samples because I need to check for the look and the fit with the first sample.

This dress was meant to be a floaty summer shift but it turned out too wide under the arms and the skirt didn't float at all. I was hoping to get away from putting proper flaring in. That requires cutting the pattern from hem to neck in several places. My final decision for this dress will be fitted to the waist and an a-line skirt section. I may work on the flared design at a later date. But it's back to the drawing board for now.

Now that the design is well underway I start to look at setting up the instructions. This is the slowest part of creating the pattern and probably the most tiring because you need to spend several hours in front of the computer along with sewing the garment.

It is very satisfying to end up with something that looks fabulous on the doll and fits perfectly and goes together easily.

I am very happy with the final version. Now it is just a matter of finishing the instructions and publishing. You can find this one in the Newsletter pattern folder at no.13.

Look out for this simple dress that I have used as an example for this blog post. It will be in the Newsletter free pattern folder. You can join my mailing list to get monthly updates and access to a folder of free patterns for 18" dolls.

Yes I want access!

Happy Doll Dressmaking,

Val