If you’re looking for a simple and quick skirt to sew for your fashion dolls, then this free pattern is just what you need. It works well in corduroy but would be great in denim. The skirt will be the perfect addition to your doll’s winter wardrobe! The pattern includes a pattern and instructions for basic hold-ups, which are easier than tights to sew. It fits standard Barbie dolls, including made to move and also fits Sindy dolls (Pedigree and new playline dolls)
Gather supplies
- Small piece of corduroy or denim
- Thin stretch fabric for hold ups – old opaque tights or micro-fibre undies work well.
- Small length of elastic lace for top of hold-ups (optional). If you are re-purposing undies then you can use the elastic that’s already there
- Matching sewing thread
- Snap fastener
- Fray stop liquid (optional but I really recommend it)
- Download free A-Line Skirt and Hold-Ups pattern (below)
Let’s get sewing!
Time needed: 1 hour and 30 minutes
How to sew your A-Line Doll Skirt and Hold-Ups
- Print pattern
The pattern is A4 size, so make sure your printer settings are correct. Make sure the scale is set to 100%. The square on the pattern should be 1″ – measure with a ruler once you’ve printed it out. Cut out the skirt and hold-up pattern pieces. If using, go around the edges of each piece of skirt fabric with fray stop liquid.
- Cutting out
Pin the pattern pieces on your fabric, making sure the nap and the stripes on the corduroy are going in the same vertical direction, then cut out. Flip the skirt pattern pieces over to cut a second one of each. The hold-ups are cut on the fold of the fabric. Mark the location of the darts on the back of each skirt piece. Mark the back opening on the back of the skirt back pieces.
- Sew darts
Sew each of the marked darts, with right sides together.
- Sew the front seam
With right sides together, sew the centre seam of the front skirt pieces. Press seam open.
- Sew side seams
With right sides together, sew the side seams to attach the back pieces to the front piece.
- Finished side seams
This is what the skirt looks like from the right side with both side seams sewn.
- Sewing the hem
Fold up the hem, press and then sew.
- Sewing waistband
Fold and press the waistband down at the top of the skirt. Then sew.
- Sewing back seam
Pin the back edges of the skirt together and sew from the hem up to the back opening mark.
- Sew snaps
Sew snap fasteners to each side of the back opening to finish. You can use hook and loop tape instead of snaps if you prefer or if the skirt is for a younger child who may find the snaps difficult.
- Sewing top of hold-ups
Fold the top edge of each hold-up to the wrong side and sew (if not using elastic). If using elastic, place raw edges right sides together and sew. Fold the elastic up.
- Sewing back seam of hold-ups
Sew the back seam of the hold-ups with right sides together. Turn right side out to finish.
Star tip – if any seams are getting caught in the teeth of your sewing machine use a sheet of tissue paper underneath the fabric.
I hope you’ve enjoyed making your doll skirt and hold-ups. I made a couple of jumpers to complete their winter looks. The pastel one is a crocheted experiment and the beige one is knitted following a vintage pattern. Happy sewing and please remember to share your makes using #galaxiadolls on Instagram or Facebook, as I love seeing what you all make.
