Sweet Magnolia Way: A Minnie Mouse Inspired ~ Free American Girl Dress Pattern

Today I am sharing a American Girl Doll pattern that I created. The bodice is lined and sleeveless. The gathered skirt is made of two sections of fabrics connected with bias tape.

I added a wide sash ~ think Minnie would like that!

The hot pink variation of the pattern can be found at the bottom of the post.

Materials needed:

Dress bodice template

squares for main bodice and contrasting lining (red)

Two 3 1/2" x 22" contrasting fabric (red) for sash

One 6 1/2" x 28" rectangle for skirt top

One 4" x 28" rectangle for skirt bottom

28" length of bias tape maxi piping (red)

4" pieces of thin Velcro ~ I love this one

Optional applique:

Small free clip art of Minnie Mouse

Small square of Heat N Bond adhesive

Notes:

All seams are 1/4" unless indicated

Seams can be finished by serging, with a zig zag stitch, or pinking shears

Reinforce seams by backstitching

Directions:

Cut out the bodice pieces

Optional applique

Following the directions on the Heat n Bond package, trace your "Minnie." Iron onto your fabrics. Note: I show red for the bow, but I changed it to white with black dots to match the skirt. Cut out your appliqué pieces, and iron onto the bodice, sew (I use a zig zag stitch).

Bodice Construction: With right sides together, pin and sew the shoulders.

Repeat for the lining.

Fold each sash piece in half right side together, and sew along the long edges and one of the short edges.

Turn the ashes right side out ~ I use a chop stick!

With right sides together, pin the lining to the bodice. Stitch along the back and neckline, then around the arm holes. Clip the seams.

Turn right side out by pulling the lining through the shoulder on one side. Repeat on the other side. Press flat.

Pull the lining out of the way. Pinch the unseen edge of sash slightly to form a small fold. Pin the sashes to the right side of the bodice, 1" from the bottom. Baste in place.

Open up both the fronts and backs of the bodice. With right sides together, pin the fronts together and the linings together. Sew ~ catching your sash in the seam.

Turn right side out, and press

Skirt construction:

Pin your bias tape face down along the lower edge of the 6 1/2" x 28" piece. Using your zipper foot, baste in place.

Place your skirt bottom piece face down covering the bias tape. With your zipper foot, stitch as close as possible to the cording.

Your finished piece:

Press a 1/2" fold on either side of the skirt.

Hem the skirt bottom by pressing a 1/4" fold. Then fold 1/4" again. Press and top stitch.

Your dress pieces at this point:

Gather the top edge of the skirt by sewing long basting stitches ~ Remember to leave tails on your thread to pull.

Distribute the gather evenly. With right sides together, sew the skirt to the bodice using a 1/2" seam.