Recognize the source of these cute small-scale prints for doll clothes? Yes, during a recent foray through the neighborhood dollar store we came across some quality women's underwear seconds and naturally asked ourselves what we might make from them. They are the foundation for a fabulous project--Dollar Doll Clothes! Read on for details!
*Fits 18-inch dolls, such as American Girls*
FABRIC CHOICE
l. Choose solids and small prints in nice quality fabric--some lycra content is essential. Either decorative elastic or fabric covered elastic are great for edges and details.
2. Watch for waist and leg elastic that are in scale, for details such as waistbands, straps, and trim.
3. Get the biggest pair possible--more fabric to work with!
INSTRUCTIONS IN BRIEF
l. You'll be cutting pattern pieces complete with elastic. Stretch elastic until the attached fabric is smooth, and pin out to a padded surface, such as your ironing board. Measure piece to be cut, or place pattern, and cut out the needed piece, being sure to snip the elastic LAST for best accuracy.
2. For straps, edges, and trims, carefully snip the elastic from the body of the fabric along its stitching line. Straight stitch or zigzag elastic on the front side of the fabric as desired.
3. As on many small items, it is easiest to finish hems first, then the vertical seams.
Let's get started!
You will need:
> Dollar store women's undies
> Matching thread
> Scraps of lace or trim
>Velcro
>Printed Patterns (see end of post!)
PANTS or SHORTS
or
BIKE SHORTS OR LEGGINGS
l. Cut through seam at crotch of undies so they will lay flat and form a lengthwise fold on your padded surface, aligning elastic edge. Stretch elastic until attached fabric is smooth and pin out into padded surface. Pin on the appropriate pattern piece (patterns at end of post) with the top pattern edge at the top of elastic. Be sure to place the pattern piece on the fold for bike shorts or leggings. Cut out, snipping elastic last. Use shorter cutting line for bike shorts.
2. Stitch back seam right sides together using 1/4" seam allowance and finish edges with zigzag stitch. For pants or shorts, stitch front seam. Fold seam allowances to the side at waistband and stitch down with small stitches to neaten.
3. Fold up 3/8" hem at each lower edge and straight stitch for hems, or zigzag lace scraps to lower edge to finish. (picture)
4. At inseam, match center front to center back seam and stitch from one hem to the other with 1/4" seam. Zigzag to finish seam. You're finished!
SOCKS
l. Make lengthwise fold in fabric, aligning elastic at top. Stretch elastic until the fabric lies flat and pin into padded surface. Place 'socks' pattern (see attachment) with straight edge at top of elastic an pin. Cut out two, snipping elastic last.
2. Fold right sides together on fold line, matching edges of elastic. Stitch curved seam using 1/4" seam allowance. Zigzag to finish.
3. Turn right side out and you're done!
UNDIES
l. Make lengthwise fold in fabric, aligning elastic at top. Stretch elastic until the fabric lies flat nd pin into padded surface. Place 'Undies' pattern piece (see attachment) on fold with waistline at top of elastic and pin. Cut, snipping elastic last.
2. Fold up 1/4" hem at lower edges and straight stitch.
3. Stitch back seam using 1/4" seam allowance, zigzag to finish.
4. Match dot at lower center front edge to lower edge of back seam. Tack front to back at dot. That's it!
HALTER TOP
l. Yes, the halter top is made from the front of a pair of bikinis, leg and waist trim intact. Cut across the narrow part and sides to form a halter top shape.
2. Trim away edging from another area to finish the cut edge.
3. Topstitch edging piece to raw edges, stretching as you sew, to finish raw edge and form fulness. Trim away two lengths of edging from another area for straps. Stitch to upper corners, then turn up and restitch to cover raw edges of elastic.
4. Fit on doll, marking back strap placement. Add a back closure of Velcro and stitch straps to back binding.
CAMISOLE
I'm including a camisole pattern I created.
l. Pin pattern piece on fold and cut out.
2. Edge stitch scraps of lace trim on center front, bottom edge, front and back neck edges, and around armholes.
3. Make straps of two pieces of lace trim zigzagged straight edges together, and cut to the required length. Place ends of straps under top corners of camisole and topstitch. Add a Velcro closure.
Other Thoughts:-Try narrow elastic stretched and straight stitched to the wrong side of the fabric waistline for fulness--cute!
-Try trimmed-off elastic, stretched and topstitched for yoke, or maybe waistband.-Try trimmed-off elastic used as yoke and straps--the top will still pull over the feet. 
