18" Doll Swimsuit Cover-up Free Tutorial

Today's tutorial is a super cute swimsuit cover-up! It features fun racer-back styling, a single tie at the front, and two tiny pockets. And the best part? All you need is an old t-shirt and the (free!) Liberty Jane Trendy T-Shirt pattern.

    

Cut a 2 1/2" wide strip off the bottom of your t-shirt, including the original hem, then cut out the fronts and backs as the pattern directs (you don't need the sleeves). The finished cover-up will open in the front, so for our purposes, we'll pretend the back is the front, and the front is the back. Got it? Let's go!

Next, we'll do some fancy trimming. Open up the shirt, and then refold it along the original front's foldline. Lay the two 'backs' (what will become our fronts) on top of each other, being careful to line everything up. You'll make three sets of cuts; refer to the picture below to see how big and where to make them.

Then, re-open the top, and hem both armholes and the neckline. Once that's done, sew the side seams!

 

Next, take the 2 1/2" strip you cut off the bottom of the shirt. If you used the shirt's hemline, you can save yourself a step, like I did here; otherwise, take a minute and run a narrow hem along one long edge. Cut the strip so that it's 25" long -- or as close to that as you can get with your tee.

Finally, hem the front edges and add the ties and pockets.

Then, put it on your doll and let her have a blast!

                                          

Happy summer!

Melinda, for Pixie Faire

PS: Does your doll need a new swimsuit to go with her cover-up? Liberty Jane has a free swimsuit pattern too!

 

ENTER TO WIN A $50 Pixie Faire Gift Card!

 

 

To enter this week's contest, simply click the link below and then enter through the giveaway widget at the bottom of the blog post, there are many things you can do to earn multiple entry points!

Contest Details: You enter through the entry form that is embedded on this page and appears just below this paragraph, if you don't see it, be sure to visit the page from your desktop or an alternate browser such as Google Chrome. It may not appear on all mobile devices. The complete rules and entry details appear on the entry form. This is not a comment contest - in other words, leaving a comment on the bottom of this page is not an official entry method. The only required entry method is to leave a comment under this post and then confirm that you did it in the contest widget. One person will receive the Pixie Faire Gift Card. You can enter once, or gain multiple entries by completing the other entry methods and increase your chances of winning. Please review all Terms and Conditions on the giveaway page before entering. While we wish we could run this contest everywhere, for legal reasons it is only open to eligible residents of the U.S. and Canada, not including Rhode Island. This contest is exclusively endorsed by Liberty Jane Clothing and Pixie Faire. 

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Commenting below and confirming your entry in the widget above gives you one entry method, the other methods are listed in the widget above, be sure to enter in as many ways as you can to receive the maximum amount of entries to win the gift card!

 (This post and giveaway are not endorsed or affiliated with American Girl®, no endorsement implied.) 

We’d love to hear from you. Please leave a comment and tell us,  What is you favorite thing about summer?

 

 


100 Comments

Lauren Youngblood
Lauren Youngblood

June 22, 2022

This summer I am LOVING watching the my kids be excited for their baseball practices & games! This is the first year we are getting to play after COVID and it is just great watching them learn and have fun on the field with new friends.

Helena
Helena

June 22, 2022

Thank you for the tutorial!

Toni
Toni

June 22, 2022

Summer is when you can be playful with family & friends who come to visit when the weather is sunny & bright a time to relax & be glad where we live to enjoy nature at it’s best.

Mariann
Mariann

June 22, 2022

i love sunflowers growing in my garden. i love sitting outside in the sunshine.

candy
candy

June 22, 2022

my favorite thing about summer is that it is so hot and humid that I can stay in and catch up on my sewing projects.

Connie
Connie

June 22, 2022

I love the warmth, the flowers and all the green during the summer.

Heidi Brown
Heidi Brown

June 22, 2022

The beach!

Joy
Joy

June 22, 2022

I have to say tho my fav thing about summer has got to be family , gardening, camping , and fishing!!!! The great outdoors 😊

Joy
Joy

June 22, 2022

I love both . But I’m a northern B.C. girl and certified Christmas crazy person so I love the beauty of winter.

Donna
Donna

June 22, 2022

I like the summer month i get my daughter and my birthday.

Laura
Laura

June 22, 2022

I’m one of those weird people who prefers winter to summer. I enjoy late summer best, when the days are getting shorter and (hopefully) cooler and the MN state fair rolls around.

sandra.
sandra.

June 22, 2022

I love the summer due to the warmth of the sun. I lay out and feel the rays soaking into my arthritic bones and it feels so good.

Carol
Carol

June 22, 2022

Thanks for the easy pattern. I love the longer daylight in summer, the color of plants, trees, and cooling off in a lake.

MARIAN
MARIAN

June 22, 2022

I just love summer, even in the humid South. My favorite things include the amazing colors of green everywhere, the lightning bugs (A.K.A. fireflies) and long days with wonderful light in my studio for sewing.

Florence
Florence

June 22, 2022

My favorite thing about Summer is Family Reunions!

S
S

June 22, 2022

I love backyard cookouts!

CdnCrafter
CdnCrafter

June 22, 2022

I like the sunshine and that it stays brighter longer.

Sandra
Sandra

June 22, 2022

I love the sounds of the birds singing and the flower scents.

Michelle LT
Michelle LT

June 22, 2022

I love the sounds of the frogs and crickets on balmy summer nights, and the happy little flashes of fireflies. =)

This swimsuit cover up for AG dolls is SO clever! Can’t wait to give it a try! Thank you! =)

Mardelle
Mardelle

June 22, 2022

I love the green….so much green!!

Shirley Fisher
Shirley Fisher

June 22, 2022

I love the long days of summer, the beautiful flowers and trees.
This pattern is so easy to sew and very versitlie. Thank you for this new tutorial.

Ruth
Ruth

June 22, 2022

My favorite thing about summer is walking barefoot in the sand and enjoying an ice cream cone before it melts!

Deedee
Deedee

June 22, 2022

Summer to me is gardening gardening gardening, frozen strawberry margaritas on the backyard deck, and sewing AG doll clothes for the fall craft fairs.

Mary Armstrong
Mary Armstrong

June 22, 2022

I love working in my flowerflowerbeds, going to the park with my service dog and traveling.

G
G

June 22, 2022

I love playing in the woods.

Kathi M
Kathi M

June 22, 2022

My favorite thing about summer is the warm weather, sun shining and shorts.

Tammy
Tammy

June 22, 2022

I love gardening and the sunshine during the day and watching fireflies at night.

Julie Clarke
Julie Clarke

June 22, 2022

I love summer for fresh air and the chance to be out in it – walking, gardening, sitting on the deck stitching.

Cristy Estep
Cristy Estep

June 22, 2022

My favorite part about Summer is our yearly trip to the beach and working in my flower garden!

Lynn
Lynn

June 22, 2022

Going to the lake!

B Grodzin
B Grodzin

June 22, 2022

I enjoy walking along the ocean shoreline barefoot on a warm summer evening.

MeLisa
MeLisa

June 22, 2022

Everything isbso green but a lot less crowded because it gets so hot & humid here!

Samantha
Samantha

June 22, 2022

Being outside gardening, riding, and working on wood projects.

Renée
Renée

June 22, 2022

I love the sunshine and all the seasonal fruits and vegetables. I also love the cute pattern, thank you so much!

Nadine
Nadine

June 22, 2022

I love the long daylight, summer sunshine and warm temperatures.

Mary
Mary

June 22, 2022

After the long, cold winters in the midwest the sunny, long days are such a delight. We especially enjoy the free concerts in the park in the various cities around where we live. Can’t wait to make this pattern for my granddaughters doll.

katy
katy

June 22, 2022

swimming in our pool!

Jay
Jay

June 22, 2022

Summer is a time to super connect my kids to the stuff they love to do. Going to the beach, zoo and having BBQs. Putting together our summer bucket list kicks off the season!

Debbie
Debbie

June 22, 2022

Such a cute cover up for a doll’s swimsuit.

Ruth Ann
Ruth Ann

June 22, 2022

I love the long days and living near the beach all summer.

Charlotte
Charlotte

June 22, 2022

My favorite thing about summer is all the wonderful fresh fruits that are now available, some of which we see Only during the summer! I also love that (in Seattle, anyway) it’s less likely to have countless days of rain in a row, and that it’s warm enough that I don’t have to wear 3 or 4 layers of clothes to stay warm! I also get to wear my pretty summer dresses and things. Lots to love about summer!

Kathleen Kauth
Kathleen Kauth

June 22, 2022

I have free time with my grandkids because they are out of school. We sew and play games and go boating.

Carole
Carole

June 22, 2022

I love the fireflies of summer.

Deborah D
Deborah D

June 22, 2022

What I love about summer is the opportunity for fun family get togethers.

Denise
Denise

June 22, 2022

My favourite thing about summer is longer days and shorter nights

Marilyn Higgins
Marilyn Higgins

June 22, 2022

My favorite thing about summertime is being able to work in my garden.

Fran Bott
Fran Bott

June 22, 2022

I love the long days of sunshine.

Sam
Sam

June 22, 2022

The sun and warm weather

Mary Ann Barrett
Mary Ann Barrett

June 21, 2022

Long lazy days of summer!

Kathleen Rowley
Kathleen Rowley

June 21, 2022

I love that your time is differently scheduled. Meaning everything is more laid back and flexible. I also like the barbques, and outdoors get togethers.

Julie
Julie

June 21, 2022

I live in North Dakota and wonder why I live here when it’s -20 degrees! (ha!) I love living in North Dakota for many other reasons, but I love our summers! It’s mildly warm without lots of humidity and I LOVE being able to go outside (without a coat) and enjoy the beautiful temps!

Marci
Marci

June 21, 2022

I love the birds

Ann
Ann

June 21, 2022

Longer daylight time, simpler clothing, cool drinks, sense of needing to get outside and move . . .

Mary Barr
Mary Barr

June 21, 2022

I love summer there is longer daylight, more time to spent on my crafts.

Kel
Kel

June 21, 2022

I love having sunlight until late at night, and eating watermelon!

Allison
Allison

June 21, 2022

I love traveling back home to see family, picking berries, and gardening…and sewing in my air-conditioned work room on hot afternoons.

Allison
Allison

June 21, 2022

I love traveling back home to see family, picking berries, and gardening…and sewing in my air-conditioned work room on hot afternoons.

Alyce
Alyce

June 21, 2022

I love long days, shorts, sandals &!swimming !

Christine
Christine

June 21, 2022

I love lots of things about summer, but camping would be my first summer love.

Karen
Karen

June 21, 2022

Popsicles, watermelon, jumping in the pool, bbqs, picnics, outdoor movies, evening breezes, so much more

Lorraine M
Lorraine M

June 21, 2022

I wish I had summer all year long! Our summers in Canada are too short! I love the warm weather, my flower beds, the birds singing, Oil painting out on the deck in the fresh air, not needing a sweater, jacket or coat, just enjoying the outdoors and sunshine! Our winters are too long! I don’t like slippery roads and ice storms! Fall is beautiful here in Canada, but it reminds me of what’s coming! Oooh that dreaded winter! Summer is my favorite for so many reasons!

Lorraine M
Lorraine M

June 21, 2022

I wish I had summer all year long! Our summers in Canada are too short! I love the warm weather, my flower beds, the birds singing, Oil painting out on the deck in the fresh air, not needing a sweater, jacket or coat, just enjoying the outdoors and sunshine! Our winters are too long! I don’t like slippery roads and ice storms! Fall is beautiful here in Canada, but it reminds me of what’s coming! Oooh that dreaded winter! Summer is my favorite for so many reasons!

Kimberly C
Kimberly C

June 21, 2022

I love that there is more daylight and that im not always cold.

Elaine Darquin
Elaine Darquin

June 21, 2022

Love spending time with my horse and trail riding

Laurie
Laurie

June 21, 2022

My favorite thing about summer is being with grandchildren more because they are not in school. Thanks for the chance to win!

Hania
Hania

June 21, 2022

I love being able to shed the sweaters!

Donna S
Donna S

June 21, 2022

My favourite thing about summer is getting together with family at the beach or park and watching the kids have a great time together

Janet
Janet

June 21, 2022

My favorite thing about summer is swimming and having cookouts

Carol E
Carol E

June 21, 2022

Once allergy season is past I like cool summer evenings, going to family reunions and having time to see my grandchildren who live far away from me. The coverup is really cute and will be so easy to make. Thank you

Donna Landreth
Donna Landreth

June 21, 2022

My favorite thing about summer is camping and enjoying the outdoors. Thank you Cinnamon for the awesome giveaways.😘💋❤️

Patricia
Patricia

June 21, 2022

I love swimming and seeing people outside having fun.

Jen G
Jen G

June 21, 2022

I love the slower pace of summer. Usually it means sneaking in more sewing time.

Heidi
Heidi

June 21, 2022

More hours of daylight.

Clarissa
Clarissa

June 21, 2022

Being able to pick fresh vegetables from the garden and walking around barefoot.

Stephanie (Elizabeth)
Stephanie (Elizabeth)

June 21, 2022

Favorite thing about summer? The soundtrack: cicadas, crickets, and katydids! I’m a nightowl, and the chirping insects bring me right back to my childhood of playing outside after the sun went down.

Diane
Diane

June 21, 2022

There’s not much I don’t like about summer…days at the lake, swimming in the pool, just being a little bit lazy!

Barbara
Barbara

June 21, 2022

I love the water but no beach! So I try to get as much pool time as possible. Its not big but big enough that I can paddle around or float around with a pool noodle. No better way to cool down on a hot summer day!

Jessica
Jessica

June 21, 2022

Best thing about summer is getting to eat delicious watermelon and enjoying water games witht he kids.

Jessica
Jessica

June 21, 2022

Best thing about summer is getting to eat delicious watermelon and enjoying water games witht he kids.

Kelly Miller
Kelly Miller

June 21, 2022

Being outdoors.

Emelia
Emelia

June 21, 2022

Two of my favorite things to do in the summer is sewing and swimming

Krista
Krista

June 21, 2022

My favorite part about summer is air conditioning!

Love your patterns!

Ariadne V.
Ariadne V.

June 21, 2022

I like summer thunderstorms the best!

Kathy  m
Kathy m

June 21, 2022

Love the sunshine and flowers in bloom cute cover up to make

Nanette S
Nanette S

June 21, 2022

Best thing about summer is watermelon and more time to sew!

Jo Cecil
Jo Cecil

June 21, 2022

I love summer for all the fresh vegetables. love the cover up.

Jane
Jane

June 21, 2022

I love most about summer is growing beautiful vegetables in my garden. And eating healthier. I also love to grill in the back yard. Thank you for the the free tutorial and free patterns.

Sandra Cox
Sandra Cox

June 21, 2022

I love swimming, camping Kyaking and being out in nature. I love vacation time!

Linda E
Linda E

June 21, 2022

What an adorable little cover up-can’t wait to try and make it!!

Derin
Derin

June 21, 2022

The best thing about summer is orange cream sicles!

Barb
Barb

June 21, 2022

I love the summer when it can be spent in a cool climate where you can enjoy the outdoors! A cool breeze, a picnic lunch with friends, and watching the kids play! I can’t think of anything more enjoyable! ps. I love the pattern! Thanks!

Marcia
Marcia

June 21, 2022

So cute! It would be fun to make for my doll.

Abby Baxter
Abby Baxter

June 21, 2022

The long warm days and swimming at the beach.

Dianne
Dianne

June 21, 2022

Great accessory! Love the look. THank you!

Cath
Cath

June 21, 2022

Getting outside during the summer is great, gardening, yard work, It’s nice to enjoy nature.
Thanks for the tutorial and the opportunity to win a card.

Charlene Hager
Charlene Hager

June 21, 2022

I love summer for the warm weather and that I’m able to grow my own vegetable garden.

Virginia
Virginia

June 21, 2022

I love enjoying my flower garden in summer from the window in my kitchen while stitching.

Rose Sadzewicz
Rose Sadzewicz

June 21, 2022

I love that I can be outside in the sun. Love having the house open and hearing the birds singing.

CynthiaW
CynthiaW

June 21, 2022

I love vacations with my grandchildren, swimming and playing with them

Meg
Meg

June 21, 2022

I like the more relaxed pace of summer.

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