Playing With Stripes Pattern Hack

Sew a lively variation of the Forever 18 Inches Versatility Dress with this simple pattern hack! Follow along as we show you how to make a few slight modifications to the existing pattern pieces to create a dress that highlights the use of striped fabric. The bodice pieces are used as printed, just placed on the fabric in a unique way. The skirt piece is modified into different measurements to create the horizontal striped border accent. Read through the tutorial below before cutting out your fabric to be sure you cut the pieces necessary for the "playing with stripes" design idea.

Featured Pattern: You can use either the 18" or 14-14.5" size of the Versatility Dress pattern. (Note - If you don't have those patterns, you could also use these ideas in similar style dresses or simple rectangular style skirts).

Fabric Needed:  14" Dolls

-5/6 yd. lightweight to medium weight woven fabric with a 1/8" wide stripe (other widths can be used; just be sure that the scale is appropriate for dolls)

- 1/6 yd. lightweight fabric such as batiste or lawn for the Bodice Lining

- Optional:  1/6 yd. of contrast fabric for a tie belt

Fabric Needed:  18" Dolls

- One yd. lightweight to medium weight woven fabric with a 1/8" wide stripe (other widths can be used; just be sure that the scale is appropriate for dolls)

- 1/6 yd. lightweight fabric such as batiste or lawn for the Bodice Lining

- Optional:  1/6 yd. of contrast fabric for a tie belt

Other Supplies:

- Matching thread

- Small, very sharp scissors

- Snaps or hook and loop to close the back of the dress

To begin:  

1.  The Bodice Modification - Cut the Bodice Center Front (Pattern Piece A) on the cross grain instead of the straight grain.  Cut the Bodice Side Front Panels (Pattern Piece B) on the straight grain as directed in the pattern instructions.

2. Skirt Pattern Piece Modification

• For 18" dolls:  Cut a rectangle from the striped fabric measuring 5-1/2" x 30-1/2" on the STRAIGHT grain.  (The stripes should lay in a vertical direction on the skirt.)   Next, cut another rectangle on the CROSS grain measuring 1.5" x 30.5".  The stripes should lay in a horizontal direction on the dress. 
• For 14" - 14.5" dolls: Cut a rectangle from the striped fabric measuring 4-3/8" x 27" on the STRAIGHT grain.  (The stripes should lay in a vertical direction on the skirt.)   Next, cut another rectangle on the CROSS grain measuring 1-3/8" x 27".  The stripes should lay in a horizontal direction on the dress.

3.  Pin the narrow rectangle to the wider rectangle lengthwise, RIGHT sides together.  Stitch the two rectangles together.

4.  Using small, sharp scissors, trim off half of the seam allowance on the narrow rectangle only.

5.  Serge or zigzag finish the edge of the seam.  Press the seam so that it's facing down towards the bottom hemline.

6. Working from the RIGHT side, pin the seam in place.  Stitch a scant 1/8" onto the narrow rectangle below the seam.  This will hold the seam in place.  Press.

7.  Finish the dress according to the pattern instructions.

• For 18" dolls:  Proceed by following the directions for the lined princess bodice found in the Option 1 Dress (Steps 1-10) for the Versatility Dress pattern for 18" dolls.  Follow the directions for attaching the Skirt in the Option 2 (Steps 9-20) directions for the Versatility Dress pattern for 18" dolls. 
• For 14" - 15" dolls:  Proceed by following the directions for the lined princess bodice found in the Option 1 directions (Steps 1-13) for the Versatility Dress for 14" - 14.5" dolls.  Follow the directions for attaching the Skirt in the Option 2 directions (Steps 11- 20) for 14" - 14.5" dolls.  

CONGRATULATIONS!  You're finished!

Happy Sewing!

Karen & The PF Team