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in Free Patterns· sewing for girls

Modern Baby Doll Top || Free PDF Pattern

Modern Baby Doll Top || Free PDF Pattern || Shwin&Shwin

 

Did you know September is national sewing month? I pretty much sew all the time, all year long, so having a whole month dedicated to the craft is wonderful. I teamed up with Joann Fabric and Craft Stores for the #sewyourstyle campaign. It’s a month long contest sponsored by Joann Fabric and Crafts and Pellon. The challenge? Use quilters cotton fabric in a non-quilting project. You can enter to win all month long. For my project I decided to make a baby doll top for Abbey, but I wanted to give it a bit of a modern twist.

Modern Baby Doll Top || Free PDF Pattern || Shwin&Shwin

I did a hi-low hem because, well I love them, and especially for Abbey who often has a problem keeping her bum in her pants the low hem hides her plumbers crack. I also added an exposed zipper to the back.

Modern Baby Doll Top || Free PDF Pattern || Shwin&Shwin

Quite possibly my favorite element is the leather shoulder patches, because… well why not. I love leather, it gives it a nice fall element.

I have a free pattern for you in a size 5/6 (24″ chest)

You will need:

Modern Baby Doll Top || PDF Pattern (sewn with 3/8″ seam allowance)

1 yard of fabric

1 7″ zipper

small scraps of leather or accent material (optional)

Small scraps of interfacing (optional)

Modern Baby Doll Top || Free PDF Pattern || Shwin&Shwin

With right sides together sew the front and back together at the shoulders. Finish seams as desired.

Modern Baby Doll Top || Free PDF Pattern || Shwin&Shwin

Press shoulder seams flat. Then place the shoulder accents in place matching up the necklines. Sew along the angled edges to secure in place.

Modern Baby Doll Top || Free PDF Pattern || Shwin&Shwin

Sew the zipper facing to the back by matching up the center of the facing to the center of the back. Sew a rectangle shaped opening by sewing down, across, and then up. The stitched lines should be spaced by 1/2″. Cut a slit down the center and then angle into the corners. Careful not to cut your stitches.

Modern Baby Doll Top || Free PDF Pattern || Shwin&Shwin

Turn the facing around to the inside and then fold the sides and bottom under and press.

Modern Baby Doll Top || Free PDF Pattern || Shwin&Shwin

Place the zipper behind the opening. It will be too long for the space, that’s fine. Match up the top of the zipper so it is 3/8″ from the top edge. Then sew along the opening securing the zipper in place.

Modern Baby Doll Top || Free PDF Pattern || Shwin&Shwin

For the neck facing sew the front and back together at the shoulder line much like you did for the bodice. Then finish the outside edge.

Modern Baby Doll Top || Free PDF Pattern || Shwin&Shwin

Place the facing right sides together with the neckline. Match up the shoulder seams and then fold the center back edge inward. Sew the facing to the neckline. Clip notches into the curve.

Modern Baby Doll Top || Free PDF Pattern || Shwin&Shwin

Turn the facing in toward the inside and top stitch into place.

Modern Baby Doll Top || Free PDF Pattern || Shwin&Shwin

With right sides together sew the sleeve into the arm opening. Finish seam as desired. Repeat with other sleeve.

Modern Baby Doll Top || Free PDF Pattern || Shwin&Shwin

Press the edge of the sleeve under by 1/4″. With the bodice right sides together sew from the sleeve edge down. (It’s a small amount) Repeat with other side.

Modern Baby Doll Top || Free PDF Pattern || Shwin&Shwin

Press the sleeve edge under again by 1/4″ and sew along the fold to secure. Repeat with other sleeve.

Modern Baby Doll Top || Free PDF Pattern || Shwin&Shwin

For the skirt. I didn’t include a skirt pattern piece. Instead I cut 2 rectangles 24″ across and 15″ down. Then I cut a curve up in the front and curve down for the back. More details on doing a hi-low hem skirt can be found HERE

Then with the front and back skirt pieces right sides together sew along the the sides and finish the seams as desired. Then run a basting stitch along the top and pull to gather.

Modern Baby Doll Top || Free PDF Pattern || Shwin&Shwin

With the skirt and bodice right sides together sew along the waist line. Be sure to match up the side seams of the skirt to the side seams of the bodice, then spread the gather evenly.

Modern Baby Doll Top || Free PDF Pattern || Shwin&Shwin

Lastly hem the bottom by turning the edge under twice and sewing it in place.

Modern Baby Doll Top || Free PDF Pattern || Shwin&Shwin

Then you are done with a lovely modern baby doll top. I really love the exposed zipper and shoulder accents.

Modern Baby Doll Top || Free PDF Pattern || Shwin&Shwin

And that hi-low hem is just my favorite addition to the baby doll silhouette.

Modern Baby Doll Top || Free PDF Pattern || Shwin&Shwin

Fabric || Cotton || Joann Fabric

Leather || MOOD

Jeans || Old Navy

Shoes || Old Navy

Modern Baby Doll Top || Free PDF Pattern || Shwin&Shwin

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Filed Under: Free Patterns, sewing for girls Tagged With: Free Patterns

**This blog frequently uses affiliate links in posts. Clicking on said links and purchasing will lead to an earned commission for me (the blog writer)
I may be given products for free to review and discuss here on the blog. All opinions shared on this blog are 100% mine as I am not easily swayed otherwise (just ask my mom) **

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Comments

  1. Jenni Jex says

    September 20, 2014 at 11:03 am

    Oh, I’d love to make this for my 3 year old. I’m trying to think how I could adapt another one of your patterns to make this for her… Maybe the glass onion if I used the front for both the front and the back, since the zipper would add ease?

    Reply
    • Shauna says

      September 20, 2014 at 11:55 am

      Yeah the glass onion would work well, if you used the front top bodice for the front and back since the zipper will help with dressing. The only other change, although you don’t have to do it is that the bodice line is shortened on this to give it a baby doll look. You will have to share if you make it I would love to see!

      Reply
  2. Kristy says

    September 20, 2014 at 12:05 pm

    This is so beautiful!!! Love the fabrics you’ve chosen and that ZIPPER…..perfect! Just perfect!!!

    Reply
    • Shauna says

      September 20, 2014 at 9:16 pm

      Thanks! I am usually a button girl but oh man the right zipper makes me swoon 🙂

      Reply
  3. Amy green says

    September 20, 2014 at 2:29 pm

    So cute, and I love all the leather I am seeing you use. Where do v
    You get your leather and what kinds are the best? Can’t wait to make one of these for my girl.

    Reply
    • Shauna says

      September 20, 2014 at 9:18 pm

      I got this leather from mood fabrics, it comes in a pelt (so not a yard or great measurement) It’s great for use on projects like this or other smaller projects, and the quality is amazing SO soft! When ever I use a faux leather I get it at Joann Fabric.

      Reply
  4. Emily says

    September 20, 2014 at 6:46 pm

    you are amazing! Thanks so much for the free pattern ;o) Pinned it. Love it, Want to make it ;o)

    Reply
    • Shauna says

      September 20, 2014 at 9:15 pm

      Oh I hope you do! I want to see it!

      Reply
  5. Autumn says

    September 20, 2014 at 8:12 pm

    Shauna – you’re killing me! How have you had time to make all of these things and all the free patterns? One lovely and amazing thing after another – this is beautiful!

    Reply
    • Shauna says

      September 20, 2014 at 9:14 pm

      Thanks! Most of them are things I have been sitting on for awhile just finally got around to taking pictures of the kids wearing them 🙂

      Reply
  6. Pui hua says

    September 20, 2014 at 8:37 pm

    Love your generousity in sharing all the beautiful patterns, will certainly make this for my little girl and share!

    Reply
    • Shauna says

      September 20, 2014 at 9:14 pm

      Great! I hope to see it when you are done!

      Reply
  7. Diorella says

    September 20, 2014 at 10:01 pm

    this is sooo cute!!! I am so thankful for your generosity, offering all these free patterns!! Im definitely going to make this!! 🙂

    Reply
  8. emilia says

    September 20, 2014 at 10:56 pm

    absolutely completely adorable!! how fun to have a pattern designer for a momma!!

    Reply
  9. Jennifer Wingard says

    September 21, 2014 at 6:50 am

    Call me silly, but I saw this and gushed over it until I thought about how much of a mess my girlie is. How do those of you who sew with leather clean the kid clothes you make? I wouldn’t want to wash it if it had leather on it, but the leather makes it pop so awesomely I’d love to add something like that to the kid clothes I make.

    Reply
    • Shauna says

      September 21, 2014 at 3:19 pm

      I just wash it in my regular wash cycle and then I let it air dry. SO far it has worked fine for me. Some leathers get a little stiff but others seem to be just fine. On the pieces that get a lot of wash or have more leather accent I use a faux leather suede cloth. Looks like leather feels like fabric and washes and dries like fabric so it’s very kid friendly. Hope that helps!

      Reply
    • Ona says

      September 27, 2014 at 2:58 pm

      I was just wondering the same thing, thanks for asking this question.

      Reply
  10. Anna Lööf says

    September 21, 2014 at 10:00 am

    Your design is gorgeous! You´re such a trendsetter! I wish I could just copy your style but I end up with my old style anyway. But you are sure a source of inspiration for me 😀

    Reply
  11. Mikea says

    September 21, 2014 at 1:18 pm

    This is beautiful shauna! I have a few years but will be making this!

    Reply
  12. Anne says

    September 21, 2014 at 7:28 pm

    Cute!! I’ve got a Craft Gossip post scheduled for tomorrow evening that links to your pattern:
    http://sewing.craftgossip.com/free-pattern-modern-baby-doll-top-for-little-girls/2014/09/22/
    –Anne

    Reply
  13. RobyGiup says

    September 22, 2014 at 1:45 am

    It’s so cute! I love the tiny sleeves and the high-low hem!

    Reply
  14. Du fil et mon says

    September 22, 2014 at 3:23 pm

    Thank you very very much an d with the photo, it looks like easy ! Sorry for my english 🙂 Love from France !!!

    Reply
  15. Aline says

    September 23, 2014 at 9:46 am

    This is so beautiful. I’m about to make it for my daughter – do I add any seam allowance to the pattern? If so how much?

    Many thanks for sharing this beautiful pattern with the world!

    Reply
    • Shauna says

      September 23, 2014 at 9:54 am

      The pattern does include a 3/8″ seam allowance. I would love to see it when you are done!

      Reply
  16. Paige says

    September 24, 2014 at 11:36 am

    Can you please tell me if the pattern includes seam allowances or if I need to add them in? Also, should it be printed on regular 8×11″ paper or blown up? Seems a tad small to me.

    Can’t wait to make this for my daughter!

    Reply
    • Shauna says

      September 24, 2014 at 1:23 pm

      Hi! Yes it is designed to print on 8.5″X11″ paper. Just be sure to print it at 100%. The seam allowance is included 3/8″ was used.
      Thanks!

      Reply
  17. Aline says

    September 25, 2014 at 1:32 am

    Ah thank you! I made it assuming that you had allowed for seams and it’s beautiful!! I couldn’t be happier. Such easy instructions and you’re a big inspiration. Many thanks!

    Reply
  18. yadira chacon says

    September 25, 2014 at 8:42 am

    Como encuentro los patrones gracias….

    Reply
  19. Jelsea says

    September 26, 2014 at 6:45 am

    What fabric did you use for this? I am in love with the color and pattern! Thank you for the beautiful pattern!

    Reply
  20. Beth says

    September 26, 2014 at 4:46 pm

    This is such a sweet pattern. Any tips for sizing up? You should definitely draft and sell the full pattern I loved it and took and sewed it for my tiny love but it was too small 🙁 I would definitely buy it if you sold it 🙂

    Reply
    • Beth says

      September 26, 2014 at 4:47 pm

      I meant to write took a chance in sewing it for my little.

      Reply
  21. Beth says

    September 27, 2014 at 11:51 pm

    The leather is cute but I made one with a contrast fabric and just folded it over anywhere that there would not be a seam and topstitched and it came out super cute! Hope this helps!

    Reply
  22. Beth says

    September 27, 2014 at 11:53 pm

    Sorry I meant to write folded the fabric under before top stitching.

    Reply
  23. Sylvia says

    October 3, 2014 at 12:38 am

    Beautiful items, I’m have a 17 month old grandson and I’m think he is going to get a lot of things from Granny

    Reply
  24. courtney says

    October 8, 2014 at 12:51 pm

    I love this fabric and the top of course! What is the name of the fabric??

    Reply
  25. Erin says

    October 10, 2014 at 8:57 pm

    What size is the pattern?

    Reply
    • Shauna says

      October 12, 2014 at 7:29 pm

      it’s a 5/6 the chest measurement and info is also listed above 🙂

      Reply
  26. Arri says

    October 16, 2014 at 11:29 pm

    it really superb. excellent and easy steps. i’m crazy about stitching my daughter’s frocks. thanks for sharing.

    Reply
  27. Kellie says

    October 21, 2014 at 12:34 am

    Love love love this top! Will be making it for my 3 year old for Christmas! How would I go about making the pattern smaller so that it’s not overwhelmingly large on her?

    Reply
  28. Lundi 27 says

    October 23, 2014 at 1:51 pm

    Merci 1000 fois ! C’est superbe et ma fille va être ravie !
    Bonne journée à vous deux
    Céline

    Reply
  29. Vickie says

    October 30, 2014 at 5:23 pm

    Do you use 5/8 seam allowance on girl’s dresses or less? 3/8?

    Reply
    • Shauna says

      October 31, 2014 at 2:56 pm

      I use 3/8″ seam allowance

      Reply
  30. Lundi 27 says

    November 5, 2014 at 7:30 am

    Hi ! Here my Babydoll :
    http://lundi27.canalblog.com/archives/2014/11/05/30841504.html
    Thanks a lot, it’s a cute pattern 🙂
    Céline

    Reply
  31. Claudia says

    February 18, 2015 at 11:49 pm

    Thanks for the beautiful pattern! I’m looking forward to doing it very soon for my oldest daughter!! Love the fabric!
    Kisses from Portugal 🙂

    Reply
  32. Hanne E says

    March 16, 2015 at 7:49 am

    Hi – I’ve just found your blog via craftsy – what a joy – i’m going to be busy 😉
    I’m just unsecure about the size – does 5/6 means 5-6 years or?
    Sorry, i’m from Denmark and we use another scale, either years or heights measured in cm.
    Hope you can help 🙂
    Thanks in advance!

    Reply
    • Shauna says

      March 17, 2015 at 10:56 am

      It is 5/6 years 🙂

      Reply
  33. Amanda says

    March 17, 2015 at 3:59 pm

    Thank you for this pattern and tutorial! It fits my 5 year old perfectly and she is very excited to wear her new shirt/dress for Easter! 🙂

    Reply
  34. Renee says

    March 26, 2015 at 3:44 pm

    Thanks, Shauna it’s most inspiring, pinned for later for my granddaughters. You are so generous, much appreciated!

    Reply
  35. K says

    April 18, 2015 at 3:28 pm

    I still have no idea how you made the high-low skirt hem. I followed the link you mentioned to the “high-low racer dress” and that too didn’t have any information on how to make one without a pattern.

    Reply
  36. Ashley says

    September 8, 2015 at 12:09 pm

    I reduced the pattern pieces down (using a dress that fits her a rough guide) and after a few trials, made one the perfect fit for my 1 year old!

    https://www.flickr.com/photos/131995877@N02/17932350478/in/datetaken/

    Reply
  37. Sarah says

    November 1, 2015 at 3:47 pm

    Do you have this pattern available in a smaller size? I would like it in a 2T. I am willing to purchase if you have it available.

    Reply
  38. L4ur3l3i says

    November 7, 2015 at 3:07 pm

    Thank you so much!
    Here is mine, slightly modified with long sleeves and regular hem 🙂
    https://instagram.com/p/9zGvjZxUjV/

    Reply
  39. Meg says

    August 14, 2016 at 7:33 am

    Can I get the pattern?

    Reply
  40. Pamela says

    August 19, 2016 at 9:51 am

    Please tell me the name of this fabric ?

    Reply
  41. Shaheen says

    December 14, 2016 at 5:49 am

    Thanks for sharing. I made a dress for my daughter and it fits her beautifully! Thank you!

    Reply
  42. Betty says

    January 18, 2017 at 4:50 am

    Thanks for sharing. My daughter will love it. Greetings from Germany.

    Reply
  43. Tracy says

    June 5, 2017 at 3:25 am

    I haven’t made this, although I love it, as my granddaughter is only a few weeks old! However I wanted to comment on how well presented your tutorial is. Highlighting the stitch lines with black dots is such a great idea and so much easier to follow!

    Reply

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