Most young girls today are fascinated with American Girl dolls. However, these dolls’ fashionable clothes are costly to buy. If you want to save your money, you may sew new stylish and trendy outfits for them. We have picked 31 DIY American Girl doll clothing ideas that you must try.
1. Peek-a-boo lacework
A peek-a-boo lacework effect will surely give the doll a sophisticated and trendy look. It is a versatile handiwork where you can unleash your creativity. You can place the lace on the sleeve’s hem, jeans’ knees, or the overskirt. Although it may look complicated, it is easy to do with the help of a sewing machine.
2. DIY Summer/ Tumblr Clothes
With this DIY summer/Tumblr clothes project, you won’t need to sew to make a fabulous outfit for a doll. You can make a complete summer outfit using a glue stick and glue gun. You will love the trendy summer graphic t-shirt, flip flop, headband, and necklace. The combination is perfect for a summer getaway.
3. Flutter Sleeve Doll Dress
If you want to make a doll dress that can match your daughter’s outfit, a flutter sleeve doll dress is a must-try! You can create bottom ruffles and side ties by cutting strips on fabric. The good news is that a sewing machine is not necessary to make this beautiful and trendy dress.
4. Doll Clothes from Socks
Have a lot of old socks in your house? Instead of throwing them away, turn them into dolls’ elegant dresses. You can also sew swimwear and some casual attire out of these socks. The stitches are minimal, so the project is ideal even for your daughter. If you want to add more designs and accessories, you can do so.
5. No-Sew American Girl Doll T-Shirt
Using some old baby onesies, you can create this no-sew American Girl doll t-shirt. It will not require you to do any single stitch. By simply cutting a straight line, your daughter’s doll would have something to wear. This no-sew project is suitable for beginners or those who don’t have the time to sew.
6. DIY Off-the-Shoulder Top for American Girl Dolls
Who wouldn’t love an off-the-shoulder top? It is simple yet sexy. The advantage of creating this outfit is that it doesn’t go out of style. You can also create an eye-catching detail to it by adding some ruffles or a dramatic shape. This outfit is the best spring attire for an American Girl doll. Also, the patterns are so easy to follow.
7. Pillowcase Dress
A pillowcase dress is a simple doll’s clothing that a beginner can make. The design doesn’t require any zippers or buttons. Aside from that, you only need a leftover fabric to make this cute and fancy outfit for an American doll. Pre-washing the material is recommended before you start the sewing part.
8. Doll Crop Top Shirt
You should not miss adding a trendy doll crop top shirt to the doll’s wardrobe. You can make a crop top shirt with a long sleeve or a short sleeve. The good thing about this design is that it has an elastic top. You can style it up as an off-the-shoulder shirt whenever you want to.
9. Sweater Dress
Since Christmas is around the corner, a sweater dress is the best outfit for a doll to wear. Instead of buying one, you can make this dress without spending a dollar. By sewing a pair of old thermal socks, your girl’s doll has something to wear for the holidays. It will only take you about 30 minutes to finish.
10. DIY Floral V-Neck Dress
Modest and adorable, this DIY Floral V-Neck Dress will make a doll look stylish and elegant. By making your patterns and cutting them out, you can create the bodice and the skirt of the dress. You will only need to assemble and sew them with your hands or your sewing machine.
11. Handkerchief Skirt
Making a handkerchief skirt may test your patience because you need to do a lot of pinning. However, you will be rewarded with a trendy dress with beautiful uneven hems. You will only need three things: a fabric, a wide elastic, and a coordinating thread. With these three items, you can start sewing.
12. DIY American Girl Doll Ruffle Dress with Free Pattern
Do you love ruffle dresses? You can make one for an American Girl doll! If this is your first time sewing, you may find this project challenging. However, you will learn how to make a ruffle- a design that you want to put on other attires. Don’t worry because there is a free pattern that you can cut out to serve as a guide.
13. Leggings
A pair of leggings can be paired up with any casual top. For only 30 minutes, you can create leggings for an American Girl doll. Also, you can create this stylish outfit using a ball-point needle and fabric. To avoid frustration, choose the right kind of thickness. Make sure also that the material is not too stretchy.
14. DIY | American Girl No Sew Skirt + Blouse
Even without sewing, you can create a fashionable skirt and blouse. This no-sew skirt and blouse is also a good break, especially if you had a long day. All you need to do is to cut and glue. It is a fun activity that will help you relax. You can also ask your daughter to join you for more fun.
15. No-sew Bitty Baby Pumpkin Costume
Whatever the season is, a doll’s wardrobe must include a costume. If you want to have fun with your kid, you can make this no-sew bitty baby pumpkin costume with her. You only have to prepare differently colored fleece and felt, scissors, glue sticks, and a glue gun. It can take less than 30 minutes to finish the costume.
16. Doll clothes DIY IDEA/Prom Dress for American Girl Doll
You will surely love to try sewing this beautiful prom dress. Many sewing techniques will be needed, but you will feel satisfied with the result. It may take some time to finish for a beginner because you have to sew a lot using your sewing machine. You can add some accessories to the doll.
17. American Girl Doll Sundress
A sundress is a chic attire that a doll should put on. However, you will have to make a bodice attach some straps, so better prepare your sewing machine. The hardest part of the design is creating the bodice of the dress. After you are done with that, the other steps can be done quickly.
18. DIY 1950s INSPIRED AMERICAN GIRL DOLL DRESS!
This 1950s-inspired American Girl doll will make you feel nostalgic for a while. Although the design is classic, it remains fashionable and sophisticated. It is also ideal for beginners since you only have to cut the pattern and sew them together. Also, you will enjoy adding accessories like a belt with a buckle.
19. Basic Pants Pattern
A doll’s wardrobe won’t be completed without pants on it. Whether you want to sew a pair of pajamas or casual pants, the pattern is suitable for both. If you want to save more time, you can create multiple pants simultaneously. Prepare the fleece, thread, elastic, and sewing essentials so you can begin.
20. Cute Bunny Outfit for Easter
If your daughter wants to style her doll’s clothes, you can make this cute bunny outfit for Easter together! You can turn a simple dress into a bunny outfit by putting on handmade pompoms and adding ribbons. Your daughter will also love creating bunny’s ears using a glittery foam board.
21. Dolly Underwear
Simple but cute, these dolly underwear is a must-try! There are varieties of colors that you can choose from. Also, you can add any designs that you want. But don’t forget to get the measurement of the doll’s waist and legs. Make an allowance for the undies so they will perfectly fit.
22. American Girl Doll Ruffle Shirt
You can make an American Girl doll ruffle shirt with a wide strip of fabric and a bodice pattern. It will only require simple sewing, so beginners are encouraged to try this project. You can also pick different designs for the fabric. Also, produce more ruffle shirts for the doll’s casual attire.
23. Hospital Gown and wrist band for American Girl doll
If your daughter loves to play “doctor,” then you should try sewing a hospital gown and wristband. She would surely enjoy playing with her doll. Several pattern pieces are included, so you don’t have to worry about the measurements. This project is so easy to execute that you can finish it in no time.
24. American Girl Doll Tee Shirt
This American Girl doll tee shirt is a simple yet adorable everyday attire. You can partner it with skirts, leggings, or pants. With only five pattern pieces, you can create this outfit. You can also customize it by sewing up some appliques and adding accessories. You will love this project and you will enjoy making more tee shirts.
25. Elastic-Waist Skirt
Your daughter’s doll can wear this elastic-waist skirt on lazy days. Creating this outfit won’t take too much of your time. Aside from that, you can make it out of a single width of fabric. You are also free to style up the ribbon on the hem to get a clean yet creative finish. The elastic band makes the skirt easy to put on the doll.
26. Red Gingham Bow Back Dress
Sexy and adorable, this dress is something you want your American Girl doll to have. Sewing the back of the dress may be a little complicated. Yet, it would be best if you didn’t mind pouring out your time and effort into this project. The clothing is trendy, and it is wearable in any season.
27. Doll Brownie Vest
Up for some adventure? This doll brownie vest will surely give an adventure vibe to your doll! Only a few stitches are needed, and you can also add some logo so that it may look like a Girl Scout’s uniform. It only has a one-piece pattern with shoulder seams to guide you.
28. Tank Top and Shorts
If you want easy-to-make everyday attire, you can try this tank top and a pair of shorts. It will only take you less than an hour to complete the outfit. The good news is, you don’t have to spend on fabric because you can wear your old clothes. This attire is also the perfect project for beginners who have little or no experience in sewing.
29. Harry Potter Robe for American Girl doll
Is your daughter a fan of Harry Potter movies? If yes, you can surprise her with this Harry Potter Robe for her American Girl doll. You can choose a color lining that will represent the house color. There are 14 pieces that you have to cut out and assemble. It may seem tiring, but it is a project that will satisfy you!
30. DIY Skater Skirt
A skater skirt will never get out of style, especially when an American Girl doll wears it. Although you may sew a lot, you will enjoy doing the project because of the easy pattern. You can also do a lot of skater skirts so that you can choose what design you want the doll to wear each day.
31. Tutu Dress for American Girl doll
Your daughter will enjoy practicing ballet if her doll wears this tutu dress. Also, you can let your daughter choose the tulle color to fit her doll for fun. As you do the project, your patience will be tested as you are trying to have a clean finished edge. However, keep going since it will have a fantastic result.
Summary
You don’t have to spend your money on expensive American Girl doll outfits. Instead, you can create attires with these 31 DIY American Girl doll clothing ideas. It will not only help you save your money. But you will also have the freedom to customize and add more creative designs.
Jessica Oliver is a fashion enthusiast with more than ten years of experience in the industry. She previously managed her own clothing store in New York before becoming a mother of three. With a passion for sustainability and a desire to share clothing care and recycling tips.