Remember a couple of weeks ago, Peggy showed us how to make a pair of underpants from the top part of a ladies sock? Well today Peggy is going to show us how to make a top for your doll using the bottom of that same sock so you can end up with a cute two piece bathing suit or underwear set for your doll.
1. Cut a tube piece about 2-3 inches long from the middle of the foot portion of the sock.
2. Use fold over elastic to encase the top and bottom edges and pin in place. Zigzag elastic to sock.
3. Make 2 straps by folding the elastic in half and attaching them to the top edge of your top. We now have a two piece bathing suit, front and…
4. back views
Thanks Peggy for sharing this wonderful tip with us all.
Peggy also says, ‘It is possible to open the back and put velcro on it to close again, especially if the sock tube is loose enough to have the extra fabric to fold under. For this doll the tube was snug and it would have been challenging to have enough to close properly again with velcro.’
A one piece bathing suit could also be made using Peggy’s tip to make underpants from the last blog but bring the top of the sock up till it is under the armpits (instead of the waist or hips). Then add the straps as she has here.
Peggy says she has ‘also made panties with the leftover foot pieces of sock and added elastic to the waist. The possibilities are endless when using socks, and when you end up with a sock that has mysteriously lost its mate, you can still make use of the remaining one for the doll. I am sure there are plenty of other things to do with them if I play with it long enough.’
Peggy’s last paragraph in her email to me made me laugh and I just had to share it with you all.
‘The best thing about sewing doll clothes is that you can so easily recycle used clothing and make some great outfits. I spend a lot of money at second hand stores and find all sorts of great deals and then make some really interesting outfits. The other thing I like about making doll clothes is that the dolls don’t grow out of them and if a seam is itchy or something, they aren’t going to complain.’
Thanks again Peggy, I’m sure everyone has enjoyed your tutorials.
Remember, if you would like to know more about making doll clothes the easy way, please visit my How to Make Doll Clothes Video Course page.
Happy Sewing
By Rosie Saw
Peggy is one clever, inventive lady..thank you for the great ideas. Cheers.
Hi Rosie & all my new sewing friends,
I will be heading home to Canada and my sewing machine in a couple of weeks. While I have been away for the past 3 1/2 months I have been browsing for inspiration on the internet and have some possible new ideas. I will need to get home to try them out and see if they work. Then I will share. My biggest and so far most exciting find were the “belts” I found in the pet collar department of the dollar store. I was so pleased with them that I went out and bought an 18″ doll just to make sure they worked the way I had imagined. I am definitely pleased with them. I can’t wait to make up some great new outfits and accessorize them with the belts. I will be sure to send some photos when I have a few completed. I think a long tube (knee sock) dress accessorized with a jazzy belt might be a definite possibility. I am anxious to try it out.
I did spend part of the winter trying to teach myself to crochet. Boy, do I have a lot to learn! I may take crochet and knitting lessons when I am home so I can be more productive next winter. However, I do have to focus on getting my granddaughters up to speed with their sewing skills. If I don’t get to my lessons when I am home I will look for someplace to learn next winter when I am back here in Florida.
Happy sewing, everyone!
Peggy