L&P 1041: Slim Skirts / Denim and Pencil Skirt Pattern for 18 inch dolls such as American Girl — mix-and-match doll wardrobe basics

If you love mix-and-match separates, you'll love this collection of super-adaptable slender skirts for 18" dolls. Each of the three perfectly realized styles in this pattern comes in two lengths: either a trendy mid-thigh cut or a classic ­— and always flattering — just-above-the-knee length.

Our ultra-realistic DENIM SKIRT features working hip pockets, rear patch pockets, a front fly closure, a shaped waistband with belt loops, and classic topstitching on all visible seams. We carefully drafted and tested the cut of our waistband, which fastens with a simple Velcro™ closure and fits snugly around an 18" doll's curves while she stands — AND while she sits — without any bulky elastic.

Our PENCIL SKIRT shares the neat profile and curve-hugging waistband of our denim skirt, without any of the time-consuming pockets or belt loops. The center back opening closes with Velcro™, applied using a simple new technique. Small darts on the back panels form that perfect pencil skirt silhouette, while our list of suggested fabrics allows you to take your doll's style from professional to sporty, preppy to edgy, or trendy to glam with very little effort at all.

A style so cool it was trendy in the '50s on schoolgirl kilts, trendy in the '80s on New Wave rockers, and trendy today in fashion magazines everywhere, our PENCIL SKIRT WITH ASYMMETRIC FRONT PANEL is a complicated looking (but really easy) variation on our basic pencil skirt. Try it in traditional twills or tweeds, set off with a neat buckle — or take an edgier tack with faux leather or distressed fabrics and alternative fasteners, like a brooch or tiny "punk" safety pins.

The Pencil Skirt is rated EASY for the simple seams and limited construction steps. The Denim Skirt and Pencil Skirt with Asymmetric Front Panel are rated EASY/INTERMEDIATE for the hip pocket, patch pocket, belt loop and buckle strap applications. Even beginners should give these skirts a try as our new construction method allows you to work on the skirts completely FLAT right up to the final steps. And as usual, Lee & Pearl's photo-illustrated directions and computer-drafted, guaranteed-to-fit-together pattern pieces make each step as easy as possible.

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MATERIALS:

For the DENIM SKIRT:

1/4 yard light- to medium-weight woven fabric such as sturdy quilting cotton, denim or twill*

* This pattern works best in lighter-weight denim or denim-like material rather than the heavyweight denim used in blue jeans. If you are looking for garments to up-cycle into fabric for this pattern, consider the denim from a work shirt rather than from work pants. This pattern was designed to fit using non-stretch denim, but we have successfully tested it with 2% Spandex stretch denim as well.

5" high x 14" wide piece of lining fabric (or any lightweight woven fabric — we used quilting cotton in our example) for waist facing and pocket lining

Hook-and-loop fastener (such as Velcro™)

Small button

Matching thread — or contrasting thread for authentic denim topstitching

For the PENCIL SKIRT:

1/4 yard of light- to medium-weight woven fabric, such as denim, twill, corduroy, wool or wool-blends, silk, velveteen, brocade, faux leather or suede

3" high x 12" wide piece of lining fabric (or any lightweight woven fabric — we used quilting cotton in our example) for waist facing

Hook-and-loop fastener (such as Velcro™)

Matching thread

For the PENCIL SKIRT WITH ASYMMETRIC FRONT PANEL, add to the Pencil Skirt Materials:

An additional 6" high x 6" wide piece of lining fabric

1/2" slider buckle (1/2" is the width of the center bar)

For a super-easy version, use 2/3 yard of 1/4"–1/2" ribbon instead of a buckle, or omit the side fastener entirely and clip on a tiny kilt pin, brooch — or punk-appropriate safety pins!

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The LEOTARDS and UNITARDS are dolls are wearing in the pictures were made using Lee & Pearl Pattern #1051: Ballet Basics for 18" Dolls, available in our Etsy store at https://www.etsy.com/listing/221288152/lp-pattern-1051-ballet-basics-leotard?

The JACKET our doll is wearing in the third picture was made using Lee & Pearl Pattern #1943: Molly Waves Goodbye, available in our Etsy store at https://www.etsy.com/listing/167296786/lp-pattern-1943-molly-waves-goodbye

To see our other patterns, visit the PATTERNS section of our Etsy store at https://www.etsy.com/shop/leeandpearl?section_id=15862176&ref=shopsection_leftnav_1

To see our selection of Fabric & Trim Kits, visit the FABRIC & TRIM KITS section of our Etsy store at https://www.etsy.com/shop/leeandpearl?section_id=15860795&ref=shopsection_leftnav_2

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This pattern will be delivered as an instant download. After purchasing, you will receive a link to a PDF copy of the file. No paper copy will be mailed.

This pattern may be printed solely by the original purchaser. It may not be duplicated, redistributed, posted or resold without prior authorization from Lee & Pearl™. If you use this pattern to make items to sell yourself, we ask that you give Lee & Pearl™ design credit in the description of those items. Thank you!

Lee & Pearl™ is not affiliated with Mattel, American Girl® or any other company or organization.