Feminine and flattering — the draped tiers on these sweet suits will put your 18" girls right on trend this beach season!

The graceful, fluttery tiers on our Halter Swimsuit wrap half way around your doll's body, ending at the side seams, while the slightly longer ruffles on the Halter Swimdress float freely all the way around, for a fetching baby-doll dress effect.

The pretty tiers offer loads of design flexibility: use coordinating colors for a modern, sophisticated look — or let your imagination run wild with vibrant contrasting colors and accent fabrics like sparkle or holographic dance lycra, stretch lace and stretch mesh. You can leave the tiers unfinished, finish them with a decorative rotary cutter, or apply a rolled or lettuce-edge hem. You can even leave off the drape tiers entirely to make a super-easy, super-sporty halter tank suit!

Both the swimsuit and the swimdress feature neckline elastic that extends into back straps. Tie the straps behind your doll's neck for a beachy-casual halter look, or cross them in back and attach the ends at the side seams for a sleek, athletic look. It's your choice: we have included directions for both styles.

These suits feature pretty — and sturdy — fold over elastic edges. If you've never used fold over elastic before, don't worry: our photo-illustrated directions will guide you through an easy two-step method to apply it smoothly.

Here's big news if you don't have a serger or have been nervous about sewing spandex-containing swimsuit fabric: as an added bonus, we've included our NO SERGER? NO PROBLEM directions right in this pattern. Yes, you can sew swimsuits like these on a regular sewing machine!

DO YOU LIKE THE FRINGED SUITS in our pictures? Download the FREE fringe-cutting template from our website at http://www.leeandpearl.com/2015_05_newsletter.html#tweak_fringed

The Halter Swimsuit with Tiered Drape and the Halter Swimdress are rated INTERMEDIATE for multiple layers of slippery fabrics and some hand basting. As usual, Lee & Pearl's photo-illustrated directions and computer-drafted, guaranteed-to-fit-together pattern pieces make each step as easy as possible.

***

MATERIALS:

1/4 – 1/3 yard swimsuit fabric or other 4-way stretch fabric*

1 1/2 yards fold over elastic (either 5/8" or 3/4" works best)

Matching thread (to match both the fabric and the fold over elastic)

* 4-way stretch fabrics, which typically include spandex, lycra or elastane, stretch not only from side to side, but also lengthwise. Test any fabric before you buy it by stretching one corner: to be a 4-way stretch, the fabric must stretch both vertically and horizontally.

***

Sign up for our mailing list at www.leeandpearl.com, and you'll receive our newsletter full of free pattern tweaks, tutorials, crafts and printables. PLUS, you'll get the link for our annual members-only FREE PATTERN.

Starting in December 2018, that's Lee & Pearl Pattern 1038: The Gift Bow Front Dress for 18 Inch, 16 Inch and 14 1/2 Inch Dolls.

While scouting the fashion pages and runway reports for inspiration, our pattern designer was struck by one of the prettiest trends we’ve seen in a long time. You’ve probably noticed it too — all those soft ruffles and gathers, interesting pleats and seams, bows and motifs formed out of the fabric of the dress itself. It’s an organic kind of ornamentation, that allows over-the-top frills while still retaining the elegant restraint of a vintage couture gown.

Our Bow Front Dress explores this lovely trend with pleated raglan sleeves, a draped front panel and inverted center front pleats that mimic the look of a tied ribbon bow. Best of all, we designed this dress to be made from a single quarter yard or fat quarter of ordinary woven fabric — a dress designed around the use of pretty fabrics should allow you to use a wide variety of pretty fabrics!

Do not miss out on this pattern — join our mailing list today at www.leeandpearl.com.

Join the Lee & Pearl™ community: like us on Facebook (Lee & Pearl), follow us on Instagram (#leeandpearl), share us on Pinterest (www.pinterest.com/leeandpearl) and watch us on YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/c/leeandpearl).

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

***
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.