I started sewing girl’s skirts into doll clothes because I was looking for a quick project (like #5).  Suddenly I was not only shopping for my daughter in the toddler section but looking for skirts to alter for dolls (like #1).  Did you know that they sell skirts especially for Valentines, the 4th of July and Halloween? Those adorable skirts found their way into my sewing stash to be repurposed into doll dresses (like #2, #4,& #7).   Now I have a hard time passing up a skirt that has fantastic details (like #3 and #6).  Maybe this started as a shortcut but it has become a favorite challenge!  New ideas and variations come with each skirt I set out to repurpose.  This has resulted in 9 different projects!

These sewing projects remain the most popular projects on my blog.  They span the last 2 years so I decided to gather them in one place.  I also collected a few details about each project to make it easier for you to find what you are looking for and keep track of these easy and fun projects.  I have included fun facts like the cost of the project and the size of the skirt used.  I used skirts from size 0/3 month to a girl’s 10/12.  The size I used is not necessarily important for that specific project.  It’s more important to hold the skirt up to a doll and to see if the project you have in mind will work for that skirt.

There are so many reasons repurposing girl’s clothes makes amazing doll clothes.  I have come to love using the cute colors, fabrics, and details found on girl’s skirts and transform them for dolls!  As far as shortcuts go these are quick projects but they don’t disappoint with all the details and loveliness of the finished doll outfits!

1. Purple Ruffle Dress

• The tutorial is here.
• Cost- $5 from Walmart. Can be made into 2 dresses.
• Size- 3T
• Shows how to add a quick sleeve
• Touches on what kind of skirts make awesome doll dresses.

This has been very popular lately.  It is my basic doll dress from a skirt but I show how to make a super simple sleeve.  This sleeve finishes it off so quick and easy!

2. Slim Black Dress

• The tutorial is here.
• Cost-Less than $5 at Walmart.  Can be made into 2 dresses.
• Size- 3T
• Uses a variation of the sleeve in #1.

This is basically the same dress as #1 only with a small variation on the sleeve.  It looks so different because it is a plain skirt with no ruffles.  A great example of how you can use the same basic method and have a unique look!

3. Ruffle Trimmed Skirt

• The tutorial is here.
• Cost- $3 This skirt is a thrift store find.  Can be made into several doll skirts.
• Size-10/12
• Includes detailed instructions to make an elastic band skirt from a girl’s skirt or out of fabric yardage.
• There are great tips for sewing for 18″ dolls.

All of the measurements are included so this tutorial will work whether you are sewing with a girl’s skirt or using fabric yardage.  Little details like the ruffle trim on the girl’s skirt make this doll skirt look so classy and fun!

4. Patriotic Dress-1st Dress from a Skirt

• The tutorial is here.
• Cost- $5 from Walmart. Can be made into 2 dresses.
• Size- 24mo
• Detailed instructions to make your own doll dress from a girl’s skirt.
• For a simple sleeve sew the elastic right to the fabric.

Yep this little dress was the first girl’s skirt I made into a doll dress and inspired other variations.  The tutorial takes you step by step through the process of sewing a doll dress from a skirt.  If you try any of the variations you will want to check out this tutorial first.

5. Pink Cutie- 1st Skirt from a Skirt

• The tutorial is here.
• Cost- Thrift store find for $.50.
• Size-0-3mo
• With a quick alteration transform this little skirt to fit dolls!

Speaking of firsts, this was the very first girl’s skirt project.  #4 was the first girl’s skirt into a doll dress, and this came way before, resizing a girl’s skirt to make a doll skirt!  Seriously the quickest project.  Picking a small baby size is the secret to this fun skirt!

6. Pink Princess

• The tutorial is here.
• Cost-Thrifted for $3
• Size-0-3 mo
• An elastic band skirt made from the entire skirt of the baby dress.

This is another elastic band skirt.  It is so flouncy and full because it is made from a circle skirt.

7. Black and Orange

• The tutorial is here.
• Cost- Under $5
• Size- 18 mo
• Keep the two layers together for a quick project.

The neckline shows a strip of the liner.  By removing the elastic and keeping the two layers attached this project goes really fast.  Use a thin elastic chord at the waist to give the dress more shape.

8. Purple Skirt

• The tutorial is here.
• Cost-$2-$3 from the thrift store.
• Size-I think it was about 12- 18 mo
• Resize the original skirt and waistband for dolls.

Covers how to sew the two layers of the skirt separately at the side seam for a nice finish.

9. Pink Tutu

• The tutorial is here.
• Cost-$1
• Size-One size fits all.
• Resize a girl’s tutu or make one from scratch.

For this project I had 2 simple tutu’s and wanted to resize one for dolls.  It was a quick and simple way to make matching girl/doll tutu’s.  If you would like to make one from scratch the instructions are also included.

There you have it, 9 girl’s skirts made into 9 outfits for dolls!  So many possibilities and a variety of looks!  Whip one out today or Pin It for later!

-Anna