Over the weekend I sewed up something girly and sweet.  Something I knew my daughter would love for her dolls.

I am still sewing up different looks using the Banded Dolman Shirt pattern. (It’s available for free here.)

I love sewing variations to patterns and I was busy at the sewing table over the weekend, figuring out what variations I still want to share.  The dolman style of shirt has a lot of trendy variations right now, so I hope you enjoy and make use of the pattern and try a different look or variation.  (Here is what I’ve made so far with the Banded Dolman Shirt pattern, if you missed it, the Pattern Download, Dolman Dress (Connecting a skirt to the shirt pattern), Sweet Sweater (Using sweater fabric) and Polka Dots (Talking about changing the look with using different fabrics).

Today’s dress is a different look using the same technique as we did with the Dolman Dress from a few weeks ago.

It is sewn up in a similar way but the look is different because you use pre-ruffled fabric.

Using a different fabric on the top and bottom gives the look that the outfit is a separate shirt and skirt.  The super stretchy knit ruffles still makes the dress easy on and off.

Let’s go over the details if you want to get the same look.

First, sew the Banded Dolman Shirt minus the waistband.  We will add the skirt to the shirt in a similar way that we add the waistband, so refer to the pattern and coordinating sections for more help and details.  You may also find the first Dolman Dress tutorial helpful (Find it here).

For the skirt cut a piece of pre-ruffled stretch knit fabric (or any other textured stretch knit fabric.)  Remember all fabric for this pattern needs to be a 4-way stretch with 50% stretch.  I go over this in great detail in the PDF pattern and sewing guide download.  (Get the pattern here.)

Unlike the previous version of the Dolman Dress, we only need one layer of fabric for the skirt (instead of it being folded with essentially two layers.)  Folding the ruffled fabric in half would make the skirt too bulky.

Cut a piece 13″ long and 6″ wide.  The 6″ length puts the skirt at mid calf.  I wanted a little extra fabric to play with and adjust the length of the skirt.  If you want a different length you can trim the length after the skirt is finished or you can simply measure the length of skirt you want and add 1/4″ for the seam allowance.

Fold the fabric in half with the short cut edges matching up.  Make sure all the ruffles are straight, laying the right direction and the two ends of each row of ruffles lined up.  Pin and sew along the side.

Turn the seam to the center back.  With right sides together place the dolman shirt (minus the waistband) into the fabric tube skirt.  Pin and sew the two together.  Like I said before if you need more help evenly lining up the two edges for this step refer to the pattern (It’s the same as adding the waistband) and the other Dolman Dress tutorial.

Turn the skirt to the right side and the dress is nearly finished.

Try the dress on your doll to decided if you are happy with the length of the skirt.  I like to style the outfit by pulling up the waistline and letting the shirt blouse a little.  This shortens the skirt, so I wanted to start long and trim the extra off.   I ended up trimming off two rows of ruffles for a knee length skirt.  Since we are working with a stretch knit there is no need to hem the skirt because it won’t fray and with the ruffles the edge is hidden!

To accessorize the dress with a belt I used a piece of sparkly ribbon with elastic connecting it in the back.  That way it is easy on and off.  You could also make it with a velcro closure.

What a fun outfit that came together so quick!  I am a sucker for quick and easy projects, they are my favorite!

Once again depending on the colors and fabric you use, the look is so different!

I would love to see your projects sewn with the Banded Dolman Shirt pattern.  Share what you make with other readers by sending your pictures to anna@doll-it-up.com and put Reader Photos in the subject line.  I am working on a page to share the wonderful ongoing Banded Dolman Shirt pattern projects you share!

Stay tuned for at least 2 more pattern hacks using the Banded Dolman Shirt pattern in the next few weeks!  I have some really exciting ideas to share!

Here’s the scoop about today’s post.

• Doll– Samantha is a Beforever American Girl doll.
• Outfit– Hat is from the Little Lady Dress set from American Girl.  Boots are from Saige’s meet outfit.  Gold flower on hat is a headband and the instructions are here.

Happy Sewing!

-Anna