Pleated Twist Strapless Dress– Free Doll Dress Sewing Pattern

Sometimes a design starts as “just playing around”… and turns into something that deserves its own spotlight ✨

The Pleated Twirl Strapless was inspired by experimenting with my previous sweetheart neckline design. I loved the pleated skirt detail so much that I decided this version needed to become its own pattern.

The stitched pleats give the skirt shape and structure while still allowing movement. It’s playful, polished, and beginner-friendly.

You can dress it up with lace for a soft boutique look or keep it modern and minimal. Add a tiny bow or decorative buttons for extra charm 💕

This pattern is designed for 18” dolls and includes step-by-step instructions to guide you through each stage.

If you love doll fashion that feels timeless but fun, this one is for you.

🎁Free Printable patterns at the bottom of the page!

Video Tutorial

Materials Needed

• Fabric for the dress (lightweight cotton, quilting cotton, or similar)

• Lining fabric for the bodice

• Coordinating thread

• Erasable fabric marker or fabric pencil

• Pins or sewing clips

• Scissors or rotary cutter

• Sewing machine

• Iron and ironing board

Optional Decorations

• Ribbon, lace, or trims

• Small bow or embellishments

Closure Options

• Hook-and-loop tape (Velcro)

• OR small snaps

Pattern pieces.

🪡 Cutting Guide

Cut:

• 1 Bodice (main fabric)

• 1 Bodice Lining

• 1 Skirt

✂️ Sewing Instructions

Step 1 – Sew the Bodice

Trace the stitching line onto fabric.

Fold bottom of the front seam allowance up, Pin.

Stitch along the traced line.

Trim seam allowance to reduce bulk, Clip curves carefully.

Turn right side out and press neatly.

Step 2 – Prepare the Skirt

Use the pattern as a guide, Press the hem seam allowance.

Press along each pleat line following pattern markings

Press along each pleat line following pattern markings

Mark the back opening.

Mark the back opening.

Step 3 – Sew Back Seam

Place skirt right sides together

Stitch the back seam

Step 4 – Finish Back Opening

Fold seam allowance inward along back opening.

Pin

Stitch in place.

Step 5 – Hem the Skirt

Stitch the bottom hem in place.

Step 6 – Create Pleat Channels

Starting from the top edge of the skirt, stitch 1/4” away from each pressed pleat line.

Repeat for all pleats.

Step 7 – Gather the Skirt

Sew a gathering stitch along the top edge of the skirt.

Step 8 – Secure Pleats

Match pleat markings carefully.

Pin in place.

Stitch up and down along each pleat line to secure.

Step 9 – Attach Skirt to Bodice

 Pin wrong side of the skirt to bodice lining.

Adjust gathers evenly.

Stitch in place.

Step 10 – Remove Gathering Threads

Carefully remove visible gathering stitches.

Step 11 – Add Lace (Optional)

Insert lace along the bottom edge of the bodice, pin.

Step 12 – Final Finish

Stitch the bottom edge of the bodice.

Optional: Edge stitch along the bodice edge for a professional finish.

Step 14 – Add closure

Add hook & loop or snaps for closure

Step 14 – Decorative Detail (Optional)

Add a small bow or decorative buttons to the skirt or front bodice for a playful finish.

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You also can use my sweet heart neckline pattern for the bodice part ☺️

I hope you enjoyed this tutorial! See you in the next one—happy crafting!

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HB65 Doll Sewing Pleated Twist Strapless Dress 18" doll Free Printable pattern Here!

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Please feel free to use the patterns as you like and you don’t have to to give me any credit if you don’t want to, I just want to create patterns that are free and available for everyone, It’s will be my Honor if my creativity can be helpful to you in any way☺️

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