Things You'll Need
Instructions
Measure the doll. Get the exact dimensions for the bust, waist, dress length, hip and underbust of the doll.
Match the size of the dress with the largest measurement of the doll, and scale your other measurements down on your pattern size. Some American Girl doll dress patterns come with alteration guides on the pattern piece.
Cut the pattern pieces from the paper. Pin these to your dress fabric. Follow the printed arrows for pattern placement.
Transfer the markings on your pattern pieces to your fabric. Cut the fabric to get all the pieces for the dress. Make sure to note which pieces need to be cut in one or two layers as well as which ones should be cut while against a fold line.
Remove the pattern pieces from the fabric and sew the fabric pieces together, while taking note of the directions of the pattern. Stitch the shoulder part of the pieces of the back and bodice together. Sew on the sleeves. Sew the side seams.
Stitch the dress skirt pieces together starting from the sides. Stitch the skirt waistline to the body piece's waistline.
Hem the raw edges of the sleeves and the skirt bottom, while turning its edges under and stitching them to create flat lines. Finish the rest of the seam allowances as desired.