How to Sew an Apron for an 18-inch Doll (Free Pattern)

Do you have an 18-inch doll who needs fun clothing and accessories? These step-by-step instructions show how to make a doll's apron that can double as an art smock!

18-inch dolls are very popular with kids and tweens, yet these dolls have very expensive clothing and accessories that cost an exuberant amount of money to purchase at the store.

To combat the rising costs of these fun and expressive items for the 18-inch dolls, make them yourself. Handmade clothing offers a wonderful opportunity to customize the clothes to the child's liking. There is so much room for creativity here!

Enjoy this free pattern to make a stylish apron for your doll's kitchen accessories.

Learn more about making a doll apron by watching our video at the link below, or keep reading this post for a full-color step-by-step tutorial.

WHAT YOU NEED to make a full bib apron for an 18-inch doll

• Two pieces of fabric
• 4 pieces of 12-inch ribbon, 3/8-5/8" wide
• Rotary cutter and mat or scissors
• Paper 4-1/4 x 8-1/2"
• Pencil
• Ruler
• Pins
• Iron
• Ironing board
• Wooden turning stick such as a chopstick

Which dolls will this apron fit?

18-inch doll patterns will fit dolls like American Girl, Our Generation, Journey, Playtime by Emmie, My Life As, and New Adventures Styles dolls.

INSTRUCTIONS to make a stylish apron for an 18-inch doll

STEP 1: Make the apron pattern

The free pattern must be made with the 4-1/4 x 8-1/2" piece of paper and pencil following these directions.

Lay the paper on the work surface in a vertical position. Using a ruler or other measuring tool, measure 2" from the left of the top edge and make a mark.

Now measure down 3" from the top along the left side and make another mark.  Make a gentle curve between the two marks, forming the apron's bib.

On the right-hand side of the paper, write "Place on fold."  This will be the center of the apron.

Carefully cut around the pattern and cut out the curved piece of the apron pattern that was just drawn with the pencil. Do not cut on the fold line.

Step 2: Cut the apron pieces using the free pattern

The two pieces of fabric can be the same, or the apron can be made reversible using two different coordinating fabrics.

Fold one piece of the fabric in half lengthwise with the wrong sides together.

Place the pattern with the edge marked "place on fold" on the folded edge of the fabric. Pin the paper pattern to the fabric so it doesn't move while cutting.

Cut along the pattern lines. Do not cut along the side with the fold. Use the pattern to cut both pieces of fabric.

There will be one fabric for the front and one for the reverse side of the apron.

Step 3: Prepare the apron ties

The ribbons will be used for the waist ties and the neckties of the apron. Take the four 12" ribbons for the ties.

Begin by pinning the two ribbons for the neckties.

Place one piece of fabric right side up on the work surface.

Use the ruler to measure in 3/8" from each top corner. Lay one ribbon on the fabric and pin one end of the ribbon at the 3/8" mark.

Do the same for the other side.

Next, the waist ties will be pinned in place. Measure 3/8" down from the bottom of the curve on each side. Lay a ribbon on the fabric and pin one end of the ribbon 3/8" down.

Do the same for the other waist tie.

To keep the ribbons from getting caught in the stitching, place the lengths of the ribbons in the middle of the fabric piece and secure them with a pin or two.

Step 4: sew the front and the back of the apron together

Take the other piece of fabric with the right side down and lay it on top of the fabric with the ribbons. The two fabrics are right sides together. Pin all around the edges to join the fabrics.

Next, take the project to the sewing machine. Begin stitching around the edge of the apron with a 1/4" seam allowance, and leave a 3" opening at the bottom of the apron to turn it right side out.

Be sure to backtack at the beginning and end of the stitching.

When the needle is at a corner, use the needle down position or turn the wheel so the needle is down in the fabric.  This makes it easier to turn at the corners.

Be sure not to stitch over any pins. When the stitching is complete, clip the fabric corners of the apron, making sure not to cut into the stitching.

Step 5: Turn and iron the stylish apron

Take the project to the ironing board. Begin to turn the apron right side out through the 3" opening that was left in the bottom.

Using a wooden stick such as a chopstick, turn the apron right side out and push out the corners with the wooden stick.

Press the apron with the iron, ensuring that the opening is turned in to be stitched closed with a topstitch.

Ironing any sewing project is essential to crisp edges.

Step 6: top stitch the apron

Take the apron back to the sewing machine and top stitch about 1/8" from the edge. Remember to use the needle down position when turning corners. Also, be sure to close the 3" opening at the bottom of the apron with the top stitching.

The apron or art smock is now finished! The 18" doll can wear her apron with either of the fabrics to the front, making this a reversible accessory. Place the apron on the front of the doll and turn it over to tie the waist and neck ties.

other 18" doll accessories to sew

• 18" Doll Simple Skirt
• 18" Doll Tote Bag
• Doll Purse for 18" Doll