How to Sew Simple Mittens for an 18-inch Doll

Mittens are an essential winter fashion accessory for dolls! 

This easy-to-follow tutorial will show you how to create cute and stylish flannel or fleece mittens to keep an 18" doll's hands warm. 

These flannel or fleece mittens for an 18-inch doll are quick to sew and look adorable when finished. We've also provided a FREE printable PDF sewing pattern for the doll mittens at the bottom of this page.

Once you print the pattern, choose a pretty and fun flannel or fleece fabric print—leftover scrap fabric works great—and add a bit of elastic for a snug fit.

These mittens are suitable for 18" dolls such as American Girl Doll, Our Generation, Journey, Playtime by Emmie, My Life As, and New Adventures Styles dolls.

Buying doll clothing and accessories can get expensive, but crafting your own accessories using scrap fabric is a cost-effective and creative solution.  It also allows you to personalize your doll's wardrobe. 

Once you've finished the mittens, why not complete the set with a matching scarf and hat? 

Beyond mittens, you can create skirts, totes, phones, headbands, spa eye covers, and much more at home. Our site offers many FREE doll clothes and accessory patterns.

For detailed instructions on making mittens for an 18" doll, watch our video tutorial or follow the step-by-step photo tutorial below.

WHAT YOU NEED to sew mittens for an 18" doll

• Printable PDF mitten pattern - Available at the end of this tutorial. Scroll past my signature.
• 1/4" wide Elastic 
• Fleece or flannel
• Ironing Board
• Iron
• Scissors
• Sewing Machine

INSTRUCTIONS to make 18-inch doll mittens

STEP 1: Cut out the mittens

Start by downloading and printing the doll mitten pattern. Once printed, cut out the mitten pattern piece from the paper.

Next, place two pieces of fleece or flannel fabric with the wrong sides facing each other. 

Pin the paper mitten pattern onto the fabric and cut around the shape of the pattern to create your first mitten pieces.  Repeat this step to cut out the fabric for the second mitten.

Step 2: Partially sew the two sides together

Take one set of mitten pieces and place them right sides together, lining up the raw edges. Using a 1/4" seam allowance, sew from the bottom edge of the mitten on the side without the thumb, stopping partway up the side. Remember to backstitch at the start and end. This partial seam will allow you to easily hem and add elastic to the mitten.

Step 3: Iron the doll mitten

For the next step, take the mitten to the ironing board and iron the seam flat to one side.

Next, fold the bottom edge of the mitten up by 1/4" and press well to create a neat hem. 

Take the mitten back to the sewing machine and sew along the entire bottom edge of the mitten to secure the hem.

Step 4: Sew the elastic on the cuff of the mitten

Next, you'll attach the elastic to the mitten. Cut a piece of elastic 4 1/4" long to use on each mitten.

Place the elastic 3/4" up from the bottom edge of the mitten on the wrong side.

Secure the elastic by backstitching at the start, then pulling on it as you sew, keeping the fabric flat and taut.

You may need to gently pull and guide the fabric from behind the presser foot as you sew.

Keep pulling the elastic as you sew it onto the mitten. Backstitch again at the end of the elastic to secure it.

Step 5: finish sewing the mitten

Finally, place the mitten pieces with right sides together and pin the unsewn portion. Using a 1/4" seam allowance, sew around the rest of the mitten pieces, paying close attention to the thumb area.

Be sure to sew slowly around the thumb area, using the needle-down position, lifting your presser foot, and turning the fabric when necessary to make the thumb stitches.Don't forget to backstitch at the beginning and end of the stitching.

With a scissor, carefully clip between the thumb and fingers, taking care not to snip into your stitching. Trim the seam allowance around the thumb closer to the stitches to remove some of the fabric bulk.

Turn the mitten right side out and admire your work! You've completed the first mitten for the 18-inch doll. Repeat the steps again to make the second mitten for a perfect pair. Your 18-inch doll is now ready for colder weather with these adorable, cozy mitten accessories!

I hope you enjoyed learning how to sew mittens for an 18" doll. Scroll down past the links to find the link to the free pattern!

Check out our free patterns below so you can sew a matching scarf and hat to complete the look.

more 18" doll accessories

• Fleece Hat
• Fleece Poncho - No Sewing Required
• Spa Eye Mask
• Doll Braided Headband