Today, we're going to show you how to upcycle one of your unwanted sweaters into an adorable sweater vest for 18" dolls like American Girl and Our Generation dolls.
All you need is your old sweater and some basic sewing supplies you probably already have to make this project.
We've got you covered with the instructions and a free PDF pattern to make your own preppy sweater vest for your doll.
Click here to grab the Free Sweater Vest PDF sewing pattern now.
For this project, (in addition to the pattern) you will need the following:
- 1/4 yard knit fabric or an old sweater with ribbing
- 1/8” ribbing (if not using a recycled sweater with ribbing)
- 4 1/2” hook and loop tape (Velcro®), 1/4” wide
The seam allowance is 1/4" unless otherwise instructed and we suggest you use a medium weight fabric without too much stretch. Also, we used white thread in the pictures for demo purposes, but you'll want to use a matching thread for your project.
Here's how your finished product will look:
Let's get started!
Step 1: Bring front and back shoulders, right sides together and stitch.
Step 2: Fold bottom band lengthwise evenly and press. Do the same with the armhole and neck band.
Step 3: Unfold neck band and place them right sides together. Stitch on the”V” side.
Step 4: Open seams and fold right side out. This should form a V.
Step 5: With right sides together, pin the V on the center front of the vest.
Step 6: Pin the rest of the neck band onto the neckline. There will be a 1/2” on each center back that the neck band is not pinned to. Stitch.
Step 7: Pin the raw edge of the armhole band on the armsyce, right sides together. Stitch in place.
Step 8: Bring front and back sides seams, right sides together and stitch.
Step 9: Pin the raw edge of the bottom band to the hem of the vest. Stitch in place.
Step 10: Fold and press 1/2” inwards on both the center back.
Step 11: On the wearer’s left side, place the loop tape on the wrong side of the folded center back. Stitch the edges of the tape to secure.
Step 12: On the wearer’s right side, place the hook part of the tape to the correct side of the folded center back. Stitch the edges of the tape to secure.
You're done!
Don't forget to grab the free Sweater Vest sewing pattern by filling out the form at the top of this post, or click here to go to the free listing!