There’s something magical about handmade gifts, especially when they come wrapped in creativity and care. And when it comes to holiday gifting, sewing your Christmas-themed doll clothes is a charming, heartfelt way to bring joy to the little ones in your life. Whether you’re crafting outfits for an 18-inch doll, a beloved teddy bear, or a plush animal companion, starting early in July gives you the time and flexibility to make each piece special. Here’s how to get started—plus some inspiration from All About Fabrics to help you pick the perfect materials.
Why Start in July?
"Christmas in July" is more than a catchy theme—it’s a practical invitation to get a head start on the season. Handmade gifts take time, especially when customizing for different dolls or experimenting with fun patterns and trims. Starting now means you can enjoy the process without last-minute stress.
Plus, summer often brings lighter schedules and more crafting opportunities. You can even turn your sewing time into a creative summer break project for you and the kids!
Choosing the Right Fabrics
All About Fabrics offers an incredible variety of materials perfect for doll clothes:
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Cotton Prints: Easy to sew and available in endless holiday patterns like snowflakes, gingerbread men, and candy canes.
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Flannel: Soft and cozy—great for pajamas, robes, and winter dresses.
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Tulle and Satin: Add a festive flair with shiny skirts or layered dresses for a more formal holiday look.
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Faux Fur: Perfect for trim on Santa-style coats or boots.
Tip: Look for fabric remnants and fat quarter bundles—they're often the perfect size for small garments and a budget-friendly way to add variety.
Project Ideas
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Holiday Pajama Sets
Use red and green flannel or whimsical holiday prints to create doll-sized pajama tops and elastic waist pants. -
Santa and Elf Outfits
A red dress or coat with white faux fur trim makes an adorable Santa-inspired look. Use green felt or cotton for a cute elf tunic and leggings. -
Winter Accessories
Sew matching scarves, hats, or even mini stockings. A soft fleece scarf with fringe is a great beginner project. -
Holiday Dresses and Skirts
Combine cotton prints with tulle overlays for a sparkly party dress. Add ribbon belts or mini buttons for extra charm. -
Matching Doll and Child Aprons
Perfect for baking Christmas cookies together, these aprons can be made from festive fabric and tied with grosgrain ribbon.
Easy Patterns & Tips for Success
If you're new to sewing doll clothes, don’t worry—there are plenty of beginner-friendly patterns available online. Look for free downloads or low-cost printable PDFs specifically designed for 18-inch dolls.
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Always pre-wash your fabric to prevent shrinkage.
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Use pinking shears or finish your seams to avoid fraying.
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Choose simple closures like Velcro or snaps instead of tiny buttons.
Sewing Tip: Because doll clothes require small cuts, a rotary cutter and cutting mat make the process smoother and more precise.
Personalize the Gift
Take your handmade gift to the next level by creating a mini holiday wardrobe set:
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Package outfits in a decorated box or cloth bag.
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Include matching accessories (tiny purses, hair bows, or shoes).
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Add a handwritten note or a mini clothes hanger for display.
These small touches make your gift feel curated, thoughtful, and extra special.
Find Your Fabrics at All About Fabrics
Whether you're sewing one special outfit or a full holiday wardrobe for dolls, All About Fabrics has everything you need—cottons, flannels, trims, and festive prints, many in small cuts perfect for tiny fashions. With new seasonal fabrics arriving often, now’s the perfect time to start crafting gifts that’ll be ready to wrap by December.
Happy stitching and Merry creating!