Easy As Bandeau Dress: Includes Lined and Unlined Versions

QTπ Doll Clothing A Step-By-Step
Guide To Making The
Easy As π
Bandeau
Dress
For 18 Inch Dolls
Such As American Girl®
Skill Level
Beginner
Includes lined and
unlined versions
PDF Sewing Pattern Download, Print, & Sew
Copyright© 2016 QTπ Doll Clothing
Bandeau Skater Dress
Table of Contents

1. Supplies pg. 3
2. Cutting Layout pg. 4
3. Cutting Difficult Fabrics pg. 5
4. Finishing Options Guide pg. 6
5. Decorative Elastic Trimmed Unlined Bodice Option pg. 6
6. Adding The Skirt pg. 8
7. Hem w/ Knit-n-Stable tape pg. 10
8. Lined Bodice pg. 11
9. Stretch Lace Overlay pg. 14
10. Tester Gallery pg. 15
11. Pattern Pieces pg. 18
12. Written Instructions Summary pg. 20

!2
Supplies
Supplies Needed: Tools:
• ½ yard (see suggested fabrics) • Ball point needle (size 10-12) or

• Knit-n-Stable tape (optional) or • Stretch needle
• fusible interfacing for knits • Rotary cutter and mat (optional)
• 13”- ⅜” decorative trimmed elastic • Pinking shears
• Thread
This simple dress is a great wardrobe basic. The pattern includes multiple options: two
lengths, lined bodice, lace overlay, decorative elastic trimmed bodice. It includes detailed
instructions for techniques that will take the fear out of sewing with knits.
Suggested fabrics:
Medium-weight cotton/lycra knits, medium polyester knits, swim and dance 4-way
stretch. Not suitable for one-way patterns. The knit should stretch from 4”- 5” (see stitch
guide)
Knits should be sturdy and retain shape after being stretched. Not suitable for overly
light-weight knits.
General Notes:
• All seams are 1/4" unless otherwise noted.

• After printing the pattern pieces check to make sure that the scale is right! When
printed, the square on of the pages with the pattern pieces will measure 1 inch square.
• Use an appropriate needle for fabric.
• Refer to Finishing Options Guide before cutting.
• Backstitch at the beginning and end of seams OR tie the beginning and end threads
• Pressing is important, test your iron settings on a scrap piece of the fabric you are
using. A pressing cloth may be required.
• All seams should be sewn with a knit stitch or a tiny zig zag.
4” Stretches to 5”
Stretch stitch on
my machine

!3
Cutting Layouts
Tip: If you are using a knit with a lot of stretch or drape, pin the skirt to your doll or dress
form and allow the fabric to rest for at least 24 hours. Once the fabric has rested, lay the
skirt flat and use the pattern piece as a guide to even out the hemline. The reason for
this is because the parts of the skirt are cut on the bias and may stretch unevenly. There
are two skirt lengths to choose from, but the layout is the same for both.
Decorative Elastic Trimmed

Unlined Bodice Option
Selvage
FOLD
FOLD
Lined Bodice Option

Selvage
FOLD
FOLD

!4
Finishing Options
Type Of Fabric Suggested Hem Tips
• rolled Hem • If the fabric is overly stretchy, then use a

Polyester Knit or
• none knit with less stretch to line the bodice.
Stretch Lace
• rolled Hem • If the fabric is overly stretchy, then use a

Cotton/Lycra • hem with Knit-n-Stable tape. knit with less stretch to line the bodice.
• none
• rolled Hem • Line the bodice with a lighter weight knit

Ponte • narrow hem
• none
• rolled Hem • Line the bodice with a lighter weight knit

Dance/Swim 4-way • none if the fabric is thicker.
stretch • You can also omit the elastic and just
zig zag stitch the top of bodice.
None Rolled Hem Narrow Hem

You may choose to not Serger or sewing machine. w/ Knit-n-Stable tape
hem the dress because See PAGE 10 STEP 11
knits usually do not fray.
¼ ” Single Fold Hem
Serge or leave unfinished, Hem with a

¼” hem. Only use on very stable knits.
TIP: Increase stitch length and hem
with the wrong side facing up.

!5
Decorative Elastic Trimmed
Unlined Bodice Option
1. Pin the elastic trim on the RIGHT side of
bodice with picot or scallops facing down. Do not
stretch the elastic or bodice.
2. Zig zag stitch the elastic to the bodice.
3. Flip the elastic to the WROND side, pin in

place.

!6
4. Zig zag stitch the elastic in place.
Back view.
5. Apply Knit-n-Stable tape or 1” strip of fusible

interfacing for knits to wrong side of the bodice
at the waist.
NOTE: Using the Knit-n-Stable tape or 1”

strip of fusible interfacing for knits is
optional, but suggested for overly stretchy
knits. If you do not have either of these on
hand, you may opt to trim ¼” off the ends of
the bodice. Try the bodice on the doll before
cutting ends, to determine if trimming is
necessary. The bodice should be fairly snug.

!7
6. With RIGHT sides together fold bodice in half
and stitch ends together using a stretch stitch,
with a ¼” seam.
7. Open seam, press and stitch the seam in

place at the top.
Adding The Skirt

NOTE: The following pictures show the
unlined option, but the steps are the same for
the lined option.
8. With RIGHT sides together, pin to the bodice

at the centre back, centre front and sides.

!8
9. Stretching waistband slightly, continue to pin
waist evenly.
10. Stitch with a ¼” seam, using a stretch stitch.
TIP: It is important not to over stretch the

fabric. It is easier if the skirt is on the feed
dog and the bodice is on the presser foot
side.
11. Serge or zig zag stitch the seam.
NOTE: If you have a serger you may choose

to just serge the waist instead of stitching
and serging.
For finishing options refer to chart

on PAGE 6

!9
Narrow Hem
w/ Knit-n-Stable tape
12. Cut 1” Knit-n-Stable tape in half lengthwise,

starting at the centre back iron the tape to the
WRONG side skirt hem overlapping slightly at
the start. DO NOT stretch the hem.
13. Hem with a ¼” hem.
TIP: Increase stitch length and hem with the

wrong side facing up and use the Knit-n-
Stable tape.
Close up view of hem.

!10
Lined Bodice Option
14. With RIGHT side together pin bodice lining

to the outer bodice.
15. Using a stretch stitch, stitch with a ¼” seam.
16. Trim with pinking shears.

!11
17. Flip bodice RIGHT side out and press.
TIP: When pressing the

bodice, press from the
inside allowing a small
bit of the front to show
on the inside of the
bodice. This will stop the
lining from showing.
18. Open bodice and with RIGHT sides together

fold bodice in half and stitch ends together using
a stretch stitch, with a ¼” seam.
19. To avoid bulk make sure the seams are on

the opposite sides of each other.

!12
20. Stitch using a stretch stitch, with a ¼” seam.
21. Clip excess seam allowance.
22. Open seam, press.

!13
23. Turn bodice RIGHT side out, press if
needed.
Side view.
24. Zig zag stitch the bottom of the bodice

inside the seam allowance.
Continue onto STEP 8 on PAGE 8.

!14
Stretch Lace Overlay Option
25. You will need one stretch lace and a knit lining.
Your lining should be slightly shorter than your
overlay. Use the dotted line on the pattern piece.
26. Lay the skirt overlay onto the lining with the
RIGHT sides facing up. Pin.
26. Stitch ⅛” around the waist, use a stretch stitch or

a basting stitch.
Continue assembling the skirt on STEP 8 on PAGE 8

!15
Testers
Gallery
A special thanks to the
testers for their
continuous support and
wisdom.
t o c o urtesy
Pho y ons
ue L
of S
Photos
courtesy of
Nina Jackson

!16
ur t e sy o f Photo courtesy of
co
Photo ann Kathi Martin
Ta r i H
Photos courtesy of
Paula Steidinger

!17
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Cu
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Bandeau Dress
e
lin
18” Doll
t
Skirt
Cu
Piece B (2 of 2)
CUT 1 on FOLD
CB
DO NOT CUT FABRIC ON THIS LINE, TAPE to Piece B (1 OF 2)
1” x 1” These patterns are intended for personal use, not for commercial purposes or large scale manufacturing. To inquire about using them
for work from home selling, please email [email protected] and request the Partnership Terms and Agreement
document.
Copyright © 2016 QTπ Doll Clothing . All rights reserved.

!18
CF
Skirt
18” Doll
C
Piece B (1 of 2)
ut
!19
19
CUT 1 on FOLD
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Bandeau Dress
Piece A
18” Doll
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CUT 1 of LINING
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CUT 1 of BODICE
Bandeau Dress
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Cut
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Un-l
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Opti
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on
DO NOT CUT FABRIC ON THIS LINE, TAPE to Piece B (2 OF 2)

tive
1” x 1”
These patterns are intended for personal use, not for commercial purposes or
large scale manufacturing. To inquire about using them for work from home
selling, please email [email protected] and request the
Partnership Terms and Agreement document.
Copyright © 2016 QTπ Doll Clothing . All rights reserved.
Decorative Elastic Trimmed Unlined Bodice Option
1. Pin the elastic trim on the RIGHT side of bodice with picot or scallops facing down. Do
not stretch the elastic or bodice.
2. Zig zag stitch the elastic to the bodice.
3. Flip the elastic to the WROND side, pin in place.
4. Zig zag stitch the elastic in place.
5. Apply Knit-n-Stable tape or 1” strip of fusible interfacing for knits to wrong side of the
bodice at the waist.
NOTE: Using the Knit-n-Stable tape or 1” strip of fusible interfacing for knits is
optional, but suggested for overly stretchy knits. If you do not have either of these
on hand, you may opt to trim ¼” off the ends of the bodice. Try the bodice on the
doll before cutting ends, to determine if trimming is necessary. The bodice should
be fairly snug.
6. With RIGHT sides together fold bodice in half and stitch ends together using a stretch
stitch, with a ¼” seam.
7. Open seam, press and stitch the seam in place at the top.
Adding The Skirt
NOTE: The following pictures show the unlined option, but the steps are the same
for the lined option.
8. With RIGHT sides together, pin to the bodice at the centre back, centre front and sides.
9. Stretching waistband slightly, continue to pin waist evenly.
10. Stitch with a ¼” seam, using a stretch stitch.
TIP: It is important not to over stretch the fabric. It is easier if the skirt is on the feed
dog and the bodice is on the presser foot side.
11. Serge or zig zag stitch the seam.
NOTE: If you have a serger you may choose to just serge the waist instead of
stitching and serging.
For finishing options refer to chart on PAGE 6

!20
Narrow Hem w/ Knit-n-Stable tape
12. Cut 1” Knit-n-Stable tape in half lengthwise, starting at the centre back iron the tape to
the WRONG side skirt hem overlapping slightly at the start. DO NOT stretch the hem.
13. Hem with a ¼” hem.
TIP: Increase stitch length and hem with the wrong side facing up and use the Knit-
n-Stable tape.
Lined Bodice Option
14. With RIGHT side together pin bodice lining to the outer bodice.
15. Using a stretch stitch, stitch with a ¼” seam.
16. Trim with pinking shears.
17. Flip bodice RIGHT side out and press.
TIP: When pressing the bodice, press from the inside allowing a small bit of the front to
show on the inside of the bodice. This will stop the lining from showing.
18. Open bodice and with RIGHT sides together fold bodice in half and stitch ends
together using a stretch stitch, with a ¼” seam.
19. To avoid bulk make sure the seams are on the opposite sides of each other.
20. Stitch using a stretch stitch, with a ¼” seam.
21. Clip excess seam allowance.
22. Open seam, press.
23. Turn bodice RIGHT side out, press if needed.
24. Zig zag stitch the bottom of the bodice inside the seam allowance.
Continue onto STEP 8 on PAGE 8.

!21
Stretch Lace Overlay Option
25. You will need one stretch lace and a knit lining. Your lining should be slightly shorter
than your overlay. Use the dotted line on the pattern piece.
26. Lay the skirt overlay onto the lining with the RIGHT sides facing up. Pin.
26. Stitch ⅛” around the waist, use a stretch stitch or a basting stitch.
Continue assembling the skirt on STEP 8 on PAGE 8
Special thanks to the QTπ Doll Clothing pattern testers group

for helping make this pattern great.
A Note About File Sharing

Just like you buy a song from iTunes for your personal use, you’ve
purchased one copy of this digital product from QTπ Doll Clothing for
your own personal use. You do not have our permission to share it, resell it, or
give it to someone else in any form. Selling this PDF file, or its contents, or
giving it to someone else, is wrong and violates our copyright.
Copyright © 2016 QTπ Doll Clothing. All rights reserved.
These patterns are intended for personal use, not for large scale commercial purposes or
manufacturing. To inquire about using them for work from home selling on an individual basis,
please email [email protected] and request the Partnership Terms and Agreement document.
QTPie Doll Clothing is not affiliated with American Girl® or Mattel®.
No endorsement is implied.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me at

[email protected]

!22
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!23
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!24

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QTπ Doll Clothing A Step-By-Step

Guide To Making The

2. Cutting Layout pg. 4

3. Cutting Difficult Fabrics pg. 5

4. Finishing Options Guide pg. 6

5. Decorative Elastic Trimmed Unlined Bodice Option pg. 6

6. Adding The Skirt pg. 8

7. Hem w/ Knit-n-Stable tape pg. 10

8. Lined Bodice pg. 11

9. Stretch Lace Overlay pg. 14

10. Tester Gallery pg. 15

11. Pattern Pieces pg. 18

12. Written Instructions Summary pg. 20

Copyright© 2016 QTπ Doll Clothing

• ½ yard (see suggested fabrics) • Ball point needle (size 10-12) or

• All seams are 1/4" unless otherwise noted.

Copyright© 2016 QTπ Doll Clothing

Decorative Elastic Trimmed

Lined Bodice Option

Copyright© 2016 QTπ Doll Clothing

• rolled Hem • If the fabric is overly stretchy, then use a

• rolled Hem • If the fabric is overly stretchy, then use a

• rolled Hem • Line the bodice with a lighter weight knit

• rolled Hem • Line the bodice with a lighter weight knit

None Rolled Hem Narrow Hem

¼ ” Single Fold Hem

Serge or leave unfinished, Hem with a

Copyright© 2016 QTπ Doll Clothing

2. Zig zag stitch the elastic to the bodice.

3. Flip the elastic to the WROND side, pin in

Copyright© 2016 QTπ Doll Clothing

5. Apply Knit-n-Stable tape or 1” strip of fusible

NOTE: Using the Knit-n-Stable tape or 1”

Copyright© 2016 QTπ Doll Clothing

7. Open seam, press and stitch the seam in

Adding The Skirt

8. With RIGHT sides together, pin to the bodice

Copyright© 2016 QTπ Doll Clothing

10. Stitch with a ¼” seam, using a stretch stitch.

TIP: It is important not to over stretch the

11. Serge or zig zag stitch the seam.

NOTE: If you have a serger you may choose

For finishing options refer to chart

Copyright© 2016 QTπ Doll Clothing

12. Cut 1” Knit-n-Stable tape in half lengthwise,

13. Hem with a ¼” hem.

TIP: Increase stitch length and hem with the

Close up view of hem.

Copyright© 2016 QTπ Doll Clothing

14. With RIGHT side together pin bodice lining

15. Using a stretch stitch, stitch with a ¼” seam.

16. Trim with pinking shears.

Copyright© 2016 QTπ Doll Clothing

TIP: When pressing the

18. Open bodice and with RIGHT sides together

19. To avoid bulk make sure the seams are on

Copyright© 2016 QTπ Doll Clothing

21. Clip excess seam allowance.

22. Open seam, press.