I’m sewing up McCalls 4338 Dolls Dress in this cute Halloween fabric left over from sewing my kids adorable matching Halloween outfits. So now their dolls can match too – how cute is that!!?
McCalls 4338 Sewing Pattern
I picked out this sewing pattern from McCalls because it includes sizes for most of my children’s dolls as well as including lots of clothing options for both boy and girl doll clothes.
It’s such a complicated pattern!! I mean really, lining, lace and gathered sleeves on a doll’s dress? I guess if you’re looking to practice your sewing skills without using much fabric or if you want to sew couture clothes for display, or maybe you have lots of time, then I guess it might make sense. But I’m a busy mum trying to squeeze this sewing project in between the dishes and the laundry – the frills can do one.
I stitched the bodices at the shoulder according to the instructions then skipped the lace and the bodice lining – she’s made of plastic – she can get cold and uncomfortable!
I totally skipped the elastic on the sleeve hem too.
The only omission I regret is that I didn’t extend the back opening into the skirt as the instructions said to. The dress is a bit fiddley to get on and doesn’t fit as many dolls as it would have done had I made it with a larger opening in the back.
Sewing Fabric
I’m sewing with this fabulous Haunted Hill cotton fabric from Clothworks. It’s 100% cotton and lovely quality.
I picked it up on sale from Patches and Buttons in Clitheroe. Sadly they’ve since closed down but I have heard the business was bought and rebranded. I’m looking forward to checking out the new shop when I get the chance.
I’ve already sewed up a shirt for my Little Dude last year. I have some scraps leftover that were just perfect for making matching doll outfits.
I’m really getting down to the bone on using up the last of these scarps of fabric. To stretch them out I’ve paired them with some plain poly cotton fabric.
Money Saving Tip
You can make more projects with your premium fabrics if you pair them with cheaper solid fabrics.
I get most of my fabric from Minerva Crafts. They have a great selection and very reasonable prices.
Sewing Thread
I use Coats Moon Thread for all of my sewing projects. It’s a fantastic all rounder great for machine sewing, hand sewing, quilting and top stitching. Best of all it’s fantastic value. I use it for literally everything!
I buy it in bulk and put the surplus in my Etsy shop. There’s loads of colours to choose from.
Money Saving Tip
Grey sewing thread shows up the least on most colours of fabric. Invest in large spools of grey thread which is cheaper than buying lots of different colours in smaller spools. It will also save you time because you won’t have to change your thread so often.
Sewing Techniques
Here are the sewing techniques I used to sew this dolls dress. You can click on the images for full step by step instructions on how to do each technique.
Gathering
Gathering creates fullness in an area of a garment, such as a skirt or sleeve. It can be used for fitting or style purposes. You sew long temporary stitches across the seam then pull the stitches up to gather the fabric before sewing it onto another piece. Gathering works best on light to medium weight fabrics that aren’t too stiff.
Follow these simple steps to perfect gathering.
Sewing Set in Sleeves
Sewing sleeves can be intimidating but it’s a key skill that you will need for a lot of sewing projects. Keep practicing and it will get easier with time.
Follow these simple steps to sewing sleeves.
Sewing a Hem
The final step in many sewing projects is sewing the hem.
Follow these simple steps to sewing hems.
More Toy Sewing Projects
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The Great British Sewing Bee is back for 2026!
Patrick and Esmé are back for another series of The Great British Sewing Bee! The new season starts on Tuesday 14th July on BBC One at 8pm!
To celebrate the return of our favourite sewing show, Minerva are offering 20% off all fabric for the whole run of the series! This includes fabrics inspired by the show, Minerva Exclusive prints, Core Range essentials, ex-designer deadstock and much more.
- Use the code AWBEEBACK to save 10% off all fabric – Minerva Craft Club members save 20%
- If you’re not a member yet, treat yourself and sign up today! You’ll save an extra 10% off everything you spend at Minerva for the next 12 months!!
- Shop all fabric at https://www.minerva.com/mp/GBP?page=1&sort=trending&type=Fabrics
- Offer ends Wednesday 30th September
A Little Bit About Me . . .
Hi there! Thank you so much for stopping by my little corner of the interweb. I’m Bridie.
I’m a busy mum to two small humans, two guinea pigs and a bouncing bundle of border collie puppy. We live in not so sunny Lancashire in the north of England.
I’m a very frugal crafter so I sew with a lot of free patterns, repurposed fabrics and thrifty hacks. I’m always on the look out for deals and ways to cut the cost of sewing.
I’ll show you all the best ways to craft on a tight budget so you can still create a life you love.
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