I’m sewing up McCalls 4338 Dolls Top to go with the Halloween costumes I made them. I’ve run out of the cute Halloween print fabric but thankfully I have an old black pillow case that was perfect. I often have scraps of woven fabric leftover from other projects and I like to make matching accessories, often for kids clothes that means a matching outfit for their dolls.
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 simplified the hems by just overlocking them and turning up the stitching, a quick press and a quick hem.
Because some of the seams were so teeny tiny I neglected to finish them with the overlocker. I may regret that choice depending on how often this top needs washing. But I was short on time and needed to whip up a quick outfit for a Halloween party. I may put more effort in next time I sew this pattern.
Despite the fiddliness (yes, I made that up) of the pattern I will be sewing it up again. It felt great to use up every last scrap of fabric and to make this cute outfit for my kid’s dolls.
Sewing Fabric
I’m sewing with an old pillowcase. It’s 100% cotton in a pure black colour. I generally buy my bedding from IKEA because I like the prices and quality. It’s often cheaper to buy flat sheets from IKEA than buying woven cotton by the metre from fabric stores.
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.
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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