Of Bjd Fashion: Birthday Surprise Outfits Part 1 with Raglan Sleeve Top Tutorial

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We celebrated Anna’s birthday last Sunday, but today we have two more reasons to celebrate.  It has been well over a year since both Yuna and Sakura have arrived.  To commemorate this fine occasion, Anna has sewn brand new outfits for the both of them.

Matching outfits to be exact.

Don’t they just look darling.  There is an adorable pink lace trimmed skirt with suspender straps for Yuna, and gathered shorts for Sakura also with suspenders (she means puffy shorts). 

The ingenious thing is that the straps can be removed to show off the delightful blouses.

They have raglan style sleeves and are trimmed with lace and ribbon along the neckline.  Anna said they were made from a vintage handkerchief that had scalloped edges. 

Another handy thing about these blouses is the closure on the back.  Makes changing one’s clothing a breeze.

I find these yosd sized tops so delightful that I have convinced Anna to produce a sewing pattern and tutorial for the benefit of all.  Now let the tutorial begin.

Yosd Ball Jointed Doll Raglan Sleeve Top Tutorial

Materials needed:

• Pattern
• Fabric or a handkerchief
• Matching thread
• Basic sewing supplies
• Thin lace
• Thin ribbon
• Snaps or Velcro
• Something to thread ribbon (large needle, small safety pin, etc.)
• Sewing machine is optional
• Some sewing knowledge is helpful

If you are a bit of a beginner with sewing I recommend checking out these two video tutorials, they demonstrate some of the techniques you will need to make these tops:

• Drawstring Tank Tops for Dolls
• Fitted Dresses for Dolls

Here is the pattern, it was designed based on Sakura’s measurements which are listed on the profile page.

First you need to cut the pieces as indicated by the pattern. 

I lined up the bottom of the pattern along the edge of a cute handkerchief, so I could use the pretty scalloped edge instead of hemming the shirt.  This is optional but a great idea.

Now to start making the shirt, you first pin the sleeves to the front piece as shown and sew.  Repeat with the back pieces.

Then you pin and hem along the top edge of the shirt, this is your neckline.

Next is to pin and hem the sleeves.  If you prefer, you can hem the sleeves before sewing them to the front and back pieces.  I would especially recommend it if you are sewing by machine instead of by hand.

Pin together the front and back pieces, and then sew up the sides of the shirt and the sleeves.  It is a good idea to try the shirt on you doll at this step to ensure a good fit.

Now it actually looks like a shirt.  This is the point where you will hem the bottom of the shirt.  Since I used the edge of a handkerchief I get to skip this step.

Now for the fun part, embellishing.  Pin the thin lace along the neckline.  Sew along the top and bottom edge of the lace.  This will used as a casing for your ribbon.

Use the tool of your choice to thread the ribbon under the lace.  Make sure to pin the ribbon at the end to keep it from pulling out.

Pull the ribbon out a bit at the center before threading it through to the other end of the shirt.

You will tie this bit of ribbon in a bow later, so make sure it is long enough.

Now time to take care of the back opening by pinning and hemming the edge.

Repeat on the other end.

Now we just need to sew on the closure of your choice.  Either snaps or small pieces of Velcro.  It is a good idea to try the shirt on your doll at this point to adjust the fit.

All that’s left is to pull the ribbon to gather the neckline and tie it into a cute bow.  Enjoy!

Now that the tutorial is done, let us discuss the other pieces.  Anna didn’t just make matching outfits for these two adorable dolls.

For Yuna, there is this beautiful headband with a wonderful lace bow.  The precious little dear has become quite fond of lace, so this hair piece suits her well.  It is made using the same techniques from Anna’s doll headband tutorial.

“That bow is so cute! It’s as cute as mine, don’t you think?  We match now! Do like it? Do you like mine? Do you like it as much as cake?!”

“….um…”

“Me too!”

For Sakura, there is this felt bag.  Anna made several delightful bags for myself and Usagi some time ago (see Of Bjd Fashion: Felt Doll-sized Purses Tutorial) and a small one for Yuna (see Of Bjd Fashion: Yuna’s First Outfit with Tutorial), so Sakura greatly wished to have one of her very own.  She was so thrilled to receive it.

“It looks just like Usagi’s bag, but the bow is better!  And it fits me, and it’s pink, and…”

Maybe a tad too thrilled.

That is all for today, but do not despair.  There will be more to enjoy tomorrow with another tutorial to complete the charming little outfits. 

Until then, be at peace my dear readers.

Give it a try:

• VELCRO® Brand 0.63'' x 30'' Soft &Flexible Sew-On Tape
• Dritz® Sew-On Snaps Nickel-Asst Size 1/0 2/0 4/0
• Dritz Start-to-Sew Kit