Sewing

Patterns, Techniques, Articles, Blogs, and other resources to learn how to sew

Free pattern: 18″ Doll nightgown, make one from a dollar store blanket

by

Free pattern: Doll nightgown, make one from a dollar store blanket

Free pattern: Doll nightgown, make one from a dollar store blanket

Joy from xoxo Grandma has a fantastic pattern for a nightgown that you can make for an American Girl or other 18″ dolls. The best part about this project is that you can use a fleece blanket from the dollar store as the fabric! This is a great way to upcycle an old blanket into something new and useful. The nightgown will be soft and cozy for your doll to wear, making it the perfect addition to their bedtime routine.

Not only is this project affordable, but it’s also easy to customize to fit your personal style. If you don’t have a fleece blanket on hand, you can use flannel or lightweight fleece yardage instead. And if you have scraps of fabric lying around, you can use those too if they’re big enough. The possibilities are endless!

Making a nightgown for a doll is a fun and easy project that’s perfect for beginner sewers. With Joy’s pattern and tutorial, you’ll have a completed nightgown in no time. And if you’re looking for an even bigger challenge, you can make a nightgown for your daughter to match her doll’s!

This project is a great way to spend a lazy afternoon, and the end result will be a cute and practical nightgown that your doll will love. So, grab your fabric and get started on this fun and easy project today! Click below for Joy’s free pattern and tutorial.

$1.00 Doll Night Gown, by xoxo Grandma

[photo from xoxo Grandma]

Looking to make more clothes for an 18 Inch American Girl style doll? Check out these sewing patterns we found on Etsy.

 

Comments

  7. Thank you for sharing this! I’m a Nana who is trying to rediscover sewing. Your instructions seems easy to follow and fun.

  9. Cute, quick, simple! I made blanket and pillow in matching/contrast fabric. I used cotton fabric, not fleece.

  10. I want to make my granddaughter a nightgown and one for her dolly to match. I think this will be quite helpful. Thanks!

  11. Thank you ! As a grandma myself I am thrilled to find this easy pattern. I have severe RA but am still trying to make a few homemade items. I googled AG nightgown pattern to find this pattern. Thank you again!

  12. Thank you! I just wanted a simple doll nightgown pattern. They were expensive at the store, with tons of pieces and too many directions. This is just right!

  19. I’ve been searching for several hours to find this nightgown – yay, exactly what I was looking for. Anxious to try it out. Thank you for sharing !

  24. Thank you so very much for making this pattern and allowing me to download it. I found your pattern on Pinterest. My granddaughters love Build A Bear, but the clothing in the store is so very expensive. I believe with a few minor alterations I will be able to make a few nightgowns for their babies.

  26. Thank you for this fun pattern I found on Pinterest! I’m using my mother’s old flannel nightgown to make one.

  27. You are awesome, found this quick and easy pattern through pinterest. Keep them coming, I love your ideas.

  31. Thank you so much for posting this pattern. My Granddaughter asked me to make a Frozen nightgown for her doll matching hers. This was perfect!
    Kindest regards,
    Also a Grandma

Have you read?

Easy Christmas Fabric Gift Basket Sewing Pattern (Perfect for Beginners)

There’s something quietly special about a handmade Christmas gift basket. Not loud. Not over-the-top. Just thoughtful, useful, and clearly made with care. This fabric Christmas gift basket is one of those projects that looks lovely on the day and keeps working long after the wrapping paper is gone.

Instead of disposable boxes or cellophane baskets that never quite survive storage, this reusable fabric basket becomes part of the gift. It’s soft but structured, beginner-friendly to sew, and endlessly adaptable depending on what you fill it with. Think cosy socks, handmade soap, baked treats, or a few carefully chosen favourites for someone you love.

If you’re looking for an easy Christmas sewing project that feels meaningful without being complicated, this one fits beautifully into a busy December.

Why Sew a Fabric Christmas Gift Basket?

A fabric gift basket feels personal in a way store-bought packaging never does. It says, I made this just for you, without needing embroidery skills or weeks of prep time.

This pattern is ideal if you:

  • Want a beginner sewing project with practical results 
  • Prefer reusable, low-waste gift wrapping 
  • Need a handmade option that works for adults and teens 
  • Like projects you can repeat year after year 

Once the gift has been opened, the basket doesn’t get tossed. It gets reused—for storage, décor, or future gifting.

Finished Size

Approx. 8 inches wide x 5 inches tall
 (handle not included in height)

This size works beautifully for small gift collections: bath products, candles, jams, knitting notions, stationery, or a cosy winter bundle.

What You’ll Need

  • Christmas-themed quilting cotton for the basket exterior 
  • Coordinating cotton fabric for the lining 
  • Matching or contrasting fabric for the handle 
  • Fusible fleece or medium-weight interfacing 
  • Matching sewing thread 
  • Sewing machine 
  • Scissors or rotary cutter 
  • Pins or clips 
  • Iron 

Optional but helpful: walking foot if your machine struggles with thicker layers

Christmas Fabric Choices That Work Well

You don’t need novelty prints for this to feel festive.

Lovely exterior fabric options include:

  • Red, green, or navy with subtle patterns 
  • Snowflakes, stars, berries, or holly motifs 
  • Classic stripes, plaids, or gingham 
  • Tone-on-tone metallic accents used sparingly 

For the lining:

  • Soft neutrals like cream or grey 
  • Polka dots or tiny prints 
  • A surprise pop of colour inside the basket 

Small-scale prints hold their shape and age better than large novelty designs.

Cutting Instructions

Basket Exterior
 Cut 1 rectangle: 10” x 16”

Basket Lining
 Cut 1 rectangle: 10” x 16”

Interfacing
 Cut 1 rectangle: 10” x 16”

Handle
 Cut 1 rectangle: 4” x 16”
 Cut 1 rectangle of interfacing: 4” x 16”

If you want a taller basket, you can add an extra inch to the height measurement. I wouldn’t recommend increasing the width unless you also increase the interfacing strength.

Step-by-Step Sewing Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Basket Exterior

Fuse the interfacing to the wrong side of the exterior fabric according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

Fold the fabric in half with right sides together so the short ends meet.
 Sew the side seam using a ¼” seam allowance.
 Press the seam open.

Step 2: Create the Basket Base

With the basket still inside out, flatten one bottom corner so the side seam lines up with the bottom fold.

Measure 2 inches across the corner and draw a straight line.
 Sew along the line.
 Trim off excess fabric, leaving about ¼”.

Repeat for the opposite corner.

Step 3: Sew the Lining

Repeat Step 1 and Step 2 using the lining fabric.

Leave a 3-inch opening along the side seam—this is for turning the basket later.

Step 4: Make the Handle

Fuse interfacing to the wrong side of the handle fabric.

Fold the handle lengthwise with right sides together.
 Sew along the long edge using a ¼” seam allowance.
 Turn right side out and press flat.

Topstitch along both long edges for strength and a polished finish.

Step 5: Attach the Handle

Pin the handle ends to the right side of the basket exterior, centred on opposite sides.

Double-check the handle isn’t twisted.
 Baste the handle ends in place.

Step 6: Assemble the Basket

Place the basket exterior inside the lining, right sides together.

Match side seams and pin around the top edge.
 Sew around the top using a ¼” seam allowance.

Step 7: Turn & Press

Turn the basket right side out through the lining opening.

Push the lining inside the basket and press the top edge neatly.

Step 8: Finish

Topstitch around the top edge to keep the lining in place and give the basket a professional finish.

Close the lining opening with a hand stitch or neat machine stitch.

Your Christmas fabric gift basket is complete.

Gift Ideas That Work Perfectly in This Basket

This basket shines when it’s filled thoughtfully.

  • Handmade soap or bath products 
  • Candles and matches 
  • Baked goods wrapped in parchment 
  • Knitted socks or scarves 
  • Tea, coffee, or hot chocolate kits 
  • Craft supplies for a creative friend 

Tie a simple tag to the handle and you’re done—no extra wrapping required.

Beginner Tips for Success

  • Quilting cotton is easiest for first-time sewists 
  • Press after every step for cleaner results 
  • Use heavier interfacing if you want a firmer basket 
  • Shorten the handle for tabletop gifting 
  • Small imperfections disappear once the basket is filled 

A Handmade Christmas Gift That Keeps Giving

This fabric Christmas gift basket sewing pattern is one of those rare projects that feels calm to make and genuinely useful to give. It’s simple enough for beginners, adaptable for experienced sewists, and timeless enough to come back out every December.

It’s not flashy. It doesn’t shout. But it’s the kind of handmade piece people keep—and that’s exactly what a good Christmas project should be.