UPDATED JUNE 2018- WE HAVE UPDATED TO NOW INCLUDE 14″ DOLL SIZE TOO!
It’s the 12th and last day of our Christmas freebies! Megan T and I really hope you’ve enjoyed all the patterns. Today’s pattern has been highly requested, the dolly Bonny leggings! These are exactly like the girls Bonny leggings, so your daughter can match her favorite dolly. Make sure to head to the facebook group for a coupon code, then grab the girls version too. It includes 4 lengths- boy short, shorties, capri, ankle PLUS a circle skirt. The skirt can be added to any length legging OR use it alone for a quick skirt. There is no elastic casing, so these are amazingly fast. There is a fold over yoga waistband and a shorter knit waistband. The leggings will fit 14″, 15″ and 18″ dolls.
These are made for 4 way stretch knit, look for 50% stretch horizontally and at least 5% lycra. Now that is your best choice, HOWEVER these are for a doll… so you can get away with less stretch and lycra. I don’t think your doll will worry if her leggings get a little stretched out, if they are a little snug or low cut from not having enough stretch. It takes very little fabric, you should be able to just use scraps from your daughter’s leggings. If you are buying yardage 3/8 will be plenty.
Grab your pattern pieces here. Pattern layout shown below. The pattern is a no trim pattern; if you need help putting the pattern together, pop over to the faqs and troubleshooting page or ask in my facebook group . Print and assemble the pattern. I’m going to use my serger construction, if you don’t have a serger, make sure you’re using a stretch needle (jersey, ballpoint, stretch) and a stretch stitch (zig zag, lightening bolt or triple stitch).
Choose if you want a fold over yoga waistband or shorter normal waistband. If you don’t want the yoga band, you will fold your waistband piece at the dashed line then cut. You will need to cut 2 legging pieces (mirror images), 1 waistband and if you want the skirt, 1 skirt on the double fold. See diagram below if you have never cut a circle skirt.
ALL SEAM ALLOWANCES ARE 1/4″.
15″ and 18″ Construction (14″ construction pictured below)
With right sides together, stitch your leggings together at both front and back crotch curves. Note- the girls leggings are constructed a bit different. The crotch seam is stronger when sewn last, like the girls; however since this is a doll, there isn’t going to be a lot of stress on this seam, so I choose what was easier with the tiny pieces.
Press 1/2” of bottom edge to wrong side. Edge stitch hem in place. Repeat on other leg.
With right sides together, matching hems and crotch seam, stitch the inner leg seam.
With right sides together, fold waistband widthwise and stitch short ends together, creating a circle. Note- I did the yoga fold over band, if you chose the normal waistband it will be half the height of mine.
Fold the waistband lengthwise, wrong sides together, enclosing seam. We are going to quarter the waistband. So, stick a pin center front. Center back is your seam. Then match centers and pin sides.
Skirt option (Skip to next step if you are leaving the skirt off). There is no hem allowance on the skirt. I like to leave raw OR create a lettuce or rolled hem with my serger. Place skirt over leggings, right side up. Your skirt should fit perfectly to your leggings waist. Optional- Along top edge, baste your skirt to leggings to hold in place.
Quarter leggings. With right sides together, slip waistband over leggings, matching raw edges and quarter points. Stitch waistband to leggings. If you are doing the skirt option, the skirt should be sandwiched between the waistband and leggings. TIP: You can slip a tag or ribbon in the back between the waistband and leggings!
14″ Alternative Construction
This method makes construction of the 14″ size a little easier since the waistband is very small and difficult to do in the round. First step is to hem your pieces 1/2″.
Next, place legs right sides together, aligning crotch seams. Stitch back crotch seam ONLY. Set aside.
Fold your waistband in half lengthwise, wrong sides together. Fold in half again to find the center. Place a pin.
Along the top edge, align raw edges and center pin of waistband to back crotch seam. Pin and stitch waistband to leg pieces. Press seam toward legs.
Place legs right sides together again, this time aligning the front crotch. Stitch with 1/4″ seam allowance. YOGA WAISTBAND OPTION – Be sure you have the waistband folded over at this point, otherwise your seam will show after you are finished.
Finish the serger tail at the top of the waistband by folding back toward the seam allowance and securing with a small bar tack stitch.
With right sides together, align front and back crotch seams. Pin and stitch inseam. Be sure to finish your serger tails at the hems of both legs!
Yay! All finished, and so quick! This method can also be used for the 15″ and 18″ sizes, it just doesn’t make for as clean of a finish.
Don’t forget about the mods and mini tutorials during the Bonny blog-a-long! You can use all the tutorials to modify the doll, except the gusset. Day 1: hem bands, Day 2: Elastic, Day 3:Gusset, Day 4: Bow Cuff and Day 5: Ruffles.
Don’t forget to join us in the Made for Mermaids Pattern Group to share what you’ve made! We LOVE to see your creations!
M4M’s 12 Days of Christmas Freebies
December 1 – 12, 2015
Day 1 – Mermaid Tail Blanket
Day 2- Tiffany Collar
Day 3- Sleep Masks
Day 4- Coffee Cozy
Day 5- Dolly Bedding
Day 6- Pillow Cover with svg files
Day 7- Knit Beanie
Day 8- Infinity Scarfs
Day 9- Faux Fur Vest
Day 10- Free Apron
Monika schertzer says
Hello. I would like to purchase the patter for little girls on y pattern made for mermaids. I see the one for dolls but not little girls. Thank you for your help Monika Schertzer
Colleen says
Copy this link: madeformermaids.com/bonny 🙂
designdreamer says
Your words (for the 14 inch size directions say to stitch the BACK crotch seam FIRST but your pictures imply the opposite which makes more sense to me. Thank you for the patterns. Made the leggings for my 2 granddaughters, and am about to make some for their Bitty Baby and Wellie Wisher.