How to Make Barbie Doll Clothes From Doilies

Use crocheted doilies to make designer outfits for Barbie dolls. Find an assortment of doilies at flea markets, garage sales and antique stores. You can often get them at a bargain because of a stain or hole. Since you're going to use pieces of them for your Barbie clothes, it doesn't matter if they aren't perfect.

Things You'll Need

• Barbie doll
• Doilies
• Elastic
• Needles
• Embellishments, such as ribbons and beads
• Matching thread

Instructions

1. Think about the original construction of the doily, which usually begins at the center and goes outward. Find the beginning stitch and unravel it to remove the middle section of the doily. Cut the crochet thread, leaving a 4-inch tail, after you've unraveled enough of the doily. Thread the tail into a tapestry needle and loop it through the last crochet stitch to secure it and then weave the thread into the doily. This will keep it from unraveling further.

2. Unravel the center of a large, lacy doily to remove the center area. Once you've secured the end of the crochet thread, weave some tiny elastic through the top to create a waistline. Use ribbon or bias tape to sew a waistband onto the skirt, leaving enough length to tie it in the back.

3. Use two coaster-sized doilies and join them to make a lacy top. Place them right sides together, stitch the shoulder and side seams and then turn it right side out. You may need to have Barbie try it on for a fitting before you sew the side seams up. Her bust is 6 inches and her waist is 3 3/4 inches.

4. Design an elegant, flowing wedding dress out of a two large white doilies. Use one doily as the top skirt and add net for the underskirt. Gather the other doily and attach it to the back for a train. Make the bodice out of smaller doilies or from a satin like material. You may want to use a purchased Barbie pattern for the sleeves and bodice and attach the doily skirt to it at the waistline. Use a delicate lacy doily for the veil.

5. Make a floppy hat out of a small doily. Weave a small ribbon through the top of the doily from the center. Continue all the way around, leaving a length of ribbon to hang down the back. Draw the ribbon up to make the crown of the hat and tie in a knot to secure it. Leave it flowing down the back or tie it in a bow. Use a heavy application of starch on the hat, shape it and let it dry completely.

6. Remove the center of a doily so it'll fit over Barbie's head for a dressy poncho. Fold a lacy doily in half and use it for an elegant shawl.

Tips & Warnings

• Choose small coaster-sized doilies for tops and the larger lacy ones for skirts, shawls, ponchos and trims.

• Be sure to secure the end of the crochet thread when you finish taking it apart so it doesn't continue to unravel.

• Use beads, ribbon and small flowers to embellish Barbie's hats and dresses.