How to Make Barbie Patterns From Full-Sized Patterns

Making handmade clothes for your dolls, such as Barbie, often originates with a sketch and pattern. Using a specific Barbie doll, such as the 1966 version which stands 12 inches, or the 2006 version which is 11 inches in height, will be beneficial prior to making the patterns. The 1999 version was modified to resemble a woman's shape and there is also the 1977 Supersized Barbie, which stands 18 inches in height.

Things You'll Need

• Pre-made pattern (your choice)
• Tissue paper
• Flexible tape measure
• Pencil
• 6-inch graph ruler
• Circle template
• Scissors

Instructions

1. Spread your patterns onto your work table. It is strongly recommended to begin with a basic sheath dress, whiich is a front and back panel. You can opt to add front and back darts, which are sewn tapered tucks to contour the shape of a garment.

2. Spread tissue paper onto a separate work table. Although you can use pattern paper, Barbie patterns are relatively small. The shaped pattern seams are often times challenging to cut correctly with a heavier paper weight. The tissue paper will also allow you to drape the pattern over your Barbie doll model prior to cutting your project's fabric.

3. Measure your Barbie doll with a flexible tape measure. Take chest, waist, hip and height measurements. It is also important to measure shoulder to shoulder. Keep in mind that a doll's arms and shoulders are rigid. For example, a knit top will often have a mini snap back opening to ensure the top slides over Barbie's shape.

4. Draft each of your pattern piece's shape on your tissue paper with your pencil. Use the dimensions taken in step three as your guide points when duplicating the pattern's shape.

5. Use a six-inch graph ruler to define your lines. Although you can use a regular-size ruler, these patterns are relatively small and large-scale tools will make the project a bit more challenging. For example, replace your French curve ruler with a circle template for your contoured seams.

6. Reduce your seam allowances to one-eighth- to one-quarter-inch inch width. Although these seams are narrow, the outfit will not fit correctly on your Barbie doll with added seam width.

7. Transfer your sewing instructions such as darts or notches, which are fabric aligning guidelines used for sewing construction, onto your pattern. Do not use your tailor's chalk, which can often tear the tissue paper. Mark your patterns lightly with your pencil.

8. Cut out your tissue patterns carefully with your scissors. Drape the pattern pieces directly onto your Barbie prior to cutting your project's fabric.

Tips & Warnings

• For sewing construction difficulty due to narrow seam allowances, such as the fabric jamming into your sewing machine, add the extra one-half inch seam allowance for stitching and trim the seams with your fabric scissors.

• Do not use excessive pressure with your pencil when drafting patterns to avoid tears in your tissue paper.

References

• "Doll Fashionistas: Beautiful Dolls and Ultra -Cool Fashions You Create with Needle and Thread"; Ellen Lumpkin Brown; 2009
• "The Sewing Book"; Alison Smith; 2009

Resources

• Textile Glossary: Dart: Definition & Explanation