Sew a Barbie Outfit

Have you ever wanted to make your own Barbie doll clothes, either for yourself, your child, or your friends? Look no further! This guide will take you step by step through everything that goes into making fabulous outfits for Barbie dolls.

Note: this is an advanced sewing project, so it is best to have some prior sewing experience.

Steps

  1. Purchase a Sewing Pattern. Follow that link for a basic pattern-purchasing guide. Keep in mind that since Barbie is a licensed brand that pattern manufacturers cannot use, you will need to look for 11 1/2 in. doll clothes or fashion doll clothes.<p>
  2. Purchase Supplies. On the back of your pattern envelope, near the top, is a list of suggested fabrics for the Barbie clothes you will make. <p> Further down, it will also tell you how much fabric you need.For most Barbie garments, {{safesubst:#invoke:convert|convert}}. (or meter) is more than enough.<p>There is also a list of the notions you need on the back of the pattern envelope. Purchase both fabric and notions before beginning your project.
  3. Cut out your garments. Find the pattern pieces that correspond to your view, cut them out, and pin them to your fabric (following the straight grain; see pattern layouts in the pattern instructions for more information), and cut. Assemble the cut pieces in stacks, a separate stack for each individual garment. Find the instructions for your outfit. Now you're ready to sew!
  4. Sew with a new universal needle and matching polyester thread. Follow the instructions carefully and make sure that your seams and darts are uniform. Tiny facings can be hard to work with; just take your time and pay close attention to the directions. Press the garment after each step. This will aid greatly in creating professional-looking garments. If you wish to finish the seams, pinking shears or a machine zig-zag stitch work best. Sergers are too large and difficult to control for Barbie clothes.
  5. Use your imagination to create a unique Barbie garment!This way you will also show your creative side to others. Add 1/4" and 1/8" wide trims, such as ribbon, rick-rack, lace; try tiny buttons, rhinestones, or whatever you like. To attach rhinestones, use some strong, waterproof fabric glue. Make sure it's a kind that will be ok if you ever need to wash the Barbie outfit.
  6. Choose appropriate closures. 1/4 in. metal snaps usually work best. In most sewing books, you can find a tutorial on how to attach these securely. Velcro is also a viable option, especially if the clothes you are making are for a young child. Iron-on velcro is easiest to attach and it doesn't damage your sewing machine, as regular velcro can.
  7. Dress your Barbie in her new outfit! Decide what you like and dislike about it and apply what you've learned to your next Barbie outfit. If you're dissatisfied with the result, remember, practice makes perfect, especially when sewing. <p> Find a sewing mentor who can answer your questions and help you with problems. There are many nice ladies at your local sewing stores (such as Hancock's and Joann's), who are probably more than willing to help out, and many sewing teachers who would love to help you with your sewing projects.

Tips

  • Be methodical and precise when sewing tiny seams, darts, and hems. Pay attention to what you're doing and make sure that you have the proper thread, stitch length, tension, and needle. Test your machine on a scrap of similar fabric before starting your project.
  • Metal snaps wear easily, so use Velcro fasteners and bring your Barbie clothes to life, making them seem like new.
  • Look for garments at thrift stores made from pretty fabric. One adult garment can be used to make many Barbie garments, and for much cheaper than usual. Look for men's cotton shirts, women's denim skirts, and velvet or wool dresses for fancier clothes.
  • Buy a Barbie (if you don't already own one), and try your garments on her in between sewing steps to make sure that they fit properly. Nothing's worse than completing a project, only to discover that it doesn't fit!
  • Invest in a pair of nice scissors! Gingher makes great scissors and shears. Sharp scissors make sewing much easier.
  • Pressing tiny garments can be challenging. A craft iron, designed for applying heat to small areas, is helpful. Sewing stores also have various pressing aids that will make it easier to iron on small surfaces.

Warnings

  • Avoid synthetic fabrics, silk, and knits, unless you've had experience with them before. They will only make your project more difficult.
  • Do not give Barbie clothes with small parts, such as rhinestones, buttons, and snaps, to young children.
  • Use common sense when working with shears, needles, and sewing machines.
  • Always use adult help (if you are a child) while using sewing machine.

Things You'll Need

  • a Barbie!
  • Barbie pattern
  • Fabric
  • Scissors
  • Pins and needles
  • Sewing machine
  • Thread
  • <p>Optional Items:
  • Pinking Shears
  • Trim, buttons, or rhinestones
  • Aleene's OK to Wash glue

Related Articles

  • Make a No Sew Barbie Doll Top
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