For Christmas I made my Niece some new clothes for her Barbies. My Mum had got her a wardrobe for them, so it seemed like the perfect pairing. I used some existing clothes to make a basic pattern from them. With this simple pattern you can make your own wardrobe full of clothes and use up all those scraps that you need to find a use for. I made a little bag for them all to go in and the tutorial for that can be found here.
It has taken a few attempts to get some good pattern pictures for you so the tutorial pictures will differ to these. It is a great way to show you how the difference in fabric transforms the look.
YOU WILL NEED
All your usual sewing supplies
Fabric scraps or fat quarters
Pattern
Velcro
NOTES FOR ALL PATTERNS
Use a 1/4" seam allowance throughout all the patterns.
Back stitch at the start and end of each seam.
Hems are only pressed over once and are only around 3mm.
TOP TIP
All the pieces are very small and can be a bit fiddly to work with. I have used a scrap of fabric at the start of each stitch to help me pull the fabric through without it getting chewed up.
TROUSERS
The trousers looked a lot better on than they did off so bear with me.
1. Cut two trouser pattern pieces on the fold of the fabric.
2. Sew the hems first. As the opening is so small it isn't possible to do it when the leg seams are sewn.
3. Fold the trousers in half with the right sides together and sew the leg seams together.
4. Pin each leg together, matching the seam at the crotch. Sew from front to back.
5. Press over the top edge of the trousers.
6.Cut a piece of elastic around 3.5" long. Use a zig zag stitch to sew it to the top edge on the inside of the trousers, stretch the elastic as you go. This part is fiddly, and it certainly wasn't my best sewing so it may take some practise.
Turn them out and they are good to go.
TOP / DRESS
This pattern can be adapted into loads of different looks. Use the longer pattern to make a long top. Or you can make it shorter and add a skirt. I have made the dress version for this pattern.
1. Cut out your top pattern at the shorter version mark. Cut a rectangle of fabric measuring 3.5" tall x 12" long. Or what ever length and fullness you want your skirt.
2. Hem the arm holes and the neckline. I found it easier to not press the neckline and just fold it over as I sewed very carefully and slowly.
3.With right sides together, match the side seams of the bodice, pin and sew.
4. Sew a long gather stitch along the top of the rectangle. Leave a long thread each end.
I like to batch sew to save time so I did this at the same time as step 2 (see picture on step 2). I used my longest stitch near the top edge of the skirt gather it with. Technically, you should do at least two lines of sewing to gather but, I find when it is so small you can get away with just the one.
5. Find the centre of the bodice front and the skirt and pin. Now gather evenly and pin the skirt to the bodice. Sew in place. Finish raw edge with a zig zag stitch.
6. I cut the Velcro to around 2" long and then in half length ways to make it thinner.
7. Stitch one side of the Velcro to the inside of the dress and the other to the outside lining up the top of the Velcro with the top of the dress.
8. With right sides together, line the back seam together so the Velcro still closes. Pin, stitch and finish the raw edge with a zig zag.
9. Hem the skirt.
Here are some other versions I have made. One with a wrap over skirt, a top, a ball gown with a longer and fuller skirt and the day dress style.
BALL GOWN
The ball gown is the showstopper. I made this version with cotton but also with some left over satin and lace over lay (scroll for more pictures).
1. Cut the bodice pattern out on the fold and a 6.5" tall x 16" long rectangle for the skirt.
2. Hem the top edge of the bodice.
3. Sew a long gather stitch on the top edge of the skirt. Leave a long thread on each side.
4. Find the centre of the bodice and skirt. Pin together at the centre with right sides together and then pull the gathers evenly so the ends meet. Stitch in place and finish the raw edges with a zig zag stitch. Press the seam up.
5. I cut the Velcro to around 2" long and then in half length ways to make it thinner.
6. Stitch one side to the inside of the dress and the other to the outside lining up the top of the Velcro with the top of the dress.
7. With right sides together line the back seam together so the Velcro still closes. Pin, stitch and finish the raw edge with a zig zag.
8. Hem the skirt.
9. Add any lace or embellishments to make your gown extra fancy. I found this flower trim in my ribbon drawers which I thought went perfectly with the Crafty Lass Petal and Pip fabric.
I love the version with the lace overlay. I want a gown up version for myself!
I hope you are feeling inspired to create a new mini wardrobe. I would love to hear from you if you give any of the versions a go. Remember to subscribe to earn Squirrel Points and receive updates on my latest fabrics and blogs.