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Sew a Maxidress For a Barbie

About

I first made a version of this dress a few years ago, I want to say during Covid lockdown. I measured from a Barbie dress I already had.

In the first version, I used a quilting cotton. While the fabric has a cute print, it doesn't quite drape the way I would like it to. I would recommend using something with a bit more flow.

Skills Needed

• Measuring Fabric
• Gathering Fabric

Supplies Needed

• Fabric, either a fat quarter, or 1/4 of a yard
• Clasps, velcro, or other closures
• Thread
• Needle
• Iron
• Sewing Machine (optional)
• Either a Barbie top or pattern

Steps

1. To make this dress, I traced the bodice portion of a Barbie dress. If you have this dress, or another one, you can trace the front and back to make your own version of the pattern. You can also print a copy of the pattern.
2. Measure and cut three rectangles. The original version of this dress doesn't have the gathers on the back.
3. Optional Using either a zigzag stitch, or serging setting on your sewing machine, sew the edges of each cut piece. This will help prevent fraying. Additionally, you could use a fray check or clear nail polish.
4. Line up and place the front bodice to one the back pieces (good side to good side). Sew the shoulder seams together and then press.
5. Repeat on the other side.
6. Fold the collar over, sew, and press.
7. Folder over the seam allowance on the armseye. Sew, and then press.
8. Repeat on the other side.
9. Line up the left sides of the bodice, good side to good side. Pin, sew, and press.
10. Repeat on the other side.
11. Take the largest rectangle and fold the bottom by 1/4". Press and then sew.
12. Gather the top of the largest rectangle. Pin the gathered rectangle to the bottom of the middle rectangle (good side to good side). Sew together and press.
13. Gather the top of the middle rectangle. Pin this rectangle to the bottom of the small rectangle (good side to good side). Sew together and press.
14. Gather the top of the small rectangle. Pin this rectangle to the bottom of the bodice. Sew together and press.
15. Fold the seam allowance (1/4") on the back. Go down to the bottom of the small rectangle. Sew and then press.
16. Repeat on the other side.
17. Pin the back sides of the rest of the dress. Sew and press.
18. Iron the complete garment
19. Place the garment on the doll to find the correct placements for your closures. Mark the locations and then sew closures to the opening in the back of the dress.