Barbie Doll Ball Gown Pattern and Tutorial
This Barbie® doll ball gown pattern and tutorial is so simple, you can have Barbie® dressed and dancing with Ken® in an hour! Mo just recently, once she realized I knew how to sew, has asked me to start making clothes for her dolls and ponies. After a lot of trial and error, the ball gown pattern I am sharing with you today is perfect for beginning (and little) seamstresses.
This ball gown only takes a fat-quarter’s worth of fabric. These are the little folded squares of fabric that are used for quilting. You can usually get them at fabric and other big-box stores (with a fabric department) for around $2.00. You only need one fat-quarter, unless you want different colors for the bodice and skirt.
Are you ready to get started?
Supplies:
- 1 fat-quarter
- thread to match
- 3″ narrow hook and loop tape
- straight pins
- sewing machine
- scissors
- ball gown pattern
Directions:
NOTE: There is a 1/4″ seam allowance on all pieces (already included in the pattern).
1. Wash and dry fabric. Iron if needed.
2. Following pattern, lay out pieces and pin down. The skirt front and bodice front are to be cut on the fold. If there is a noticeable pattern (stripes), make sure the grain markings are in line with the pattern. (Note: you might have to cut the skirts first, and then arrange the bodice pieces, depending on the fabric.)
3. Once you are satisfied with the pattern placement, cut your pieces out. Do not cut on the lines for the darts. Do not add a seam allowance, it is already included in the patterns. Transfer the dart lines to the back of the bodice piece. (I actually use a crayon for this, because it doesn’t show!)
4. Match the dart lines, right sides together, and pin. Sew darts, starting from top and working down to waist.
5. Sew the bodice back sides to the bodice front, right sides together. Turn under top edge, 1/4″ and finish. (No comments on my sewing! Mo was helping me guide the fabric.)
6. Fold under the hemline of both skirts twice (hiding raw edge) and finish.
7. With right sides together, stitch the sides of the skirt front and skirt backs together.
8. Using your longest possible stitch setting, baste the top of the skirt piece. Carefully, pull the bobbin strings to gather the material.
9. With right sides together and matching side seams, pin the bodice to the gather skirt. Pulling or loosening gathers as needed to fit skirt to bodice exactly. Pin well.
10. Sew back of dress, right-sides together,from bottom hemline to marked line on pattern piece.
11. Fold remaining back (unsewn) opening of dress under 1/4″ and baste. Attach hook and loop tape to folded edge. Sew to secure hook and loop tape.
Barbie Doll Ball Gown Pattern Printable
Barbie® is ready to dance the night away at the ball!
Thank-you so much for the free pattern. I PIN every free doll pattern I find. I know all my followers will enJOY this one. Every little girl loves a gown for her Barbie.
Awesome! I love how it can be made from a “fat quarter” – so Barbie can be well-dressed in every color and print! LOL! Thanks for stopping by!
You are amazing! I’m so impressed with your patience in making this tiny, gorgeous gown! Red carpet Barbie, for sure!!
It’s how I stay out of trouble. And out of the kitchen snacking. LOL.
Thank you so much for sharing this. It’s adorable!
Hello Julia,
Thank you so much for the pattern of Barbiedress.
You made me and my granddaughter very happy with this pattern.
Would this be a good pattern for a novice without a sewing machine to attempt? I have a basic hand sewing kit and follow instructions like a champ
This looks like a custom-made plan to introduce my 8 yr old grand daughter to using a pattern so she can create custom clothes for her Barbie dolls! Thank you for the pattern and tutorial and for the utter simplicity of it!
How could I put straps on it for a more conservative look to put in the overseas Christmas shoe boxes?
I have taken two small, narrow pieces of ribbon and hand stitched them to the front and back to make straps. I have also used “rick rack” to do it also.
This is exactly what I was looking for! Thank you for a simple pattern that can be easily customized 🙂 my daughters barbies will be the classiest ladies on the block now lol
Thank you for this free pattern I have been looking for one for my grand daughter who will be 11 and has an interest in sewing. She is getting a sewing machine for her birthday and I am getting her the filled sewing basket!