SEW A BARBIE MOVIE GINGHAM DOLL DRESS

The new Barbie Movie has taken the world by storm, bringing a wave of pink everywhere! The costume designs are a dazzling display of fabulousness with a strong vintage vibe, which I absolutely adore. Drawing inspiration directly from Barbie’s iconic wardrobe, the outfits in the movie are truly unforgettable. Rather than splurging on the movie dolls (though we couldn’t resist picking up the Pink Western Barbie), I’ve decided to get creative and hack together some sewing patterns to recreate a few of the iconic looks, starting with my favorite—the pink gingham dress. Follow along with this tutorial to sew your very own Barbie Movie-inspired gingham doll dress!

WHAT YOU’LL NEED

  • Pink gingham fabric with small squares (4-5mm or 1/8”)
  • Matching pink or white thread
  • Approximately 30cm of matching gingham ribbons in both 5mm and 1cm widths (for straps and belt)
  • A pink gingham ribbon bow (or create one using the 5mm ribbon)
  • White netting or tulle for the underskirt
  • Pearl seed beads (for the belt and necklace)
  • Jewelry headpin (for threading beads onto to create the buckle)
  • 2 poppers or snaps
  • Beading elastic for the necklace
  • Fray check or fray stop liquid

How to Make the Dress

Step 1: Make the Bodice
To create the bodice, start by downloading the pattern here:

[Barbie Movie Dress Bodice Pattern Download]

Cut out the paper pattern pieces and pin them onto your fabric. The fabric should be folded, with the front bodice piece cut on the fold. Pin the back panel pattern to the fabric and cut through both layers. Be sure to align the checks so they are vertical.

Using a removable fabric marker or fabric pencil, mark the positions of the bodice darts (the triangle shapes) on both the front and back panels. Apply fray check or fray stop liquid to all raw edges—gingham tends to fray quite a bit, so this will help prevent that and eliminate the need to finish the seams.

Next, sew the darts on the front and back bodice panels. To do this, fold the fabric right sides together and sew from the point of the triangle to the fabric edge. This will shape the bodice properly. Press the seams flat once sewn.

Step 2: Make the Skirt
For the skirt, I used the 10th Anniversary Medium Girl pattern from Requiem Art Designs, which is free with the purchase of another pattern. I also picked up the Country Classic Summer Dress pattern, as it has a similar vintage Barbie Movie vibe. I haven’t tried that one yet—my project list is just too long! I did attempt to figure out how to calculate box pleats, but eventually gave up!

You can find the pattern on Etsy when you buy another one.

The pattern piece you’ll need is called the 1-Piece Skirt. Cut the fabric accordingly, and make sure to mark the locations for the pleats, as this is an important step.

Apply fray stop or fray check to the raw edges of the skirt. Next, press a hem at the bottom of the skirt and topstitch it in place.

For the pleats, sew them together, but only stitch about 0.5cm down from the top. Repeat this for each pleat.

Once all the pleats are sewn, press them flat.

Step 3: Make an underskirt

Cut a piece of tulle or netting to match the depth of your hemmed skirt and twice the width. Sew two rows of gathering stitches along the top edge. Gently pull the threads to gather the tulle until it matches the width of the bodice.

Step 4: Attach the skirt to the bodice

Place the bodice on top of the skirt, right sides together, with the bodice facing down. Tack the pieces together by hand. If there’s any excess fabric in the skirt width, trim both sides evenly to ensure a neat fit.

Pin the gathered underskirt to the skirt (so it’s on the inside) and sew through all three layers to attach the skirts to the bodice. Press the bodice up.

Step 5: Finishing off

Fold the dress in half lengthwise and sew the back seam, stopping about 2cm below the waistline. Next, sew the poppers or snaps at the top of the bodice and at the waistline. Before attaching each popper or snap, fold the fabric that will be on top inwards. For a snug fit, mark where the other half of the popper or snap should go before sewing it in place.

Cut two lengths of thin ribbon and seal the ends with a flame (adults only) or fray stop. Place the ribbons on the front bodice, marking their desired position. Hand sew the ribbons onto the front. Repeat the same process for the back bodice.

Step 5: Accessories

Cut two lengths of thin ribbon and seal the ends with a flame (adults only) or fray stop. Place the ribbons on the front bodice, marking their desired position. Hand sew the ribbons onto the front. Repeat the same process for the back bodice.

VIDEO



19 MOST TALKED-ABOUT KYLIE JENNER OUTFITS OF ALL TIME

Each of the five Kardashian-Jenner sisters has had their own fashion journey. Kim loves a sensual style with a sporty touch, Kourtney has moved from trendy to grungy, Khloe favors stylish activewear, and Kendall’s model-off-duty look is clean and chic. Kylie Jenner’s outfits, however, are often more surprising than her older sisters’.

From bold colors to body-hugging styles and simple French-girl looks, you never know what Kylie will wear next. We love that she keeps us guessing! While her sisters have clear styles, Jenner enjoys trying out different looks, and with so many designers available to her, it makes sense to mix things up.

Kylie Jenner’s outfits—whether on the red carpet or in everyday life—offer lots of fashion ideas for everyone. To help you keep track of the beauty mogul and mom of two’s best looks, we’ve picked out some of our favorites.

KYLIE JENNER IN L.A. IN AUGUST 2018

The Kardashian-Jenners are all about that Barbie vibe, and Kylie is definitely no exception. It’s hard to pick what we love most about this look—the stunning dress, the chic shoes, or the sleek platinum ponytail!

KYLIE JENNER AT THE MTV VMAS IN 2018

There’s no need to tell you that the business owner and founder is a boss; this sharp blazer dress outfit speaks for itself.

KYLIE JENNER IN N.Y.C. IN NOVEMBER 2018

Why go for denim-on-denim with separates when you can nail the Canadian Tuxedo look with a stylish jumpsuit? This all-denim outfit is definitely one we can support.

KYLIE JENNER AT THE GRAMMY AWARDS IN 2019

Balmain suits Jenner perfectly, as shown by this blush pink jumpsuit with dramatic sleeves she wore to the Grammys. We imagine this one-piece is as comfy as it is beautiful; it’s a nice change from her usual body-hugging dresses, and we love it!

KYLIE JENNER AT THE MET GALA IN 2019

At one point, Jenner had a purple phase. She brought back her signature color for the 2019 Met Gala and perfectly captured the “Camp: Notes on Fashion” theme.

SOPHISTICATED SEXY

For the premiere of Travis Scott: Look Mom I Can Fly, Jenner chose an outfit that exuded sophistication. The white bodycon dress highlighted her signature curves, while the sexy back cutouts added a fun twist. We also loved the addition of the bow choker!

KYLIE JENNER AT THE ‘VANITY FAIR’ OSCAR PARTY IN 2021

This mermaid-style gown from Ralph and Russo combines sparkly fun with Old Hollywood glamour. Jenner said the look was worth it, even though it made sitting down a bit tricky!

KYLIE JENNER IN L.A. IN MARCH 2021

Is it just a coincidence that Jenner wore a strikingly similar outfit to celebrate the Haqq sisters’ birthday in 2023, just like she did in 2021 at the same venue? The only difference is the color: red instead of black. It just goes to show that even celebrities repeat outfits—sort of!

KYLIE JENNER AT THE BALMAIN SHOW AT PARIS FASHION WEEK IN SEPTEMBER 2022

Having designer friends definitely pays off, especially when they create exclusive looks just for you. Jenner has been a muse for many designers, but this crochet minidress by Balmain’s Olivier Rousteing is one of our top five favorites.

KYLIE JENNER IN PARIS IN SEPTEMBER 2022

Jenner is a strong supporter of the underwear-as-outerwear trend. She paired white hipster briefs with a matching tank top, black tights that blend into her boots, and a grey overcoat on top—simple yet absolutely showstopping!

KYLIE JENNER AT THE THE BOF 500 GALA IN PARIS IN 2022

Jenner is no stranger to a mesh look, but this outfit from the Business of Fashion 500 gala in Paris last fall really caught our eye. Custom-made for her by Casey Cadwallader, the creative director of Mugler, it features a stunning design of asymmetrical lace.

KYLIE JENNER AT THE COPERNI SHOW AT PARIS FASHION WEEK IN SEPTEMBER 2022

Although Jenner has recently been seen in more neutral tones, she’s always been “a big fan of color,” as Lizzie McGuire’s Miranda Sanchez would say. She particularly shines in blue, making the floral minidress she wore front row at the Coperni Spring/Summer 2023 show a must-have on this list. Don’t miss the matching sunglasses and heels!

KYLIE JENNER IN N.Y.C. IN NOVEMBER 2022

Jenner has certainly influenced many street style trends, but we think she may have borrowed the no-pants look from her big sister Kendall. Regardless, she nails the leggy style with a neutral base, an oversized black trench coat, and pointed-toe heels.

KYLIE JENNER IN ARCHIVE MUGLER AT THE MUGLER COUTURISSIME OPENING IN N.Y.C. IN 2022

At the Mugler Couturissime exhibition opening, Jenner called herself the “Mugler king” on Instagram. Given that it’s been almost a year since the event and we’re still talking about her look, we definitely agree! The Morticia Addams-inspired corset dress is fabulous on its own, but her headpiece would have turned heads even without it.

KYLIE JENNER IN PARIS IN FEBRUARY 2023

Remember when Jenner experimented with bright pastel hair colors? Well, blue is still her go-to! For an afternoon stroll in Paris, the mom of two wore a long-sleeved, body-hugging midi dress in a striking blue shade, pairing it with glittering Barbie-pink boots.

KYLIE JENNER IN L.A. IN MARCH 2023

It’s no surprise that for Malika and Khadijah Haqq’s 40th birthday, the youngest Jenner celebrated in style. The Kylie Cosmetics founder dazzled in a sexy set featuring a satin miniskirt and a matching black satin peek-a-boo mesh top. She completed the look with a leather trench coat, sheer black tights, and pointed-toe heels.

KYLIE JENNER IN MAISON MARGIELA AT THE ‘VANITY FAIR’ OSCAR PARTY IN 2023

Maison Margiela custom-made Jenner’s stunning metallic gown for the 2023 Vanity Fair Oscar Party, and the design did not disappoint. The original piece featured a statement bow tied at the bust and a cape train flowing from her mid-back. The only way this look could have been better is if the beauty mogul arrived in the Batmobile, because it’s definitely giving “superhero, but make it fashion.”

KYLIE JENNER IN JEAN PAUL GAULTIER AT THE MET GALA IN 2023

If anyone knows how to make a statement on the red carpet, it’s Kylie. The Haider Ackermann for Jean Paul Gaultier gown she wore to the 2023 Met Gala turned heads with every step. With its asymmetrical neckline, cold shoulder, and high thigh slit, this fiery ensemble was undoubtedly one of her best looks.

KYLIE JENNER IN PARIS IN MAY 2023

Jenner made a splash in the quiet luxury trend while in Paris. The reality star wore a crisp white midi dress with a corset waist and matching heels, keeping her accessories simple with small silver hoops, black sunglasses, and a tiny white handbag.

CONCLUSION

Kylie Jenner’s impact on the fashion world is undeniable. Her bold, daring, and often trendsetting outfits have captivated audiences worldwide, cementing her status as a style icon. From her early days as a reality TV star to her current role as a successful businesswoman and influencer, Jenner’s fashion choices have continued to evolve and inspire.

The outfits featured in this list represent just a glimpse of Jenner’s extensive style repertoire. Her ability to seamlessly blend high fashion with streetwear, her willingness to experiment with bold trends, and her knack for creating iconic looks have solidified her place in fashion history. As Jenner’s career continues to flourish, it is clear that her influence on the fashion industry will only grow stronger.