Last week I shared my video showing how to make the bikini top for this set. I also gave you the free, printable pattern you’ll need to make the bikini. This set is designed to fit Mattel’s Barbie®, but it also fits Spin Master Liv Dolls™, Queens of Africa™ dolls, and many other fashion dolls in this size range. (Please note that ChellyWood.com is not affiliated with Mattel or any of the other doll companies mentioned here.)
Today I’m showing you how to make the shorts/bikini bottoms. Of course, back in the 1950’s women’s bikini bottoms looked a lot like bootie shorts! So that’s what I’ve created here for my retro bikini set.
Eventually, I plan to use this same pattern to make a bra and elasticized panties, but that will have to wait for another day. If you’re an experienced sewist, though, you can imagine how that will work. I’ll be changing the way the ribbon attaches to the bikini top (so it looks more like bra straps) and adding elastic to not only the waistband of the bikini bottoms, but the thigh areas too.
There. Now you know what my plan is. If you’re good at alterations, you can jump ahead of me, to make the underwear set that I have planned.
You’ll see that the pattern for the bikini also includes a pattern for capri pants. I’m still working on those tutorials. One of my fans requested a turtleneck pattern, and I designed the capris to go with the turtleneck to the Audrey Hepburn look. Once I get that set sewn, I’ll post patterns and tutorials for those as well.
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In the meantime, if you’re searching for a different pattern, have a look at the Gallery Page. That’s the easiest way to search through all of my patterns to find what you want. Each image on the Gallery Page takes you to links for patterns and tutorials.
Need help printing my patterns? This link will take you to a tutorial showing you how to download my free, printable patterns.
Please note: you must enlarge my patterns to fit a full-sized piece of American computer paper (8.5 x 11 inches or 216 x 279 mm) without margins, before printing. These designs use a 1/4 inch seam (standard for fashion doll sewing projects).
If you’re wondering why I make patterns and videos without charging a fee, please visit the “Chelly’s Books” page, and that should explain my general motivations. It’s always friendly and kind to show your appreciation for my free patterns and tutorials by liking them on Facebook, pinning them on Pinterest, and/or tweeting about them (yes, you have my permission). You’re also welcome to add any of my YouTube channel’s videos to your playlists.
In case you haven’t heard, I’ve also designed commercial patterns for Lammily LLC. They have some new dolls in their line, including a new male doll, so you might want to visit the Lammily website to see what they’ve got going on.
I also have a series of tutorials for the beginning sewists on my YouTube channel. It includes video tutorials showing you how to do a basic straight stitch when sewing by hand, how to gather fabric, how to use the whipstitch to hem a garment, how to sew on snaps, and even how to design your own doll clothes patterns, just like I do!