Scroll down to the second set of bullets for the free PDF sewing patterns.
Please read this introductory text, to make sure you understand all the nuances of today’s free pattern!
The WWE Action Figures have really thick necks–which makes perfect sense because they represent professional wrestlers! So I had to make today’s western “cowboy” shirt with a super wide opening at the neck of the shirt.
Therefore, when you try it on GI Joe or Action Man or Broad Ken, you will likely think that the neck opening is too wide. I mean, yeah, they can fit in it, but it looks a little weird on them to be honest.
Now if you’re good at making doll clothes alterations, you can always make some alterations so the neck hole isn’t so wide for these other dolls and action figures. But if you’re not good at alterations, you might want to look for a different pattern.
Or just take my class on doll clothes alterations!
But I digress…
I should also mention, just as it says in the video, this is a complicated project. I don’t recommend it for the beginners out there. An easier project might be my GI Joe camp shirt instead.
To make today’s western “cowboy” style shirt for your dolls or action figures, you’ll need some solid cotton fabric, some small-print plaid fabric, some size 4/0 snaps, and some teeny tiny buttons.
Today’s free printable PDF patterns will fit the following dolls or action figures:
- 12 inch (30.5 cm) GI Joe action figures
- 12 inch Broad Ken dolls
- 12 inch WWE wrestler action figures
- 12 inch Action Man action figures
And here are the patterns and tutorial videos you’re looking for:
- Click here for the free printable PDF sewing pattern for the western “cowboy” shirt
- The tutorial video for making the shirt is found at the top of this page
- How to do a whipstitch
- How to sew snaps on fabric
- How to do a backstitch
- How to gather fabric
- How to do a baste stitch
In case you haven’t heard, my Creative Spark class, “How to Alter Doll Clothes Patterns” is available on the Creative Spark platform. You can sign up any time you want!
And don’t panic if it seems like too much to take on right now — sometimes our lives get really busy. I get that. But for any class on Creative Spark, you don’t have to sign up any time soon. Just sign up when you’re ready.
And there’s no specific time limit to your courses. You can just take your time and learn at the pace that suits you.
As always, feel free to pin, like, or tweet about my free patterns and tutorials. Here’s an image you’re welcome to share on social media:
To read more about my free sewing patterns and tutorials, please visit the “Helpful Tips” page.
Disclaimer/Credit/Affiliate Marketing Link:
*ChellyWood.com earns money by linking to Amazon, eBay, Michaels, Etsy, and other online affiliate programs. Links provided above may be affiliate links. For a full list of my affiliate programs, and to understand how cookies are used to help this website earn money, please see my “Privacy Policy” page.
To honor the trademark rights of the doll and action figure companies mentioned in this blog post, I am including links to their websites here. Please feel free to visit their website and consider purchasing one or more of the dolls mentioned.
GI Joe and Action Man action figures are owned and distributed by Hasbro Pulse, which holds the registered trademark for these toys (™). Please visit the Hasbro Toy website to learn more about their company and its trademarked toys. This link will also help you find Action Man figures specifically, and those figures are still distributed throughout the United Kingdom.
Broad Ken, the WWE wrestler action figures and the Endless Hair Princess Barbie are products offered by Mattel, which holds the registered trademark for them (™). Please visit the Mattel Toys website to learn more about their company and its trademarked toys.
Tonner fashion dolls are products that were once offered by the Tonner doll company, which held the registered trademark for them (™), but it is no longer in business. However you can still learn about this company’s history on Wikipedia and purchased used dolls from eBay.
Could this pattern be used for a plain flannel shirt?
You bet. You wouldn’t have to add all the pockets and cuffs and such. Just make a plain flannel shirt.
And if you wanted to add an easier collar, have a look at the way I built the collar on this doll dress, using bias tape. It’s an easier alternative to a cloth collar.
But if you’re going to make a bias tape alternative collar on a flannel shirt for a bigger doll (like a 12 inch male action figure), I would definitely use at least 1/2 inch wide, folded bias tape. Best of luck to you!
Hey Laurel, there’s someone who has been reaching out to me, wanting custom doll clothes for action figures. Would you like me to give them your email? I don’t give out people’s emails, but I can see them in the comments on my “Admin” side of this website. I just wondered if you would be interested in a project like that, since you’re asking questions about alterations.