Today’s retro fashion doll pattern, McCall’s 3429 from the 1970’s has definitely given me some challenges — especially with that swimsuit (aka bodysuit) pattern! But as I worked with the McCall’s 3429 pattern, I learned a lot along the way.
Today’s blog post gives you an opportunity to learn from my sewing adventures with McCall’s 3429! Read about the struggles I had with the swimsuit/bodysuit in views A and B, and learn how to construct a replacement pattern for pieces that are missing, as you read the blog posts I’ve listed below:
Click on the title you’d like to read more about:
- Do you follow fabric suggestions on patterns?
- What are the best patterns for fashion doll capes?
- Mix and match doll clothes patterns
- What to do when a pattern piece is missing
- Read the directions!
- Which modern Barbie fits best in McCall’s 3429? (Part 1)
- Which modern Barbie fits best in McCall’s 3429? (Part 2)
Most of the commercial patterns I display and talk about here on ChellyWood.com are also available for sale on eBay. However, if you’ve never purchased a pattern on eBay before, it’s a good idea to read the article I wrote called, “Tips for Buying Used Doll Clothes Patterns on eBay.” It will save you time, money, and will likely prevent buyer’s remorse.
And by the way, if you use the links I’ve provided to make your eBay purchase, this website will receive a small commission, which helps fund the ChellyWood.com website, so I can continue to provide you with all the free patterns and tutorial videos offered here.
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Look, I know you’ve probably already heard about it, but my “How to Alter Doll Clothes Patterns” course on the Creative Spark online learning platform will teach you how to alter pants, skirts, dresses, and shirts too. If you haven’t looked into it yet, you can click here to learn more.
I also have a new course on the Creative Spark Online Learning platform which teaches you how to design your own doll pants patterns from scratch, including leggings, overalls, and fly-front jeans. Click here to check out that new course, which is only $19.99!
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*ChellyWood.com earns money by linking to JoAnn Fabrics, Amazon, eBay, 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.
Chelly Wood and the ChellyWood.com website are not affiliated with the pattern company or companies mentioned in this blog post, but Chelly finds inspiration in the doll clothes designed by these pattern companies. To purchase patterns from Simplicity, McCall’s, Butterick, Vogue, or other pattern companies shown and discussed in this blog post, please click on the links provided here. These links below the “Disclaimer” section do not help raise money for this free pattern website; they are only offered to give credit to the company that made these patterns.
Yay! I have this pattern. It was my mom’s. She’s no longer with us, but it will be fun to sew with it. She was an expert seamstress and sewed all my clothes for many years. ❤️
It’s always so neat to see a pattern from your childhood! It brings back so many memories…
I retired last year, now ive finally got time to learn to sew! since I never got over my love of Barbie, it seemed like learning to make clothes for her would be a perfect starting point. What an idiot. I bought a sewing machine and bought this pattern on Etsy. I have to admit i have become expert at seam-ripping, but not at any other aspect of sewing. So far I havent even managed to sew a straight line, and I have cried more than I did when I was 14. Luckily, theres UTube. I just found your site today, here’s hoping it helps Thank you for sharing your knowledge.
Hang in there, Stephanie. Start simple.
The easiest Barbie dress pattern I have uses a felt bodice and easy-to-sew ribbon straps. Here’s a link.
I found Chelly’s basic patterns the BEST! Barbie’s basic dress went together easily and I love that you can sew along with videos.