The first draft of this idea, that I thought up for hand stitching when I was living on a boat.
This fits all 11.5″ Barbies, including Curvy, but might not fit 13″ First or 12″ Darci / Jem.
Use lightweight fabric that doesn’t fray, so that folding edges over once and stitching will be enough.
See original page about the OSFA idea. I’m leaning away from the overly fitted and specific “Barbie” models.
Free printable pattern in PDF format – Barbie OSFA shift dress for all 11.5″ tall dolls.
Cut the pattern piece on fold. Yep, just one strangely shaped piece of fabric.
Make tiny clips at the corners where indicated.
Fold over (3/16th in or 5 mm) at neckline and armhole edges and topstitch. Note that that isn’t as wide as half of your presser foot.
A is the corners of the square neckline.
B and C are the front and back below the arm hole. B and C are going to come together on both sides, then stitch from there to the bottom of the skirt.
Add a bottom ruffle at this point if you’re doing one.
Bring D to D, and sew back seam from there to the bottom.
Hem around the bottom. If you have time and inclination, a strip of bias makes a nice hem, or fold over and stitch, then tack on some trim.
PRINTABLE PDF for DOWNLOADING
Or you can print these two jpgs at 6.25 in by 5 in.
Printer problems?
If all else fails, here’s a grid for transfering the pattern by hand. But maybe verify that “1/4 in grid” with a wooden ruler. (Why do I feel the need to do that?)
Idea for a light panel for tracing. Two thread spools for spacers, piece of glass or plexiglas, flashlight.
