5 Ways to Stop Your Doll Clothes From Fraying
When you're sewing doll clothes, one thing that's never talked about enough is what to do with the raw edges. More specifically, how to stop the fabric from fraying. Working on such tiny clothes can be frustrating because a small rip in a fabric can ruin your work, let alone a fabric that frays. But have no fear, because I found 5 ways to prevent your doll's clothes from fraying for good.
But first, why does fabric fray?
A fabric frays when the fibers in the fabric become loose. This happens when the fabric is cut, torn, or worn over time; the constant fabric manipulation causes the fibers to loosen and come apart. And once it starts to unravel, your clothes will fall apart, no matter how clean your stitches are, so it's always important to seal your raw edges.
1. Choosing the Fabric
Fabric comes in a lot of different types; some tend to fray more than others. I mostly group them into two: one that frays and one that doesn't. Choosing the right fabric eliminates the problem of fraying altogether. This is perfect for beginners, as they don't need to worry about raw edges coming apart and can just focus on sewing the clothes. The only downside to this is that it limits the fabric we can work on.
When selecting fabrics for your doll's clothes, it's important to choose fabric that is tightly woven and has a smooth texture, like cotton or polyester. These fabrics are less likely to fray than the more delicate ones, like silk or chiffon.
2. Overlock Stitch
Of course there will be instances where we do want to work on fabrics that fray; it's inevitable. And for that, what we can do is finish the edges with overlock stitches. You can use a serger or do a zigzag stitch using a sewing machine. But if you don't have any of those fancy machines, you can always sew it by hand. Below is a YouTube video I made showing how to sew an overlock stitch by hand.
Stitching the edges like this not only makes the doll clothes durable and long-lasting, but it also makes them clean and professional-looking. Something to keep in mind if you ever want to sell your doll's clothes.
Now for the downside: overlocking stitches takes a lot of time to do, especially if you're doing it by hand. So if you ever plan on using this method for your next project, sit back and watch some Netflix, because you'll be stitching for hours.
3. Fray Check
Fray check or fabric glue is a liquid seam sealant that many use to secure the threads and prevent fabric from fraying. Just apply a small amount of glue along the edges of the doll clothes and leave it to dry. It will then create a barrier that keeps the fabric intact. This is by far my favorite way to secure the edges because it's quick and easy to apply. It's a lot faster compared to the overlock stitching I mentioned before, and the good news is I can use this on any fabric, which means I can work on any fabric I want.
One thing to note, although I'm not sure if it applies to all brands of fray check, is that it doesn't dry transparent. So the seam sealant you put on the edges is quite noticeable on darker fabrics.
4. White Glue
If you're broke like me or just don't have a fray check on hand, I found using white glue to be an effective seam sealant on the fabric. Just apply it thinly on the raw edges and wait for it to completely dry, and your edges are sealed and secured. But a few washes with water will cause the glue to fade over time, so you might have to reapply it again.
5. Nail Polish
Another cheap alternative I have tried as a seam sealant is using clear nail polish. Just applying a small amount on the edges of the fabric helps stop the thread from unraveling. It's actually much more durable than the white glue, and it doesn't wear off as fast. But the problem is that it can take a long time to dry and it smells bad (after all, it's still nail polish). It can also make the fabric incredibly stiff, so be careful when applying it and only use small amounts.
After Thoughts
In conclusion, there are several things you can do to prevent the fabric from fraying, from selecting the fabric to using different types of seam sealant. By applying one or two of these methods, you can assure your doll clothes will remain in good shape and last for a long time. Just remember to handle your doll clothes with care and to always be gentle when putting them on and off your dolls. With these tips in mind, you can keep your doll's clothes looking great and fray-free.
Thanks for reading!
3 Cottagecore Inspired Dress to Sew for Barbie
Unless you live under a rock (or don't have a social media account), you've probably heard about this aesthetic in passing. Like the E-boy aesthetic, Cottagecore also blew up on Tiktok among millenials and Gen Z. It's an aesthetic that celebrates rural life, finding joy in traditional skills like baking, gardening, sewing, and pottery that promote self-reliance and sustainable living.
That simple lifestyle echoed in its fashion, as cottagecore takes inspiration from western agricultural life. Peasant silhouettes we often see on a Disney princess, like flowy dresses and loose-fitting skirts, are a must for this aesthetic.
And I'm all about making barbie a princess so here's my attempt at emulating this whimsical aesthetic. Below are the 3 barbie dresses you can sew that are cottagecore inspired:
1. If you ever search Google for a "cottagecore dress," best believe this milkmaid dress is the first to show up, so it's only natural that I make a Barbie version of this dress. This dress has all the elements a cottagecore dress should have: billowing balloon sleeves, a milkmaid neckline, and feminine silhouettes.
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| same dress pattern but with 2 different style of skirt |
A good thing about this dress pattern is that it's customizable; you can modify the skirt to how you want it. You can shorten it to a midi skirt or make it a balloon-style gathered skirt, whatever style you want. I made a video tutorial on YouTube on how you can do it; the link is down below.
Video Tutorial: Barbie Tries Cottagecore Aesthetic
Patterns: Barbie Cottagecore Dress -Top
Barbie Cottagecore Dress - Skirt
Don't know how to print doll patterns? Check out this beginner's guide here!
2. A cottagecore dress doesn't always mean a long dress; it can also be a short one. This puff-sleeve dress is a perfect example of that. It has the elements of the cottagecore aesthetic—a flowy skirt and puff sleeves—but it has a twist at the back. If you want a cuter and more playful version of this aesthetic, this dress is for you.
3. For the last dress, we have a wrap-around dress. This dress is actually a stand-alone top that can also be modified into a dress. It's also a flowy dress, but the difference is that it doesn't have puff sleeves like the first two dresses above. And out of the three, this is also the easiest to sew, so if you're a beginner, I suggest choosing this first.
And that is the end of this post. I hope you like all the cottagecore inspired dresses that are shown here. Cottagecore is probably my favorite aesthetic I made for barbie (I have done three aesthetics, btw). The patterns are a struggle to make, but seeing the finished dress on my dolls really made everything worth it.
If you have any questions, suggestions, or maybe an aesthetic you want me to make, leave a comment down below. And don't forget to follow me on all my social media, especially on my YouTube channel, for more DIY doll content.
Happy sewing~
2 Barbie Outfits That Screams Y2K Style
The 2000s are back, y'all! Microskirts and low-rise pants are making a comeback under the Y2K aesthetic. And you guys know, we got to try it out on Barbie!
If you're new here, this is the second installment of my doll series where I dress up Barbie in different fashion aesthetics. Last time I turned Ken into an E-boy, so this time it's only right to make Barbie the main character. And what's a more fitting aesthetic for her than Y2K?
What is Y2K?
Y2K (short for the year 2000) is first known as a computer bug that is thought to cause computers to stop working once we reach the year 2000. But nowadays, it's more associated with a fashion aesthetic based on popular trends from the late 1990s to the early 2000s.
The Y2K aesthetic takes a lot of inspiration from the pop icons of that era, like Paris Hilton, Britney Spears, and Destiny's Child. and classic movies like Clueless, Mean Girls, etc. My personal favorite are the Bratz dolls, which really personified the Y2K style.
There are so many looks I could pull off from this aesthetic, but I settled for two outfits for Barbie. One is this slip dress that I've seen a lot on Pinterest when searching for Y2K style. It's so feminine and cute that I just need to recreate it for Barbie.
Animal prints are synonymous with the Y2K aesthetic, so I made another version of this dress in a cheetah print. You can make this exact same dress by downloading the pattern below. And watching the full tutorial on my YouTube channel
Video Tutorial: Transforming Barbie Into a Y2K Baddie
Pattern: Barbie Y2K Dress Pattern
How to Print Doll Patterns (The Right Way)
The next outfit is a top that I paired with a low-rise mini skirt, because what is Y2K if it's not mini and low-rise? The majority of us millennials might not be happy that it's making a comeback, but you've got to admit it looks good on Barbie.
That is all for this post, I hope you love the Y2K outfits I made. And let me know down below if you want more; I might make a part 2.
Thanks for reading!
Cute Couple Shirt to Make for Barbie and Ken
Happy Valentines day everyone and as this is my first blog post this 2022. I made Barbie and Ken a matching couple shirts, a fitting theme this month of love. I don't know if couple shirts is still a thing now, but I find them really adorable if done right. So below are some of the shirts I made
1. Oversized Shirt
Who doesn't love an oversized shirt, they're super comfy to wear and a cute outfit to pull off for a casual date. Pair it up with the sweatshirt pattern I made for Ken, add a matching t-shirts prints and you have a couple shirt perfect for Valentines
Tutorial on how I made it is up on my YouTube channel, please go watch it and subscribe for more doll content
Video Tutorial: DIY Couple Shirt for Barbie and Ken
Pattern: Barbie Sweatshirt Pattern
Pattern: Ken Sweatshirt Pattern
If oversized is not your style, you can opt for a crop top. This give off a more casual look compare to the first shirt. And instead of a matching prints for both shirts like above, try to experiment with the prints for a more unique take on a couple shirt.
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And that's it for this post, I hope these two looks convinced you to make your Barbie her very own couple shirt with Ken
Thanks for reading!
2 E-Boy Style You Can Make for Your Ken Doll
After making Barbie a Cottagecore inspired dress, I figured I should make a whole series trying out different fashion aesthetic for my dolls. And what better way than to start with the something big. Let's sew the most popular aesthetic to come from TikTok, the E-boy aesthetic
What is an E-boy?
E-boy (technically means 'electronic boy') are a youth subculture that you see a lot on social media specifically TikTok. They have a middle part hair, painted black nails and wears a lot of black oversized shirts. Their style really reminds me of the late 2000's emo style but mixed in with other alternative fashions like scene, goth, grunge and punk.
Although e-boys have a bad reputation (my guess is for making cringy tiktok videos) I do love their fashion style, so we'll try recreating them for Ken
I have 2 styles you can choose from, both equally easy to make
1. The Iconic Look
When I think of E-boy, this is definitely what comes to my mind. An oversized black tee with a black and white stripe long sleeves layered inside. Tuck in the shirt, add tons of chain accessories and we have the e-boy look. I don't know about you but I think I nailed the look well. To recreate this outfit make sure to check out the video tutorial I made on YouTube where I show you the steps on how I made this.
Video Tutorial: How to Dress Ken Into an E-boy
Patterns: Ken High Waisted Pants
Ken E-boy Shirt
2. Preppy E-boy
This is another e-boy outfit you can make, its more on the preppy side compare to the edgy outfit from before. And if you notice there are a lot of layering clothes happening in this style which is quite a challenge while working on the doll patterns. Fortunately it works out well and the outfits look great.
Pattern: Ken E-boy Sweatshirt
And that's the end of this post. I hope you found this helpful, I honestly had fun creating all the outfits. Like I said I'm making this a series so comment down below what fashion aesthetics you want me to do next
Happy Sewing!
2 Styles of Puff Sleeve Dress to Make for Barbie
If you guys watch my YouTube channel, you know I made my Licca-chan doll a puff sleeve dress. Well I figured its about time I made a Barbie version of that dress.
But compare to the adorable princess-like dress I created before, I alter it a bit to be more mature and sexy feminine. And I come up with two dresses you can choose from, both giving different vibes from one other
1. The Basic Dress
Like the name suggest, this is just a simple basic puff sleeve dress you always see on Pinterest. Only at the front though, because the back of the dress is really where the magic happens. I added strings on the back to tie in a ribbon to make the dress fit more and honestly for the aesthetics. This is the biggest difference between the dress I made for Licca-chan where I utilize the back dress instead more.
Pattern: Barbie Puff Sleeve Dress 1
Video Tutorial: How to Make Puff Sleeve Dress (Barbie Version)
Step by Step Guide to Print My Doll Patterns
2. Peek-a-Boo Dress
Pattern: Barbie Puff Sleeve Dress 2
Video Tutorial: DIY Barbie Puff Sleeve Dress 2
And that's the end of it, tell me in the comments which one is your favorite. And subscribe to my YouTube channel for more doll videos
Happy sewing!
Beginners Guide: The Best Way to Print Miniatures
Before anything else, I would like to put a disclaimer that this is only a printing tutorial for my own miniature templates. So if you have templates from other websites, this method might not work since they might have a different approach to mine. So try at your own risk.
3 Cottagecore Inspired Dress to Try for Licca-chan
The cottagecore aesthetic has been really taking off ever since the pandemic started. From the fashion to lifestyle, they are everywhere. And of course, who am I if I didn't recreate this trend on my dolls.
So here are the 3 different doll dresses you can make that are cottagecore inspired.
1. Summer Dress
I honestly don't know what else to call this. Basically the puff sleeves are only at the top part while the bottom are a normal hem. This style of puff sleeves looks good in a short sleeves, hence the name summer dress.
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| Try pulling down the sleeves for a different look |
2. Puffy Sleeves
Compare to the first dress above, both the top and bottom sleeves are puff sleeves. A small piece of advice, if you want the skirt to be extra puffy. Try adding a second layer of fabric onto the skirt
3. Balloon Dress
Now this is the same as the second dress except the sleeves are short. The short puff sleeves kinda form a balloon shape on the arms, which is freaking cute if I say so myself.
You can make these 3 dresses with the pattern I made below. I suggest you go watch the video tutorial on my youtube channel for a more detailed explanation.
And yes! The pattern can also fit other dolls aside from Licca. As long as they have the same body size, I'm sure it will fit just right.
Pattern: Puff Sleeve Dress for Licca-chan
Youtube Tutorial: DIY Puff Sleeve Dress for Licca-chan
That is all for today, Can you believe this is my first blog post for this year 2021. Anyways, I hope you find this helpful and let me know down on the comments if you actually try this.
Happy Sewing!
5 Pretty Dresses to Sew For Your Mini Dolls
Before anything else, I want to greet you all an advance Merry Christmas! Oh how time flies, can't believe this year is finally over. I'm kinda disappointed with myself because I never got to do a lot of things this year. I come up with so many ideas and projects but it all ended down the bin. Hopefully I can do better next year.
On another note, I hope you all enjoy this adorable dress pattern I made for mini dolls. I honestly can't think of anything to name them but basically they're dolls standing 4 1/2 inches tall (e. g. Kelly, Miki & Maki, Evi Love dolls, etc.)
(Don't know how to print my patterns? Check out this post!)
This is probably the easiest doll clothes I made this year. Can be hand sewn and quick to make (I finish it within an hour) . I even come up with so many pretty outfits.
1. Make it Simple
If you follow my pattern, this is how it will turn out. Its simple but very cute. You can change it up by adding ribbons, beads or a bit of embroidery
2. Add Prints
Try switching the fabric of the skirt or top to a different color or something with prints. It gives an illusion that they're a separate outfit altogether.
3. More Ruffles
Sewing ruffles to the skirt or sleeves just add that extra cuteness. You can even add an apron to top it off.
4. Change up the Skirt
This is probably my favorite, its just makes you look like a princess. To know how I made the skirt, simply watch the tutorial I made on Youtube.
5. Different Necklines
Just changing the neckline gives the whole outfit a different style. Just look at the two dress below side by side.
I hope you learn something from this, I had so much fun creating these many dresses. Let me know how yours turn out down on the comments.
Thanks for reading!
DIY Wrap Up Top For Barbie and Life Update
Hello everyone! And sorry for being mia for a month, dealing with the aftermath of the typhoon Ulysses while also social distancing because of pandemic is a lot. I honestly can't wait for the year 2020 to be over.
Anyways enough about me, If you watch any of my videos on my youtube channel you are probably here for the free Barbie pattern. Well the link for that is down below and as promise, you can download it for free. Just a disclosure that this is for personal use only, so don't go reselling my patterns and claiming it as your own, visit my disclaimer page to know more. I also added the link of the video tutorial for those who haven't watch it yet
Video Tutorial: DIY Barbie Wrap Around Top
Pattern: Barbie Wrap Around Top & Dress
Don't know how to print doll patterns? Check this tutorial out
You can alter the pattern to how you want it to be. Like what I did above where I attach a skirt to make it a full long dress. You can go watch the tutorial on my Youtube channel to see how I did it.
My Thoughts
Like all my other works, this is fun to make and a great alternative if you don't want to use velcro on your barbie's clothes. The wrap around or tie up clothes are completely new to me and I couldn't wait to try making more. I could just think of so many variations of a wrap top.
On a more serious note, I hope you all stay safe and if there's something 2020 thought me is prepare for the worst and always be grateful..
Thanks for reading!
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