How to Sew Barbie Underwear

If you have some scraps of t-shirt fabric or knit jersey fabric, you can easily sew modest coverage underwear for Barbie and other fashion dolls in four easy steps!

This sewing project uses scrap fabric pieces to create another useful addition to Barbie’s wardrobe.

Our underwear sewing pattern is full coverage and high-waisted for appropriate play clothes for children.

We modified this sewing pattern to also make a one piece swimsuit for Barbie. It is sewn in the same way and you will get a free pattern template for the bathing suit with the underwear pattern template download available in the supplies list below.

We used an old t-shirt. The stretchy jersey knit fabric is great for making doll clothes because it will not fray, so you don’t have to worry about sewing fussy hems.

Pair this underwear under skirts and dress for fashion dolls, such as our easy ruffled skirt for Barbie or tea-length Barbie skirt.

The great thing about this sewing pattern is that you can easily use a hand needle and thread to make the top without needing a sewing machine.

This easy sewing project for clothes for Barbie and other fashion dolls is just one of the many Free Barbie Sewing Patterns that we share!

How to Sew Underwear for Barbie and Other Fashion Dolls

Supplies

• Free Barbie Underwear Pattern Template
• T-shirt or jersey knit fabric (around 8 in. X 3 in.) (21 X 8 cm)
• Matching Thread
• Scissors
• Sewing machine
• Pinking shears (optional)

Directions

Step 1

Trace the Barbie underwear pattern on t-shirt fabric or knit jersey fabric. You will want one of the front pattern pieces (cut on a fold) and two of the back pattern pieces.

The width of the underwear should be placed along the stretchiest part of the fabric.

For example, stretch the fabric and see in what direction it stretches the MOST. There should be one way that the fabric stretches more than the other (will be perpendicular to the selvedge, if you have fabric by the yard).

Then place the width of the underwear patterns (the way that the pattern will fit across Barbie’s stomach, rather than up) on the stretchiest part.

Step 2

With right sides together, match up the two back pattern pieces. Sew along the straighter edge using a 1/4 inch seam allowance.

This can be tricky because you DO need to backstitch at the top of the underwear (the bottom piece will be sewn over later and doesn’t need backstitching). When starting your stitching, it is helpful to start a little bit down the fold (about 1/4 inch), not at the edge, because the fabric will be “eaten” by the sewing machine. Then backstitch up to the edge of the fabric and then continue sewing.

Step 3

Open up the fabric that you just sewed.

Then, putting right sides together, match up the edges of the back of the underwear and front of the underwear sewing patterns. The pattern pieces won’t lay flat and that is okay.

Using a 1/4 inch seam allowance, sew along each side, being sure to backstitch at the beginning and end of the stitching.

Step 4

Now finish the bottom of the underwear, matching the straight edges together. The pattern pieces won’t lay flat and that is okay.

Make sure the seam allowance is open on the back of the underwear before stitching.

Using a 1/4 inch seam allowance, sew straight across the fabric, being sure to backstitch at the beginning and end of the stitching.

Turn the underwear inside out and you are done!

Step 5 (Optional)

For a decorative edge, you can trim the top of the underwear with pinking shears.

You could also cut the fabric with pinking shears along this straight edge before starting to sew the seams together.

Helpful Tips I Learned From Sewing Underwear for Barbie

• A thicker knit jersey is better than thinner. Some t-shirts are thicker than others.
• It is easy to sew the undergarments with a needle and thread if you don’t have a sewing machine.
• T-shirt fabric or knit jersey fabric does not fray, so you don’t need to worry about finishing off the edges.
• I did not use a zig-zag stitch, even though it is a knit fabric. You can use a zig-zag stitch, which allows for more stretching, if you prefer.
• A ball point needle is often recommended for stitching with jersey knit. I used a regular sewing machine needle, but you can definitely switch yours to a ball point if you prefer.
• Pinking shears add a decorative touch to the edges. They are a specialty type of sewing scissors that I use quite often, but if you don’t have a pair don’t worry.

Save this tutorial for later! Pin it to Pinterest!

We used this same t-shirt fabric to make a Barbie tank top, too. Be sure to see that easy tutorial next.

If you’re surprised at how easy it is to sew underwear and panties, then check out these free underwear sewing patterns for you!