Barbie Bodycon Dress — Size 10 Crochet Thread

Extremely detailed, top-down tube dress that slips over a Barbie-style doll (11.5in/29cm) for a snug bodycon fit. Worked in rounds with a small rib at the top, gentle waist shaping and a straight skirt. Includes options for straps, variations and fitting notes so you can adapt for any small fashion doll.

Materials

• Yarn: Size 10 crochet thread (100% cotton or cotton blend). Amount: approx 15–25 yards (14–23 meters).
• Hook / needles (see required sizes): Crochet hook US steel 7 (approx 1.65 mm) | UK (old): 12 | Metric: 1.65 mm. Use the smaller end of the range for a firmer, tighter fabric; one size up if your gauge is too tight.
• Tapestry needle to weave ends.
• Stitch marker (optional) to mark round start.
• Scissors, blocking surface and pins (optional).

Yarn & Needle Information

Yarn imperial & metric: Size 10 crochet thread, suggested amount for this dress 15–25 yards (14–23 meters). Hook/needle sizes included above in US, UK Old and Metric.

Gauge

Single crochet gauge (unstretched): 10 sc = 1 in (2.5 cm); 12 rows = 1 in (2.5 cm). Check gauge on a 1”/2.5 cm square in sc before starting. If you have more sc per inch, go up 1 hook size; if fewer, go down.

Finished Measurements (approx)

• Bust circumference (flat around chest at underarm): 6 in (15 cm)
• Length from underarm to hem: 4 in (10 cm) for a mini look; add length in rounds to lengthen.
• Dress is designed to be a snug bodycon fit; adjust starting stitch count for a looser or tighter fit.

Abbreviations

• ch – chain
• sc – single crochet (US)
• sc2tog – single crochet 2 together (decrease)
• inc – increase (2 sc in same st)
• BLO – back loop only
• Fsc – foundation single crochet (optional)

Notes

• This dress is worked in continuous rounds; use a stitch marker at the start of each round or place a contrasting scrap thread to mark the round start.
• If you prefer visible joins, work joined rounds with sl st and ch1 as needed. Pattern assumes working continuous rounds for smooth vertical lines.
• Adjust final stitch counts to fit your doll: measure the doll’s chest circumference, multiply by your gauge (sc per inch) to get the starting stitch count. Make stitch count divisible by 6 for the shaping sequence below, or adapt repeats accordingly.

Pattern Overview

Start at the top edge (neckline/strapless edge). Work a short BLO rib to give structure, then switch to sc in both loops for the body. Shape the waist with an even decrease round, hold decreases for a few rounds, then increase back to the original count for the hips. Continue even to desired length and finish with a tidy hem round.

Starting Stitch Count (Suggested)

Suggested starting circumference for an average Barbie: 6 in (15 cm). Using the gauge above (10 sc = 1 in), starting stitch count = 60 sc. If your gauge differs, calculate starting count = chest circumference (in inches) x sc per inch and round to the nearest multiple of 6.

Instructions

1. Foundation round: Using size 10 thread and chosen method, make Fsc 60 (or ch 60 and join; being careful not to twist). Place stitch marker at beg of round. (If your calculated starting count differs, use that number instead.)
2. Ribbing (BLO) – rounds 1–4: Work 4 rounds sc in BLO. This creates a soft top edge that helps the dress stay on the doll. (40–5 minutes for beginners; quicker with experience.)
3. Body - upper bust – rounds 5–12: Switch to sc in both loops. Work 8 rounds even (sc in each st around). This builds the straight upper chest region.
4. Waist shaping - decrease round – round 13: To shape the waist, work the following evenly around: *sc 8, sc2tog* repeat 6 times. (Working on 60 start sts this produces 54 sts: 6 decreases total.)
5. Waist - hold – rounds 14–19: Work 6 rounds even at 54 sc per round. This gives the cinched waist section. Assess fit on the doll; add or subtract rounds if you want a longer or shorter waist.
6. Hip shaping - increase round – round 20: To return to the hip circumference, work evenly: *sc 7, inc* repeat 6 times. (This increases 6 sts, returning to 60 sts.)
7. Skirt – rounds 21–end: Continue working sc in each st around until the skirt measures your desired length from underarm. For the pattern as written aim for a total of about 4 in (10 cm) underarm-to-hem. Using the row gauge (12 rows = 1 in), work roughly 48 rounds from underarm; you have already worked ~20 rounds, so continue another ~28 rounds. Adjust to taste.
8. Hem (optional tidy edge): Work 1 round sc in BLO, then finish with 1 round reverse single crochet (crab stitch) or picot edge around if you want a decorative hem. Crab stitch: work single crochets left-handed around the edge for a rope-like finished edge.
9. Fasten off & finish: Fasten off leaving a short tail. Weave tail neatly on wrong side. Block gently on the doll or flat: pin to shape and spray lightly with water; allow to dry. For a softer look, lightly steam from a distance (avoid melting synthetic threads).

Optional Straps

For tiny straps: with thread attached at front edge where you want the strap, ch 6, sl st to the corresponding back edge point (or ch 10 for longer straps) and fasten off. Repeat on other side. Alternatively, sew narrow ribbon straps or use a 3-st chain strap and reinforce with a small bar tack at ends.

Variations & Fit Adjustments

• To lengthen, add even rounds to the skirt before the hem. Each inch is roughly 12 rows at this gauge.
• To make a tighter fit, decrease more at the waist: repeat the decrease round once more to take out additional stitches. Make sure decreases are distributed evenly.
• To add shaping at bust or hips, add short increase/decrease rounds as needed. Keep repeat counts divisible by your chosen shaping repeat (pattern uses 6 repeats).
• Color & trim: Add a 1-round contrasting belt (sl st around at waist) or tiny beads sewn on as embellishment.

Troubleshooting & Tips

• If top edge gaps when dressing the doll, try one round of sc in front loop only before the BLO rib to build a firmer lip.
• If the dress is too tight to slide over the hips, block the dress on the doll while stretched slightly or add an extra increase round at the hips.
• Try working a slip-stitch join at the end of each round if you prefer a visible seam line.

Sample Stitch Counts (reference)

• Start 60 sts (after foundation)
• After waist dec round: 54 sts
• After hip inc round: 60 sts

Care

Hand-wash gently in cool water and lay flat to dry. Cotton thread may stiffen after washing; use a warm, careful steam to relax if desired.

Copyright & Support

Pattern created for personal use. For questions or support contact team@verde.uk. Visit https://purljam.verde.uk and follow socials: #purljam.

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