PATTERN AND INSTRUCTIONS: The Barbie Top
UPDATE 12/13/21: Big news! The Barbie Top is now available in sizes 18-34! I have added the pattern files to this post, and we have updated the instructions to include info and cutting layouts for all sizes, 2-34. No need to re-print your files if you're already using and loving the Barbie Top in the 2-20 size range. xo, Gertie
Looking for an all-season knit pattern to coordinate with your vintage separates? Barbie's your gal! This sassy mock turtleneck top is made in jersey knit and it coordinates perfectly with the Stanwyck Skirt and Jane Set pants so you can make a wardrobe of fabulous outfits. We’ve given you four sleeve options (long, three-quarter, short, and an armhole band) so this design will work in all climates and seasons! We've also given you two different cup size groupings to get a great bust fit (A-DD has no darts, while F-H has a bust dart). Don’t forget to watch this month’s video for lots of tips on sewing knit fabrics.
One of the things I love so much about this project is how versatile it is. We loved 95% cotton/5% spandex jersey for this pattern, but also played around with some different knits like fishnet, ribbing accents, wool jersey, and stretch velvet. See more about stretch percentages (50% stretch is best) and choosing your fabric in the instructions and in the video. Scroll down to see all the different versions we made and how we styled them.
I hope you love sewing this project! Download the instructions and pattern files at the bottom of this post (note the separate files for A0 and tiled home printing; see the instructions file for more information) and make sure to watch the video in my separate post. Use the hashtag #barbietop when sharing your makes.
xoxo,
Gertie
P.S. Please keep Patreon content confidential so that we can continue to create exclusive new projects just for you. Thank you for all your support!
Comments (80)
I love this pattern and it's my most used! I'm wanting to make a bottom band for my latest project, but can't remember where the measurements/math for that are. Can anyone help?
Gertie covers drafting the waistband in her rockabilly Barbie hack video: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=OrpzE_eFKQ8
Does this require a serger?
So pretty. ❤️❤️❤️❤️. I cant find the A4 print 🙈
that's the tiled pieces. all the files to download are at the bottom of the post.
Only just got round to making this. It was so incredibly easy to make, and so quick to make. Love it!
Did you cut two neck bands for the arms and one arm band for the neck? I did that once. It was a mess.
I don’t know where I went wrong — the neck is extremely tight, I can barely get it on and off, the bust feels loose but it’s really narrow on my waist, I set in the sleeves and now the shoulders seem angular although that might be fixed by finishing the seam. This was my first Patreon project and I’m disappointed with my results 😔 I’m sure it’s my fault and not the pattern.
you could put a small v in the back with a loop and button closure
Am i the only one having a hard time setting the sleeves in without puckers? or did i di sthg wrong?
For knit sleeves, I always set them flat. Don't sew the sleeve seam or side seam, pin the open sleeve to the shirt, sew them together and then do the sleeve and side seam as one. Learned it making children's clothes and it makes it so much easier than trying to set a knit sleeve!
I just finished my first Barbie and I love it! Definitely going to make more.
Working on my second Barbie . This was an easier make for me and I like the fit. I’m making the current one with Valentine’s Day fabric❤️
This is a great pattern! I've finished two sleeveless ones already, one of them made from an old XL men's radio station tshirt that I resized into a flattering ladies shirt. I'm about to cut out a long-sleeved one next.
Just ordered fabric 🤩
This was so fun to make!! 🤩
It looks like fun xxx
Love it and can't wait to make it!
I would love to see a sailor pants pattern to go with this top and the Hepburn sometime!
Yes!!! That would be amazing!!
What a great building block piece. Love love love!
I am so thrilled about this! Besides the beautiful Rita blouse I wanted another options to match up with my skirts ! I cant wait to get my printed pattern in the mail !
The stretch velvet - yes!!!! Really looking forward to working on this one.
What a time for my printer to decide to not work....
Gertie, what iron do you use? I was watching your videos today and I didn't see the make. My T-Fal iron is leaking water like it's it's job. Thank you. Loving the new Barbie top, btw.
Yay for separates! I have some fabric that was going to be a Hepburn but I not any more!
Yeah!!!
SO excited for a pattern using knits!!!
Looks like I'm definitely going to be doing more sew in the new year!!! This is going to mesh amazing with a ton of my ideas and what I love to wear. THANK YOU
OMG (insert eyes popping out of head with love hearts).
Yay long sleeves!
Love love love
I love this !
Loving these! Especially the Bonnie Parker vibes with the black velvet and beret look! Thanks Gertie! X
The picture with the black beret is to die for.
Lovely top! I would make it with short sleeves. I can't wear sleeveless and hate three quarter sleeves. I might even make one with long sleeves. I can see lots of Barbie tops appearing in my wardrobe! I will now be hunting through my fabric stash to see if I have something suitable. I may use my overlocker for one and sewing machine for another and see which method I prefer. It is so exciting to have something new from Gertie each month. Update: I've ordered some fabric for 2 tops! Goodness knows when it will arrive!
What a treat to start the new year off with a great new pattern! I love how different it looks in the various fabrics. As much as I love pretty dresses, I'm thrilled to get a new pattern for something that I know I can wear every day and make many, many times!
I think the 3/4 is my fave!
Ohh I love this!
Thanks Gertie!
This is so adorable and versital! My favs are the leopard with black trim and the black netted!
❤️❤️❤️ just brilliant!!!
Whoa. Exactly what I needed and didn't even know! So many options. I particularly love Gertie's Blue and White Stripe with full Stanwyck Skirt.
So excited for a basic knit tee that goes to H cup!
I love the mesh top so much! Total rocker
I love this so much
Love the top, Gertie!! (May I ask what jeans you are wearing with the red stripe in the bottom photos?)
They’re from my book Gertie Sews Vintage Casual :)
Yesssssssssss, so excited! And I actually have stash fabric I can use for this one!
Wow! Really cute versatile top! Thanks for another great pattern
Love it! I'm more excited about this pattern than my daughter was for Christmas 🤣
I can see me making a few of these, a good wardrobe staple.
What a fabulous wardrobe staple!
Can't wait to get on it! As always you ladies look awesome! My favorite look is Melisha in leopard. Wow wow wow!
Yes that is my favorite one also!! I purchased a great pair of leopard pumps this fall and that top would look fabulous with black leggings or skirt and my pumps
K
This is amazing!!!!
Love this!! I can’t wait to make one with every sleeve variation!
😍😍😍 this couldn't have been released at a better time. I came across 11 yards of pink and white stripped french terry and will be using it for many versions!
Awesome. Just wat I was envisioning for my Make nine.
Oooh, I love it!!! So beautiful and versatile! I always wonder what kind of tops to wear with all of those fabulous vintage-looking skirts, these will suit perfectly!
OMG! This is wonderful! Thank you Gertie
I think I already have the perfect fabric in my stash !
What a beautiful way to start the new year 😍🤩
How wonderful and versatile!! I especially adore the killer beatnik look of the black long sleeve with your brown wiggle skirt! Dreamy.
This is perfect! Vintage casual is actually my favorite so I’m really excited for this!!!! And Melisha looks fierce!
So cute!
I love all the sleeve options!
Love ❤️❤️❤️😍
I knew it was Barbie! So excited for this one! Great job, Gertie. I love all the different looks that can be achieved with this one pattern.
Just what I needed! Thank you Gertie!❤️
Love it!
Fantabulous👏🏻👏🏻. I’ll be ordering my prints today
I love it!!
Lovely <3
I love it 💕✨
So cute! And you both do look like Barbies ❤️
Happy New Year! Thank you, Gertie! ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
yay!!! just what i needed!
Ahhhh! I love it!