PATTERN AND INSTRUCTIONS: The Skipper Dress and Bodysuit
UPDATED 02/14/2024: Skipper is now available in our full size range! Get the files for the 2-20 and 18-34 (A-H Cups) pattern below.
Meet Barbie’s sassy little sister, Skipper! This fabulous knit pattern can be made as a bodysuit or dress. Skipper has a wide scoop neckline and the option of elasticized puff sleeves or cap sleeves. The dress option has a straight skirt that is so Bettie Page, and the bodysuit has a full-coverage bottom with a snap closure at the crotch. Even better? Skipper also interchanges with our Barbie Top pattern (Patreon, January 2021) to maximize your options with the mock turtleneck and 4 additional sleeve options (band, short, three-quarter, and long). You can also use the lower half of the Barbie Top to turn Skipper into a hip-length top. Don’t forget to watch this month’s video to earn your badge in sewing knits and get tips on adjusting the pattern.
Wondering about fabrics and supplies? Check out the written instructions at the bottom of this post for links and recommendations. You'll also find the tiled file (for printing at home on A4 or letter size sheets and taping together) and the A0 file (for printing at a copy shop like pdfplotting.com).
We hope you love Skipper!
xoxo,
Gertie
Comments (81)
Is it true that the armscyes are reversed? Like the front in the back and viceversa? I read this in a pattern review, but wanted to see if this has been fixed already...
Thank you for the extended sizing for the Skipper!
In pic 9 Gertie wears the top with some light pink shorts. Is this also a charm pattern?
Yes! Those are the Lucille Trousers shortened to shorts length.
Can someone confirm that the amount of fabric for size 18-24 dress in 60" fabric is correct? Should it perhaps be 2 7/8 yards?
Can we get a pattern extension please?
I can't seem to locate one of the pattern pieces for the tiled.pdf download. I'm missing (not seeing) what would be the top-left shoulder outside corner piece of pattern piece #5-scoop neck top front A-DD cup (A 5A-DD) I have the pieces that are on pages 43, 46, 47 already. If anyone has the page number where I can find that last piece, I would appreciate it.
just saw the previous comments... page 44, thanks.
Any advice on how to size up if i want to use a less stretchy fabric?
Oh my god I just got it. Skipper and Barbie!
I got it just before I scrolled to your response, lol!
Has an official announcement been made about the mislabeled pattern piece?
page 44?
Love this, ever since i saw the pattern i have been thinking about flashdance...
This is really exciting!
I am really happy to have this pattern
How much fabric is required for the dress? Under "Material and Notions on the instructions page, I just see measurements for elastic.
Ah nevermind, I found it! :D
This is so cute!
I'm taping the pattern together (very excited about this one 😍) and just noticed a typo at the intersection of pages 43, 44, 46 and 47, the label for the front bodice cup A-DD for page 44 its is indicating the wrong cup size
I was JUST going to ask about this. Thank you!
Hi the math is off this time right? 2 inch becomes 4 inches is 100% stretch.
I've never worked with knits before - looks like it's time to earn my badge?
Wondering where Melisha is?
Love that striped barbie/skipper dress. Knit basic heaven.
Yes!!! Just what I needed, coming into winter here in NZ, a 3/4 sleeve bodysuit under my dresses! Excited 😁😁😁
This is sooooooo cool! Fabulous options to coax me into sewing knits
Yes!!! I used to have a vintage leotard I wish I still had.... now I can make one!
the timing is just perfect!!! i was just about to turn the barbie top into a body suit myself, but this is even better, thank you so much.
I love the variety you gave us. Loved the look of the Barbie top but I will enjoy wearing this lower neck line knit top.
Thank you! Love it, love it, love it!
I LOVE!
Thank you so much Gertie! This is perfect timing for me as I have just returned a bodysuit because it was too short for me, so it will be great to learn how to make my own perfectly fitting version!
Not sure what I'd do with a body suit, but love the fact it goes with the barbie top. So many options, can't wait to see other people's makes for inspiration.
Thank you so much! I feel a Barbie summer coming on.
Wow, just wow! <3
100000x YES!!!!!!!!!
Oh my stars. This reminds me of a Midge Maisel home workout/measuring outfit and maybe I’ll be inspired to do some working out after I make my cute bodysuit?
I love this so much! Thank you
Yesssss! I haven’t used my blue striped knit from Barbie month.
YASS! You ladies are the absolute best! So much talent and so generous 😻
THANK YOU for the trunk measurement!!!! This long torso girl loves this kind of thing
Saaaaammmme. Nothing is ever long enough in the torso!
I'm so excited! That bodysuit makes me miss my showgirl days!
Oh wow. I’ve been looking for a top like that. Thanks, Gertie! ❤️
Love!!!
😔
THIS IS FANTATIC !!!!!!!!!!!!! I wish I could show the real level of my enthusiasm by writing bigger!!!!!! I LOVE this new pattern!!!!
YAAAAS I have black and white striped jersey the I wanted to maybe make a barbie with but also wanted it to be a bodysuit, was debating what to do and BAM. PERFECT!
Love it! I’ve been needing a body suit pattern.
I really really love how you make so many of our patterns mix and match to give us so many customization options!
This is amazing, thank you! 🖤🖤🖤
Love, love, love, LOVE!!! 💗
I love love love it ❤️
Oh my gosh, I love these!
You’re too good for us!
I knew it was a body suit. I was picturing Anne Margaret when I saw the tights and heels.
LOVE this! Super excited to get sewing! <3
Aaaaah! A) exactly what I didn't even know I was asking for when I commented on your Barbie top t-shirt makeover B) exactly what I need to go under/with some Lucille shorts in the planning stages C) just in time for me to use some beautiful cotton/spandex sitting here (saved it from being something "meh")
Now I don't have to elongate the Barbie top! 🤣
Yay more knit patterns!!!
Oh. My. YESSSS !
😍😍😍🔥🔥🔥🔥
Love it!
Yay! How gorgeous is this?! 🤩
I'M SOOOO HAPPY
Quickly putting in another Girl Charle fabric order! Fantastic.
OK I'm in love!!!
so basically we can now make ourselves a while new wardrobe. thanks, gertie!
Wow, I really love this ❤️
Susie's lemon dress is everything I have ever wanted in life!!!
AMAZING!!!
The Barbie top dress!!💕💕💕💕
Now this is very very cool!!! Can't wait to explore all the options!
This is gorgeous. I'm glad I put a knit fabric aside.
I LOVE this!!! Can't wait to make it! And it's divine with last month's pants! I feel a matching outfit coming on.
LOVE EVERY STITCH OF THIS!!!!
Yassss!! Thank you Gertie!!
Yesss! I’ve needed a body suit!
STOP IT! This is fantastic! So in love with Barbie and now it is even more versatile!!
Oh my goodness!! This is so lovely!!! I am so excited to sew this!!!!