McCalls 8357 Skipper, Barbie’s little sister sewing pattern, was introduced in the early 1960s and quickly became a favorite among children and collectors alike. Finding period-correct clothing for Skipper today can be surprisingly difficult, which makes this vintage sewing pattern especially appealing for collectors and doll dressmakers who want authentic styles from the golden age of Barbie fashions.
This pattern offers a generous wardrobe of thirteen different garments and accessories designed specifically for the 9-inch Skipper doll. Each piece reflects true 1960s styling, from playful casual outfits to elegant party dresses. The designs capture the youthful, fashion-forward spirit Skipper was known for, making the finished garments ideal for display, restoration, or careful play.
Included are a jumper with coordinating boots, hood, and blouse; multiple dresses ranging from simple daywear to more elaborate styles; a lace-trimmed party dress; a coat; pants; panties; and a distinctive tutu ensemble. The tutu features delicate crystal seed beads scattered across the overskirt and decorative chain-stitched straps, adding a touch of couture detail. Other highlights include a box-pleated dress with contrast bands at the neckline and hip, a hand-embroidered dress with chain stitch and lazy-daisy floral motifs, and a charming “granny dress” trimmed with tatting-style lace at the waist and wrists.
Construction techniques are clearly explained and include gathering, pleating, embroidery, lace application, bias tape finishes, elastic casings, snap closures, and trim-stitching. Several garments are designed for felt, allowing for faster sewing and clean edges, while others use lightweight fabrics such as cottons or organdy for softer drape and detail. The instructions guide the maker through professional finishing touches such as reinforced openings, decorative topstitching, and careful pressing for crisp results.
With its wide variety of garments and authentic mid-century details, this Skipper doll sewing pattern is both a practical resource and a collectible piece of fashion-doll history. It is ideal for vintage Barbie enthusiasts, doll clothing collectors, and sewists who enjoy recreating classic 1960s doll fashions with accuracy and charm.
Pattern Details
Barbie’s Little Sister Skipper Doll’s Instant Wardrobe
MATERIALS REQUIRED
One Size-9″ Doll
VIEW A–Jumper, Boots, Hood & Blouse
Jumper, Boots & Hood (Also Belt F)-Piece of Felt* 9-1/2″ x 8″
Blouse-Piece of Fabric 5-1/2″ x 8″
VIEW B–Dress
Piece of Felt* 9-1/2″ x 8-1/2″
VIEW C–Tutu & Pants
Tutu-35″ or 36″ Fabric–1/2 Yard.
Pants-Piece of Fabric 4-1/4″ x 3-1/2″
VIEW D-Dress
Piece of Fabric 9″ x 11-1/2″
Contrast-Piece of Fabric 4″ x 6″
VIEW E-Dress
Piece of Fabric 9″ x 16″
3/4 yd. of 3/8″ Wide Lace Edging
VIEW F–Coat
Piece of Felt* 10″ x 9″
Contrast Belt Included in View A, OR Piece of Contrast Felt* 3/8″ x 7-1/2″
VIEW G–Dress
Piece of Fabric 5-3/4″ x 11″
VIEW H–Granny Dress
Piece of Fabric 11″ x 9″
1/2 yd. of 1/4″ Wide “Tatting-type” Lace Edging
PANTIES–Piece of Fabric 3″ X 8″
1/4 yd. of 1/2″ Wide Ruffled Lace Edging
*NOTE: Felt Pieces in Economy Cut Size (9″ x 12″) in a variety of Colors are Available in some Stores Where Patterns are Sold.
Doll Body Measurements–
Size and Height: 9″
Neck: 1-3/4″
Chest: 4″
Waist: 3″
Hip: 4-1/8″
Head: 4-1/4″
Outer Leg Length – Waist to Ankle: 5-1/8″
Circular Crotch Depth: 6-3/4″
IMPORTANT: Measure doll’s body to compare with measurements above. Allow for any adjustment before cutting.
SUGGESTED FABRICS: View A Jumper, Boots and Hood, View B Dress and View F Coat–FELT ONLY. View A Blouse–Cotton or Wool Jersey, Cotton Broadcloth. View C Tutu–Organdy; Pants–Broadcloth or Cotton Satin. View D Dress-Linen, Linen-like Cotton or similar synthetics. View E or View G Dress–Cotton Broadcloth or Cotton Satin. View H Dress–Printed Cotton. Panties–Broadcloth, Percale or similar Cotton.
NOTIONS: Sewing Thread, 27 Small Snaps. 3/4 Yd. Single Fold Bias Fold Tape for finishing Jumper A. Dress B and Coat E. Tutu C–About 30 Crystal Seed Beads. 1/4 Yd. Cord Elastic for Pants C and Dress H. Dress G–Small amount contrast Six-strand Embroidery Cotton.
Jumper A, Dress B and Coat F in felt. Openings reinforced with bias fold tape; other edges quickly trim-stitched. Felt Hood and Boots A also worn with Dress B and Coat. Fabric Blouse completes View A. Organdy Tutu C has crystal seed beads sprinkled overskirt, chain-stitched straps; separate fabric Pants. Dress D, with a box-pleated skirt, has contrast bands at neck and hip. Party Dress E is lace trimmed. Hand embroidery decorates Dress G. Granny Dress H is trimmed in “tatting-type” lace at the waist and wrists. Separate Panties are lace trimmed
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