Best Barbie Crochet Books and Pattern Books

If you love to crochet and love fashion dolls (11.5") than try your hand at some great patterns that will complement your doll collection with a personal touch. With some patience and time you can work up not only outfits, but accessories and even furniture! These are my picks when it comes to the best Barbie crochet books and patterns out there.

Lady paradise period costumes

If you aren't familiar with Lady Paradise crochet collector's costumes, than you are missing out on a rich resource for Barbie-sized period clothing. Lady Paradise publications have worked hard to make their costumes elaborate and as historically accurate to the look as they can come with crochet. Unlike other Barbie costumes, these patterns include detailed instructions on how to do Barbie's hair in the period appropriate fashion, as well as how to make all the accessories shown on the cover (e.g. parasol, purse, etc). They cleverly combine crochet with fabric ribbon to create the look of elegant silk and heirloom quality presentation. Although these patterns are worked with crochet thread and the details are time consuming, they are well worth the time to produce. Choose from such time periods as the 1775 French court gown, or the 1875 walking suit. These make great gifts for doll collectors as well.

The pattern books run for about $7.00 each and you can even join their club and have them sent periodically if you would like. You can purchase 'kits' for some of the more popular patterns, which will include all the little detailed items that you need to complete the project. Also available is their special Lady Paradise fashion doll, who is the basic size of Barbie but with a more natural shape and distinct, but beautiful, facial features.

Annie's calendar bed doll society

Most of you are probably familiar with Annie's Calendar Bed Doll Society, as it has been around for quite some time. These patterns can be found individually from ebay sellers or as a pack of 12-13 if you would like out of print patterns. For the current patterns, you will of course, have to join the Society to purchase the yearly subscription. In these patterns you will find directions on how to create a variety of styles, including Gibson girl, Victorian, and Southern Belle dresses. Each pattern has a front and back view of the finished doll (where applicable), ideas of how to style Barbie's hair, and instructions for all underpinnings to create a full look on the crocheted gown. For example, the 1993 Victorian Bed doll collection includes directions on how to make a base for Barbie to stand in that will create the "bustle form" of the Victorian era dresses. Although working in a small scale, these patterns aren't difficult, just time consuming with crochet thread. But again, you won't regret the time invested to create one of these gorgeous gowns.

Annie's Attic Twentieth century fashion doll collection

This collection is designed with outfits from the real fashions of the twentieth century. This book comes with 9 outfit patterns, featuring 'fur,' feather, and tulle accents to complete the period fashions. Fashions are worked in crochet thread for a better fit, and you can purchase it from Annie's Attic for about $8.95 plus shipping and handling. Fashions are adjustable to fit a variety of Barbie bodies, including the Silkstone Barbies which have the vintage look.

Annie's Attic Fashion doll collection book 2

This book has more Barbie Accessories than clothing, but it is a great resource for creating panoramas and displays for your doll collection. Inside you will find patterns for dresses, purses, scarves, beach accessories, and even a wedding gown. But the real allure of this little book is the furniture, Afghans, rugs, lamps, tablecloths, and other Barbie accessories that are hard to find patterns for. You can make the furniture by using crochet techniques with plastic canvas bases, and the miniature Afghans and rugs are stunning. You can make these pieces for display of your doll collection or for the little girls you know. Either way you'll have fun imagining and creating.