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There are two main types of Barbie dolls. I'm not saying there aren't more types than that, even, but these
are the kinds I am addressing.
As you can see from the pictures there are some major differences in the shapes of the two types. The newer
one has narrower shoulders, smaller chest/bust, larger waist, wider hips, and larger hands; the natural waist is also a bit
higher. The newer style was made to be more like a real figure, but unfortunately all of the purchased patterns I have
used are catered to the older doll figure. This means it will be too loose in the shoulders and bust, and not big enough in
the waist and hips, and the sleeves may be too narrow for her hand to pass through. In my patterns I will specify which
type of doll it was designed for, or I will try to have variations to accommodate both types.
Before you begin a project, you should make sure that the pattern you have works for the doll you have.
(Another problem I found was that a lot of patterns are made for the flat-footed fashion dolls, but most Barbies have feet
pointed downwards for high-heels, so a floor-length gown might not actually be floor-length. Unless otherwise stated, all
my patterns are catered towards the high-heeled dolls.)
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Here are rough measurements comparing the differences between the two doll types. I repeat, they are
rough measurements, and I would not recommend using them to draft patterns. They are simply to illustrate
approximate differences.
Note: while these differences may seem very small (as little as 1/4" or 1/8"), this can make seriously effect whether
or not something will fit when you're working on this scale.
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