Carnival Costumes

 This post contains example photos and illustrated instructions for making 1:6 scale doll costumes.  A link to the patterns is included below.  This page is a work in progress:  poor quality pictures will eventually be replaced and additional costume-making tips and photos will be posted throughout the month of July, 2022.

Costumes and props inspired by this upcoming event on Instagram hosted by @chamoesonesixthworld account on Instagram.  Participation is open to all:

Pink model shows off the basic pattern pieces:  bikini top and bottom, arm bands, and leg pieces.

Yellow models the basic pieces plus DIY harness and small back piece.  All pattern pieces fit a variety of Barbie dolls plus "Fashionista" type Ken dolls.

She needs more embellishment on the front of her small back piece!

Purple models a small fan-shaped back piece plus a removeable bustle skirt which doubles as a doll stand.  Link to patterns and illustrated how-to below:

Click the link for free Carnival Costume Patterns.

Material selection:

These costumes are designed to be made of scrapbook paper, other paper, cardstock, or non-fray fabric.  Felt and craft foam will work but will be more bulky-looking.  

The pink costume above was made of scrapbook paper embellished with sticker gems, feathers, glitter vinyl, and a broken earring.

The yellow and green ensemble was made of cardstock embellished with glitter craft foam, feathers, sticker gems,  and a fake flower.

The purple costume shown above was recycled from the wrapping around a flower bouquet.  Similar fabric is used to make re-useable grocery bags.  The back piece was made of recycled paper. The costume is embellished with glitter ribbon, glitter tulle, feathers, beads, tinsel pipe cleaners,  and sequins.  The base of the bustle is made of a recycled plastic soda bottle.

Costume construction:

"Place directly on the doll"... but do not put glue on your doll.   The costume is designed to be glued to itself, and to provide a base for decorations.  Glue the decorations onto the costume, back piece, etc.  No glue should have to touch your doll!

Make sure your two bra pieces are opposites!

If the bikini top slips down, you can secure it with a bit of Scotch tape or poster putty directly on the doll.  This is the ONLY time any adhesive will touch the doll...but if making a small back piece, you can just glue the bikini top to the harness.

Create a Small Back Piece:

Here's a YouTube video showing how to make paper rosettes.  (The ones used to make these doll costumes are much smaller!)

Small star back piece coming soon-ish!

Create a Bustle Skirt That Doubles as a Doll Stand:

You can make your own ruffles from fabric, or use ruffled trim.  Other options are rows of feathers, fringe, pleated/folded paper, plastic lei necklaces...

If you make 1:6 scale Carnival costumes for your dolls, please join in the fun on Instagram at the end of July, 2022!  I would love to see you there!