Barbie crochet shorts and cropped top

This shorts and cropped top design was inspired by shopping with my granddaughters in Topshop. 

The pattern is worked in  continuous rounds through the back loop only for a softer fabric.  It was a bit tricky writing down the instructions for the shorts  but I put in some photos that should help.  If you have any problems with the pattern please let me know. 

I used Patons soft cotton 4ply as I have a stash of various colours to use up, but any 4ply should work.  Check your tension as yarns can differ in thickness and can make a bit difference with such a small garment. 

I would love to hear from you so please leave me a comment if you try the pattern.

Barbie crochet shorts and cropped top

To fit: 12" Barbie (the latest model)

Materials: 25g  4ply yarn will make both items, Crochet hook no 3.5
Tension: (Gauge) 24sts x 26 rows to 4" over dc using 3.50 hook (check your tension and use suitable size hook)
Abbreviations: Dc: double crochet (US single crochet), tr: treble crochet, (US double crochet) ch: chain, slst: slip stitch, inc: increase, rnd/s: round/s
dec1dc: insert hook into next dc pull through yarn, insert hook into next dc pull through yarn, yarn over hook and pull all sts off 
Notes:

• This item is a close fit so any differences in yarn weight will make a smaller or larger garment. Cotton thread is not suitable.
• Work through the back loop only for a softer fabric
• Place a marker at the beginning of each round to keep track of number of rounds

Shorts

Right leg
Using no 3.5 hook, make 20ch
Join into a round by making dc in first ch then work in continuous rounds

Rnds 1:3: dc all around
Pull yarn through and fasten off. leave a long enough tail for sewing seam

Left leg
As right leg ,  Don’t fasten off yarn,

Body


Position of legs before next round
　

　


work body of shorts across both legs as follows:
Rnd 1:  1dc in next 9dc,of left leg, miss 1dc, continue across to right leg, miss 1dc, 1dc in next 18dc, miss 1dc, continue across to left leg, miss 1dc, 1dc in next 9dc. (36dcs)

After Rnd 1

Rnd 2: 1dc in next 8dc, dec1dc, 1dc in next 16dc, dec1dc, 1dc in next 8dc (34dcs)

Rnd 3: 1dc in next 7dc, dec1dc, 1dc in next 15dc, dec1dc, 1dc in next 8dc (32dcs)

Rnd 4: 1dc in next 7dc, dec1dc, 1dc in next 14dc, dec1dc, 1dc in next 7dc (30dcs)

Rnd 5: dc all around

Rnd 6: dec1dc, 1dc in next 13dc, dec1dc, dc to end (28dcs)

Rnd 7: dec1dc, 1dc in next 12dc, dec1dc, dc to end (26dcs)

Rnd 8: dc all around
Pull yarn through and fasten off

　
　

Top

Using 3.5 hook make 28ch
Join into a round by making dc in first ch then work in continuous rounds

Rnd 1:6:  dc all around

Rnd 7:    1dc in each of next 6dc, make 9ch, miss 2dc, 1dc in each of next 12dc, make 9ch, miss 2dc, dc to end

Rnd 8:    1dc in each of next 4dc, dec1dc, 1 dc in each of 9ch, dec1dc, 1dc in each of next 8dc, dec1dc, 1dc in each of next 9ch, dec1dc, dc to end
Slst in next dc, pull yarn though and fasten off.

Edging

Rejoin yarn to centre back of base of top, right side facing.

3ch, 2trs in same space, (miss 1ch, 1dc in next ch, miss 1ch, 3trs in next ch) repeat around base of top (approx 8 clusters) Pull yarn through and fasten off.

To finish

Sew  seam of shorts. Neaten all ends.