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