This digital PDF sewing pattern will let you make Go-Go Boots designed to fit your 18 inch doll.
Named for the dancers who wore them, Go-Go boots became a fashion staple in the 60’s. As hemlines rose, so did the height of the boots! For most of the 20th century, boots were only worn in bad weather but in the 60’s, teenagers began wearing a shorter, space-age looking boot meant to mimic the look of astronauts boots because they were easy to dance in. As skirts and dresses got shorter, the boots got taller and tighter. Once debuted by French clothing designer Andres Courrèges, and immortalised by Nancy Sinatra with her single “These Boots Were Made for Walkin”, they became an international style trend worn by women of all ages.
The first version of the Go-Go Boots included in this pattern mimics the iconic almond-shaped toe and the big heel that became popular in the later part of the 1960’s and uses vinyl for the uppers. Pre-cut and die cut soles (Punch Place Plus or Pixie Faire) can also be used with this version but will result in a slightly less period look. Acrylic soles will not work for this version of the boot because the outer sole needs to bend slightly.
The Simplified Go-Go Boot version is a pared down, less period accurate version of the boots that is quicker to make. It uses stretch material and pre-cut or die cut soles (Punch Place Plus). Acrylic soles may be used for this version.
For both versions, two different uppers are offered – those for dolls with larger calves (e.g. Pleasant Company era American Girl® dolls) and those for dolls with smaller calves (e.g. Mattel® era American Girl® dolls).
Skill Level: Intermediate
Supplies for Go-Go Boots:
- 9 inch by 9 inch piece of light weight leather or vinyl with some give (If your vinyl or leather doesn’t stretch at least a tiny bit, it won’t work well for this project)
- 2 x 1 inch long pieces of 3 inch wide belt elastic OR
- 2 x 1 inch by 3 inch long pieces of stretch fabric, such as spandex
- 3 ½ inch by 3 ½ inch piece of 2mm black foam for outer soles, plus 2 x 3/16 inch wide by 8 ½ inch long pieces for trim
- 3 ½ inch by 7 inch piece of thin cardboard (cereal boxes works great) for the inner soles
- 3 ½ inch by 3 ½ inch piece of fabric for lining inner soles
- 3 inch by 3 inch piece of 6mm white craft foam for heels and inner front sole OR 3 stacked layers of 2 mm white craft foam
- Emery board, nail file or sandpaper
- Sharp scissors or box cutter and knife sharpener to cut foam
- A lighter or tea light
- Glue – hot glue and/or your choice of craft glue
- Leather/vinyl needle and coordinating thread
- Non-permanent marking tool such as tailor’s chalk
- Doll or doll foot lasts for fitting
Supplies for Simplified Go-Go Boots:
- 9 inch by 9 inch piece of stretch fabric such as PVC, poly urethane laminate, performance/dance fabrics etc.
- 3 ½ inch by 3 ½ inch piece of 2mm black foam for outer soles, plus 2 x 1/8 inch wide by 8 ½ inch long pieces for trim
- 3 ½ inch by 3 ½ inch piece of light cardboard (cereal boxes work great) for inner soles
- 3 ½ inch by 3 ½ inch piece of fabric for lining inner soles
- Glue – hot glue and/or your choice of craft glue
- Stretch needle and coordinating thread
- Doll or doll foot lasts for fitting
*A Note About Soles: There are two different sole options shown for the vinyl Go-Go boots. The first is a period correct shape that must be traced out and cut manually. The second is the Punch Place Plus shape that can be cut with a die cutter OR you can purchase pre-cut soles. Please note that the acrylic PPP soles will not work for this version as the outer sole needs to bend a little.
**For the Simplified Go-Go Boots, the PPP shape works best. You may choose to use an acrylic sole and heel in place of 2 mm foam for the outer sole.
Punch Place Plus sole shape designed by Jamie Omahen. Use granted to Traci Akierman/KeLibu.
Download, Print & Sew!
Start your project immediately with this digital PDF pattern. It includes step-by-step instructions with full color pictures and full size pattern pieces. A PDF reader is required to view and print the file (e.g. Adobe Reader for Windows or Preview for Mac).
KeLibu is not affiliated with American Girl®, Mattel®, Our Generation®, Battat®, Maplelea®, Maplelea Girls®, Avonlea Traditions Inc.®, Journey Girls®, Toys R Us®, With Heart and Soul®, Kidz N Cats®, Maru and Friends®, Maru & Friends® LLC, A Girl for All Time®, Daughters of History Ltd. or any doll/toy company.