Directions for Making Pillowcase Dresses

Girls' dresses have been made from pillowcases for many years. This easy, quick sewing project requires little sewing skills. For a pillowcase dress, choose pillowcases that are lightweight and made with comfortable fabric such as cotton.

Measure the Child

Measure the child from the top of the shoulder to where you would like the dress to stop. Add 7/8-inch to the total length to account for seam allowances.

Measure and Cut the Pillowcase

Start from the hemmed edge (the open end) of the pillowcase and measure up to the determined length. Make a straight horizontal cut all the way across. This will be the top of the dress.

Cut the Armholes

Fold the pillowcase in half vertically. Cut armholes into the top edge of the pillow case by making a cut shaped like the letter J. The top of the J should be at the cut edge of the pillow case.

Hem the Armholes

Hem the armholes to keep the fabric from fraying. Use a straight stitch.

Make a Casing

Fold the two top edges down 1/4-inch and press with an iron. Fold again, 3/4-inch, and press again. Stitch along the entire length of the fold.

Add the Ribbon

Thread 1 yard of ribbon through the casing on the front and back of the dress. Tie a knot at the end of each ribbon. Use the ribbon from the front and back of the dress to tie a bow on the shoulders.

References

• Bumble Bee Linens: Making a Pillowcase Dress
• Everything Sewing: Pillowcase Dress How To

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish