How to Put a Pillowcase Dress Together
Homemade items like dresses are popular with anyone who's thrifty and creative. If you have a pillowcase you'd like to turn into a dress, it requires a simple process and some sewing equipment. Many pillowcases are made from fabrics suitable for dresses, so you're in luck if you're looking for a basic sewing project. Pillowcase dresses work well for children but can also be used for the average height woman.
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Things You'll Need
- Tape measure
- Fabric pencil
- Scissors
- Pins
- Hot iron
- Sewing machine
- Elastic
Instructions
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1
Measure your height or your child's height. The average pillowcase will comfortably fit a person from 5 feet to about 5 1/2 feet tall. A smaller dress will require alterations.
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2
Lay the pillowcase onto a flat surface. Press to remove wrinkles and straighten the pillowcase.
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3
Use the fabric pencil to mark cuts for the armholes and neck. Keep in mind that openings that are too small can easily be corrected, while ones that are two large may cause the fabric to be scrapped.
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4
Round off the upper edges by drawing a line that slopes inward for the arms. Use a half moon shape between the arms to make a neck hole.
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5
Cut out the areas you've marked for the neck and arms. Follow the lines you've drawn closely.
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6
Fold the outer edges of the armhole cuts under 1/4 inch, and then additional 1/4 inch. Place pins at several spots to hold them down. Stitch the seams by hand, using a sewing needle, or machine.
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7
Add elastic to the neck. Turn under the neck edge 1 inch twice and pin it in to place. Stitch the casing together and then insert the elastic piece through the casing.
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8
Try the dress on. Alter length or strap size by first marking with a fabric pencil. Once adjusted, cut off excess elastic and sew the piece to the casing.
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Tips & Warnings
According to fabshophop.com, "You don't need to cut up an existing pillowcase to..." make the pillowcase dress; it is, however, a simple alternative for many people.
The pillowcase should be folded in half at the beginning for a small girl's dress.
References
- Photo Credit Jupiterimages/liquidlibrary/Getty Images
