How to Make a Dress for a Newborn

Use colorful fabric to make your baby's dress interesting.

Newborn babies outgrow clothing so fast it can be expensive to constantly buy them new outfits. Avoid investing in clothing your child will outgrow in a matter of months by making your own dress for your newborn. By creating this garment yourself, you can obtain a perfect fit and explore your creativity. A handmade dress may even become a keepsake your family passes down for generations.

Things You'll Need

• 1 yard fabric
• Measuring tape
• Fabric marker
• Scissors
• Pins
• Sewing needle
• Thread
• Sewing machine (optional)
• Ribbon (optional)

Instructions

1. Measure your newborn’s height from her shoulder to her toes when her body is fully extended. Measure her width from shoulder to shoulder. Write these measurements down.

2. Spread your fabric on a flat work surface. Use the measuring tape to mark out a rectangle that is 2 inches longer than your baby’s length and 5 inches wider than the measurement of her shoulders.

3. Fold the fabric in half so you can cut out two identical pieces. If you are using printed fabric, fold the cloth so the sides you wish to be visible are currently facing each other on the inside.

4. Pin the two layers of fabric together to prevent them from separating. Cut along the lines you drew according to your baby’s measurements. Make sure you cut through both layers of fabric and remove the pins.

5. Fold back 1/2 inch of fabric along two aligned edges at the width of the rectangle. This is the hem at the bottom of the dress. Pin this strip of fabric in place and sew it down using a needle and tread or a sewing machine.

6. Sew both sides of the dress together, beginning at the hems you have just created and stopping 3 inches from the opposite ends. At this point, leave a gap that measures 1 1/2 inches on each side, which will allow your baby’s arms to pass through without being encumbered by a constricting sleeve.

7. Connect the fabric that goes over your newborn’s shoulders by sewing together 1-inch strips on either side of the final, open end. Leave the rest open. This allows for a wide neck hole that won’t pinch your baby’s skin or put pressure on her throat.

8. Snip away excess strings and turn the dress right-side out. Adorn by tying a ribbon around the waist if desired. Keep the ribbon loose to prioritize comfort.

Tips & Warnings

• Opt for fabric that is soft, absorbent and hypoallergenic. Natural fibers are less likely to give your newborn’s sensitive skin a rash. Consider jersey cotton or terry cloth, available at most craft stores. Since babies are most comfortable in relatively loose garments rather than fitted dresses, don’t worry about following a complicated pattern or adding a waistline to your dress. Instead focus on making a practical outfit in which your newborn will be cute and comfortable.

Resources

• "Making Baby's Clothes: 25 Fun and Practical Projects for 0-3 Year Olds"; Rob Merrett; 2010