How to Make Sundresses for Toddlers

Toddlers can wear pillowcase dresses over turtlenecks in cool weather.

Instead of throwing out or giving away an old pillowcase, you can turn it into a sundress for a toddler. As an advantage over buying a ready-to-wear garment, you can customize the sundress by making the pillowcase whatever length you want and adding lace, or ruffles, or other embellishments. In addition to repurposing a pillowcase, you'll be saving money and giving the child something new to wear. Plus, you can make this dress in a couple hours or less without using a sewing pattern.

Things You'll Need

• Pillowcase
• Measuring tape
• Thread
• Sewing machine
• Ribbon
• Pins
• Scissors

Instructions

1. Measure the toddler from the shoulders to the knees. Decide whether you want the dress to be this length, longer, or shorter. The child can wear short pillowcase dresses over tights or leggings.

2. Add 2 inches to whatever length you've decided to make the dress. This extra amount is for hems and seam allowances. Lay the pillowcase flat and fold it in half lengthwise. Measure the pillowcase lengthwise starting at the open, hemmed, side and continuing up to the folded edge to determine where to cut the pillowcase. Cut the pillowcase across widthwise at this point. The open end of the pillowcase will remain intact to form the bottom hem of the sundress.

3. Cut the armholes. With the pillowcase folded in half lengthwise, cut a "J" shape approximately four inches down and two inches in from the top corner opposite the fold.

4. Fold the edges of the armholes inward one quarter of an inch. Press the fabric fold in place, and fold inward one quarter of an inch again. Press the fabric again. Stitch the folded fabric in place to finish the edges.

5. Fold 2 inches of the top edges of the pillowcase inward to create a casing for the ribbon ties. Press the fabric fold in place. Stitch the folded edge to the pillowcase to secure it.

6. Thread a 2- to 3-foot length of decorative ribbon in the casings at the top of the dress. Attaching a safety pin to the end of the ribbon will help you push the ribbon through the casing. Tie the ribbon at the shoulders. Pull the ribbon as tightly as necessary to fit your toddler.

References

• Little Dresses for Africa: Pillow Case Dress Directions
• Bumble Bee Linens: Making a Dress Out of Pillowcases
• You Tube: How to Make a Pillocase Dress