How to Sew a Gingham Dress
Gingham fabric has the traditional checked pattern. You can find gingham in all colors and sizes of checks. While you don't see many gingham dresses today, you can still sew a gingham dress for yourself or your daughter. The follow guide is for a little girl's dress, but the directions would be similar for an adult's gingham dress.
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Things You'll Need
- Gingham fabric
- Pattern
- Straight pins
- Scissors
- Sewing machine
- Thread
- Bias tape
- Buttons (optional)
- Rickrack (optional)
Instructions
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1
Purchase the gingham fabric and pattern. Choose a simple pattern with no sleeves for a cool summer dress. The gingham checks can be any size, but on a small child a smaller check usually looks best.
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2
Place the fabric on a flat surface after you prewash and dry it. Pin the pattern pieces on the fabric according to the pattern guide. Cut out the pieces.
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3
Stitch the shoulder seams first with the right sides together. Put the neck facing pieces together and sew them on. Or you can use bias tape if you prefer to finish the neck edge.
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4
Match the checks on the side seams as you pin the seams. Continue to sew the dress by stitching the side seams. Face the sleeveless armholes with gingham fabric or use bias tape.
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5
Try the dress on the little girl. Make any adjustments. Also measure the hem.
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6
Fold the hem in place and pin it. Turn under 1/4-inch and edge stitch it. You can either sew the hem in place with a sewing machine or by hand.
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7
Add decorative buttons to the front of the dress if you want or you can trim the hem with rickrack.
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Tips & Warnings
Sew all the pieces right sides together unless the pattern tells you otherwise.
