How to Sew a Baby Dress

Nothing is more adorable than a baby in a sweet little dress. Whether it's a quick pinafore over a onesie or a pretty little holiday gown, baby dresses are a fun project to sew. However, it's important to make sure they are well constructed, so that little hands don't get snagged in trimmings, and that they stand up to lots of pulling and chewing.

Things You'll Need

• Infant dress pattern
• Iron 

• Ironing board
• Paper scissors

• Sewing scissors 

• Sewing machine 

• Sewing needles 

• Thread 

• Pins 

• Tailor's measuring tape 

• Tailor's chalk 

• Ruler 

• Fabric 

• Notions specified in pattern 

• Table or other cutting surface

Instructions

1. Find out what size the baby is, if possible, compared to the averages for her age group. Keep the baby's length, weight and head size in mind when looking at the size ranges on patterns. Choose your fabric based on the usability of the garment. Gauzy, delicate fabrics are good for a fancy dress, but won't stand up to wear and tear that babies exert on clothes.

2. Select fabrics that have either 100 percent natural fibers or a natural and polyester blend. Check to see how durable the fabric is. Fine silks and cottons are lovely for summer dresses, and breathe better than polyesters of a similar weight. This is of special concern for babies, who have delicate skin that is prone to rash, especially in the heat. Corduroy is a good selection for a fall or winter dress, while velvet is lovely for more formal cold-weather wear.

3. Read through your pattern's directions before beginning to sew. Take out your pattern sheets and dry iron them to eliminate folds and creases. Cut out your pattern in your desired size, based on the baby's measurements.

4. Iron your fabric and fold in half with the wrong size facing you. Pin on your pattern pieces. Trace the pattern pieces with tailor's chalk. Transfer all of the marks on the pattern pieces to your fabric, including grain lines and tabs. Cut out your pieces, including your seam allowances. Pin your pieces together in the order specified on the pattern. Baste them together, checking to make sure the construction is even.

5. Carefully sew your basted pieces together. As you are sewing, make sure that your seam allowance is consistent and that both ends of each seam are locked in place. Trim your loose threads. Add notions, such as buttons, Velcro or zippers. Make sure that all of your notions are securely stitched in place, and can handle a fair amount of pulling.