How to Make Girls' Dresses
Making girls' dresses is easier than you might think. It can even be done without a pattern. This adaptable, self-drafted pattern for a girl's dress will work well for sizes from toddler to pre-teen, and it requires only a few very basic measurements. You can make one from a pillowcase for a younger child, or from fabric yardage for an older girl.
Things You'll Need
- Pillowcase
- 1-inch wide coordinating ribbon
- 1 package coordinating bias tape (less than 1 yard required)
- Safety pin
- Sewing machine and coordinating thread
- Scissors
- Iron and ironing board
Instructions
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1
Determine how long you want your girl's dress to be. If you are using a pillowcase, the existing hem can be used as the dress hem. Allow approximately 4 inches for a deep hem if working with fabric yardage. The top of the dress should sit just below the collarbone; however, allow a 1 1/2-inch allowance for the casing at the top.
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2
Cut the top seamed end off of your pillowcase at the desired length; remember to leave a 1 1/2-inch allowance for the casing at the top.
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3
With your pillowcase lying flat on the table, cut armhole curves into the fabric using a shirt or dress your child already owns as a guide. The armholes should be cut at the top corners of the pillowcase in a J shape, coming down approximately 3 to 4 inches from the top of the cut fabric, so that when you open up the pillowcase and look at it from the sides, your armholes will form two U shapes at the top.
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4
Stitch bias binding to the armholes from top front to top back, right sides together. Fold over and press, then topstitch, finishing the armholes with the bias binding.
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5
Press the top edge under 1/4 inch, then 1 1/4 inch on the front of the pillowcase dress. Topstitch into place 1/8 inch from the casing edge. Repeat for the back of your girl's dress.
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6
Thread the ribbon through the casings, front and back. Tie at each shoulder. You may want to tack the bows into place with a needle and thread to make them more secure.
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Tips & Warnings
This project is a great way to enjoy and show off embroidered vintage pillowcases. You can also make nightgowns from old pillowcases. Add elastic to the casing, if desired, for a more secure fit.
