How to Make a Sundress
When the weather gets warmer, you may want to create new pieces for your wardrobe that will keep you comfortable in the heat. Sundresses are a great option. This sundress pattern can be shortened or lengthened for your particular style. This project uses simple sewing lines and stitches and is a good beginner sewing project. Make it today, using lightweight cotton, and wear it tomorrow. These instructions are for a long sundress, requiring approximately 2 yards of fabric for average measurements.
Things You'll Need
- Measuring tape
- 2 yards fabric, 45 inches wide
- Scissors
- Straight pins
- Sewing machine
- Iron
- 1 yard ribbon or cording
- Large safety pin
Instructions
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1
Measure around the widest portion of your body, usually the hips. Add 8 inches to this total. If this measurement is more than 45 inches, you will need twice the yardage of fabric. Divide this measurement by 2. Measure from your shoulder to the length desired for your dress. Add 4 inches to this total. Measure and cut 2 pieces using the width and length measurement for the the front and back panels of the sundress.
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2
Place the 2 panels with the right sides together. Match the edges. Measure down from one short end 8 inches and pin the edges together on each long side. This will give allowance for armholes. Measure up from the other short end 20 inches and pin the edges together on each long side. This will give you roomy slits for walking. Note: For dresses above the knee, a slit is not necessary. Sew a 1/2-inch seam allowance between the top and bottom pins on each long side of the sundress panels.
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3
Press the seams open. Fold and press the unsewn armhole edges and the slit edges to the wrong side of the fabric 1/4 inch. Fold over again 1/4 inch and pin. Top-stitch the edges of the armholes and the slits.
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4
Press the top short edges of the sundress to the wrong side 1/4 inch. Fold over another 1 1/2 inches, press and pin. Top-stitch as close to the pinned edges as possible to form a casing. Press the bottom short edges of the sundress to the wrong side 1/4 inch. Fold over another 1 1/2 inches, press and pin. Top-stitch as close to the pinned edges as possible for a hem.
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5
Cut two pieces of the ribbon or cording 18 inches long. Attach a safety pin to one end of one ribbon. Thread the ribbon through the casing on one side of the dress. Allow the ends to extend from each side of the casing. Thread the other ribbon through the other casing of the dress. Put the dress on. Adjust and tie the ribbons over the shoulder to fit.
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