Pillowcase Dresses: How to Make Them

Sew a cute pillowcase dress.

Pillowcase dresses are sundress made with new or re-purposed pillowcases. They are also made using pillows sewn from calico and quilting fabrics. Since pillowcases are commonly made with cotton, their soft fabric is comfortable for children and easy to launder. From plain solid colors decorated with trims and appliques to fancy prints, the possible styles are endless. These adorable, easy-to-sew fashions are sure to be a hit for little girls and can be worn as a dress or top with pants.

Things You'll Need

• Pillowcase
• Measuring tape
• Washable marking pen
• Scissors
• 1 package bias tape
• Pins
• Sewing machine
• Iron
• 3 yards 3/4-inch width ribbon
• Safety pin

Instructions

Preparing the pillowcase

1. Wash, dry, and press the pillowcase to remove fabric sizing and wrinkles. It helps preshrink the fabric to prevent puckered seams after washing.

2. Measure, mark, and cut horizontally from the closed end of the pillowcase. The amount to cut varies on the desired finished size: 6 months: 14 1/4 inches, 12 months: 16 1/4 inches, 18 months: 17 1/4 inches, 2T: 18 1/4 inches, 3T: 19 1/4 inches and 4T: 20 1/4 inches.

3. Fold the pillowcase in half lengthwise. Make a mark 1 inch down from the raw edge along the fold line. Make a second mark 2 inches from the raw edge on the side opposite to the fold. Make a third mark 6 to 8 inches from the raw edge and at the edge of side opposite the fold. 6-inch measurement works well for the smaller sizes; gradually increase for the larger sizes.

4. Make the arm holes by cutting in a gradual curved line from the second mark to the third mark through the four layers of fabric. Cut a gradual curve from the first mark to the second mark for the neckline. The dress will now be open at both sides.

Sewing the Pillowcase

1. Place and pin the bias tape over the raw edge on each arm hole. Sew the bias tape in place with a top stitch close to the tape edge.

2. Cut a 1-1/2 inch wide strip from the leftover portion of the pillowcase. Cut along the fold and the seamed edges to make two strips. Cut each to match the width of the neckline plus 1 inch.

3. With front sides together, pin each strip, along the necklines of dress front and back. The fabric layers should be lined up evenly. Sew the strips onto the neckline with a 3/8-inch seam.

4. Press the seams flat. Fold the ends over the neckline's side toward the back and press in place. Fold over the raw edge a 3/8-inch and press with the iron for a seam.

5. Fold the strips over the neckline and toward the back side. Pin in place while lining the folded edge with the sewn line on the front side. Sew the strip in place with a top stitch.

Finishing the Dress

1. Cut the ribbon length in half. Attach a safety pin to one end of each piece.

2. Push one safety pin through the casing along the neckline until it comes out of the opposite side. Repeat with the second safety pin through the other casing.

3. Remove the safety pins and cut the ribbon ends at an angle. Gather the dress fabric up slightly along the neckline. Tie a front and a back ribbon together into a bow for shoulder straps.

Tips & Warnings

• Add ric rac trim, appliques, buttons or bows to the dress from additional embellishments.

• Use fabric instead of a pillowcase. Fold a 1-yard length piece in half (right sides together) sew 1/4-inch seam along the edge.

References

• Fab Shop Hop: Make a Pretty Pillowcase Dress