Super easy dress

I am really excited to share this project with you! This is a dress that I have been making for my daughter for years. I have modified it as she has grown and will do my best to let you know what you will need for each size up to a girl's size 8- if the size you want isn't listed, let me know and I'll let you know what amount of fabric/cuts you will need. These are so easy to make, they take about 1 hour-uninterrupted ;) so you can make a few of 'em to match for Easter, pictures or just playing around during nap time. :)

The hair tie is a newer idea that I found a similar idea on another blog, but hers was for a pin and you had to sew the layers; like I said similar, but different. The tutorial for the hair tie is posted here.


Make sure to read through the directions first before beginning, if you have any questions let me know and I'll clarify. Some of the steps do not have pictures, because I was unable to capture it properly. I'm also assuming you know how to sew a little bit to do this project.

Alright enough writing... ready to make a dress like this?






Here are the supplies you will need:

1 t-shirt/onesie in child's size (long or short sleeved- I used long sleeved today, but have made it with short sleeves and tank tops for summer)

Coordinating fabric (amount will vary on size of dress- see chart below)

Size Chart/Yardage needed: **Note: this will make your skirt 1 solid color/print **
0-6 months: 1/2 yard
6-12 months: 2/3 yard
12-24 months:1 yard
2T-3T: 1 yard
4T-5T: 1 1/4 yards
6-6x: 1 1/3 yards
7-8: 1 1/3 yards



Not pictured:
Sewing machine

Scissors or rotary cutter

Cutting mat (optional but used if you have rotary cutter)

Measuring tape/ruler/Shape cut- plastic guided cut ruler (not sure the technical name, but this is what I used- see photos below)

Iron

Here we go!! :)

Step 1: Cut your fabric for correct size listed below. Save your remnants for hair tie, if desired. **Note: I usually cut the widths 7", 8", 8", 10, 10" , etc. first the entire width of the fabric along the length of the fabric and then trim them to size. **

Size Chart/Layer width & length and amount needed of each:
0-6 months: (1) 2"x 25", (2) 3" x 22", (2) 5" x 24"
6-12 months: (1) 3"x 25", (2) 4" x 22", (2) 6" x 24"
12-24 months:(1) 4"x 25", (2) 5" x 22", (2) 7" x 24"
2T-3T: (1) 5"x 25", (2) 6" x 22", (2) 8" x 24"
4T-5T: (1) 6"x 25", (2) 7" x 22", (2) 9" x 24"
6-6x: (1) 7"x 25", (2) 8" x 22", (2) 10" x 24"
7-8: (1) 8"x 25", (2) 9" x 22", (2) 11" x 24"





You will end up with 5 rectangles when completed: (1) small/top layer, (2) medium/middle layer and (2) large/bottom layer.

Step 2: Sew with 1/2" seam the (2) medium pieces (short sides) together to make (1) long continuous piece.

I am making a size 6-6x dress, the length of this piece is now 8" x 51". **Actual length will vary due to size of dress.**

Step 3: Sew with 1/2" seam the (2) large pieces (short sides) together to make (1) long continuous piece.

I am making a size 6-6x dress, the length of this piece is now 10" x 77". **Actual length will vary due to size of dress.**

Step 4: Prepare to cut your shirt. Read chart below photo before proceeding to Step 5.

Size Chart/ length needed:
0-6 months: 4"

6-12 months: 5"

12-24 months: 6"

2T-3T: 7"

4T-5T: 8"

6-6x: 9"

7-8: 10"

Step 5: From top of shoulder, measure down (from chart above) length and cut shirt. Set shirt aside for Step 12. *Save remnant for hair tie, if desired. **

Step 6: Take your largest width rectangle (10" in my case) and your medium width rectangle (8" in my case). Line up your width edges as shown below. Pin in place. Repeat for opposite end.

Step 7: Pleat your longer/bottom layer to the medium/middle layer. (This will make the lower part of your skirt.) Pin in place. Sew with 1/2" seams.

Step 8: Take your smallest width rectangle (7" in my case) and your medium width rectangle (8" in my case). Line up your width edges as shown below. Pin in place. Repeat for opposite end.

Step 9: Pleat your medium/middle layer to the small/top layer. (This will make the upper part of your skirt.) Pin in place. Sew with 1/2" seams.

Step 10: Fold skirt in half, pin in place. See photo below for clarification.

Step 11: Sew edge of skirt. You should now see what your skirt to the dress will look like. :)

Step 12: Take your t-shirt from Step 5, and place neck first into your skirt. **Note: The bottom of your shirt is going to be sewn to the top of your skirt. ** See photos below for clarification.

Step 13: Pleat your small/top layer to the t-shirt or onesie. (This will make the upper part of your skirt.) Pin in place. Sew with 1/2" seams.

Step 14: Turn dress right side out. Hem and pin bottom layer to desired length. Iron to hold crease.

Step 15: Sew bottom hem.

That's it! :)

*******

You can make this with 2 different colors of fabric with a coordinating fabric in the middle; the yardage chart for that is below. You make the dress exactly the same way, except your fabrics are different colors.

Two-color Option:
Size Chart/Yardage needed (top/bottom, middle): **Note: this will make your skirt different colors: top and bottom layer match with different/coordinating print for middle layer **

0-6 months: 1/3 yard, 1/6 yard
6-12 months: 1/2 yard, 1/3 yard
12-24 months: 1/2 yard, 1/3 yard
2T-3T: 2/3 yard, 1/3 yard
4T-5T: 2/3 yard, 1/2 yard
6-6x: 1 yard, 1/2 yard
7-8: 1 yard, 1/2 yard