Pillowcase Dresses

How to Make One ~

This one is made entirely from remnants,

so think of it as "Zero cost!"

Start with a piece of fabric measuring 14 x 28 inches.

This piece is a little short, measuring only 10.5 x 28".

It's easy to make up that difference by using more remnants to add to the hem..

Here, I decided to add a 2" strip of yellow fabric, folded in half lengthwise, layered on top of a 3" strip of red fabric, which I hemmed and gathered.

Next, cut out the openings for the arms.

Fold your main piece of fabric in half, then fold in half again,

like this...

You can see the 4 layers of fabric above. 

Cut out a small section measuring 1.5 x 3 inches,

in the shape of a "J", like in the next photo.

Now when you unfold your fabric, it should look like this...

For the shoulder strap, I'm using red fabric measuring 3 x 36".

For the arm hole binding, my yellow fabric measures 1.25 x 10".

Next, I've attached the ruffled section to the main section of fabric.

For the arm openings:

Lay the binding strip face down on the inside of the dress,

so that the right side of the facing is against the wrong side of

the dress.  Stitch using a 1/4" seam.

I find it's easier to do this freehand (no pins).

The easiest way to work around the curved area, is to keep

the binding strip straight, and to gently pull the curved section of

the main fabric to the left, so that the cut edges are even.  Sew

just a few stitches at a time, then re-adjust your fabric.

That may sound confusing, but it's really easy.  The photo

above should make it easier to understand.

Once you've done that, lay your piece right side up,

just use your fingers to fold your binding like the following

photo... You have a 1/4 inch seam allowance, now

fold 1/4 inch from the raw edge toward the seam allowance.

Then fold it over again, and you have a nice 1/4" binding

for the arm opening. 

Topstitch just along the folded edge.

Next, stitch the center back seam.

Fold over 3/4 inch hem along the top,  front and back.

Next,

Using a 1/4" seam allowance, sew your piece for the

shoulder strap, turn inside out and press.

Pull the strap through the top casing, and you are done!

How cute is that??

And made entirely from remnants!

In total using less than 1/2 yard of fabric.

Once I got started, it was hard to stop...

My sister has 2 grand-daughters under the age of one,

and another due in 6 weeks, so these will  come in handy.

And if I do say so myself...

I think this is the cutest way ever to use up all of those

little scraps of fabric and trim.

Six dresses in two days, and I think I may be everyone's

favorite Auntie after this.

Now I have to get some real work done...

Have a Lovely Day!!

Edited to add adjusted measurements for other sizes ~

For the main fabric piece (body of the dress)

Up to 6 months - 14 x 28"

12 months - 16 x 30"

18 months - 17 x 32"

2T - 18 x 33"

3T - 19 x 34"

4T - 20 x 35"