How to Sew a Simple Summer Baby Dress
- 1). Measure the baby’s bust line and waistline. Measure from the base of the neck to the waistline to determine the length of the bodice. Measure around the base of the neck. Measure from the waistline to the knees to determine the length of the skirt panel.
- 2). Divide the bust line and waistline measurements into two, and then follow them as the width measurements for the front and back bodice pieces. Follow the measurement from the bust line to the waistline as the length of the bodice pieces. Provide a seam allowance of 1.5 inches on all edges of the fabric. Cut the light-colored fabric according to the measurements.
- 3). Put the two bodice pieces with the wrong sides together. Cut a J-shaped whole on both sides of the fabric for the armhole. Divide the measurement around the base of the neck into two and cut a whole for the neckline according to that measurement. Provide a ½ inch seam allowance.
- 4). Cut the dark-colored fabric to create the back and front skirt panels. The length of the fabric should be the measurement from the waistline to the knees. The width should be twice the waistline.
- 5). Put the two skirt panel pieces with the wrong sides of the fabric together and then sew the side edges to attach the two fabric pieces. Turn the sewn skirt panel right side out.
- 6). Cut four one-inch wide strips using the dark-colored fabric. The length should be at least six inches long for each strip.
- 7). Fold the straps with the right sides of the fabric together and sew 1/8 inch along the edges, leaving only one short edge open. Turn the straps right side out using a pencil.
- 8). Lay down the bodice pieces with the wrong side of the fabric visible. Lay down the straps on the shoulder portion of the fabric. Sew along the top edges of the shoulder seam to sew the straps in.
- 9). Lay the front and back bodice pieces with the right sides of the fabric together, and then sew along the side edges. Turn the bodice piece right side out.
- 10
Stitch along the waist portion to sew the bodice and then skirt panel together. Gather the straps over the shoulders and tie them. Hem the bottom edges of the dress.
