How TO
sEW GIRLS’ SUNDRESSES
The secret to these adorable kid-size garments? Crisp linen and cotton tea towels (these are vintage, but new ones work just as well) in sweet patterns. The tunic is easy enough for even novice sewers.
Supplies
- Tea towels
- Sewing scissors
- Sewing machine and supplies
- Bias tape
- Iron
How-to
A smock or tunic has a slight A-line shape. Its neck- and armholes are bound with bias tape.This pattern is sized for a 2-year-old. You may need to patch together towels before cutting the pieces, or supplement with linen yardage (vintage or store-bought).
- 1. Assemble pattern from marthastewart.com/988814/tunic-dress. Lay out on towels (you may need to play around with positioning) and cut out.
- 2. With right sides facing, sew back pieces together, leaving 3 inches unsewn at neck. Press seam open. Cut a 6-inch piece of bias tape; sew on at seam.
- 3. With right sides facing, sew seams at shoulders and sides. Press seams open.
- 4. Cut tape to fit around one armhole; sew on. Repeat on other side.
- 5. Cut tape to fit around neck, adding 12 inches on each end to create tie closure. Sew on. (Or cut tape to fit neck opening, sew on, and add a button and thread-loop buttonhole.)
- 6. Optional: Add ruffle. Baste along one long edge of the ruffle. Pull ends of thread to gather. With right sides facing, sew gathered edge to bottom of dress. Press seam open.
- 7. Press hem under by ¼ inch, then another ¼ inch. Sew.