This pattern is prepared for a dress for girls from 12 months to 7 years. It’s a simple A-line dress but with interesting detail to the back.
Dress is roomy and made out of French Terry. Sleeves are wider and armhole is lower than in any other dress for comfort. Of course, you can make it from jersey, you might want to choose smaller size if the fabric is more stretchy, please refer to measurements chart.
I made two dresses, one with the button to the back and one with ribbon. Which one do you like more?
Scroll to the bottom of the page and download the pattern.
Print on A4 paper. Start with the first page and make sure the test box is 5 x 5 cm.
You can try printing on different paper format but always select printing to 100%. Let me know if you have any issues of you want to print on a different size of paper, I’ll see what I can do.
How to join your pattern pages together:
If you’re not sure which size to choose, check the measurements chart https://moonlightpatterns.com/measurements-charts/
Recommended fabric: French Terry, jersey, ribbing for cuffs.
If you don’t have ribbing you can use jersey and gather the sleeve to it but it’s not the easiest task, makes it difficult to feed through the machine.
NO SEAM ALLOWANCES ADDED. Add seam allowance at the top of the back, just above the back detail 5mm (vertical short line), this way you’ll be able to cut back as one piece.
This is how the back piece will look like after you add your seam allowances:
Cutting:
Front x1 on fold
Back x1 on fold
Front facing x1 on fold
Back facing x1 on fold
Sleeves x2
Cuffs x2 from ribbing
Fabric requirements:
Fabric width: 140cm
sizes 80-92 75-85cm of main fabric
sizes 98-116 85-100cm of main fabric
Instructions (of course this is my preferred method, you can do it differently):
1. Add seam allowances, don’t forget to square seam allowances and cut the pattern. Cut your fabric. Press with an iron after each step.
2. Serge bottom edges of facings and stitch shoulders of main fabric and facing.
3. Stitch facing and main fabric together, with right sides together. Sew around the neckline and back detail in one go. During this operation add a ribbon at the back (or button loop). Topstitch.
TIP: Be very careful not to stretch the neckline while topstitching or it would be gaping. I suggest stay stitching around the neckline by hand first, make it tight so it doesn’t stretch. I used water-soluble thread, I just hate unpicking 🙂 I chose straight stitch with stretch thread in the bobbin. The other stitch that would work very well is a very narrow zigzag, that looks almost like a straight stitch. French Terry isn’t as stretchy as jersey also there is an opening to the back but always test what stitch would work the best.
4. Stitch sleeves to main fabric and interfacing by laying it all flat, make sure that the notches are aligned.
5. Stitch side seams and sleeves in one go.
6. Add your cuffs. Fold cuff fabric widthwise and with right sides together stitch the edge. Press and fold it lenghtwise. Then stitch it to the sleeves.
6. Hem the bottom of the dress and enjoy the new dress 🙂
