Tuesday morning, making a dress.

 The sun is out, there's a gentle breeze in the air and I can only think the summer dress is in play.

This cute little summer dress has an soft, cotton elastane mix top with 100% cotton skirt.

We need to measure the circumference of the child's body and height of the top of the bib to top of the skirt, to the finish hemline of the skirt. 

I've allowed a 7cm frill, with 2cm for the hem (2 x 1cm folded over) and 1cm for the seam allowance. 

Cut the fabric rectangles 

Just beware of fabric that you've bought. When staff cut fabric, it's not always straight, so I'd advise you measure carefully to cut straight edges.   

A good cut makes for a good finish. That and pressing as you go. 

 

Hem the frill, turn it over 1cm, twice

 

Sew the shorter lengths of the skirt and frill. The frill is longer so you will gather this piece then attach it to the skirt. 

First, let's mark the quarter and half way points on both pieces so we can get an even gather. 

I fold the pieces in half and the quarte and snip tiny notches into the seam allowance only. 

Sew a line ½ cm from the edge of the frill. Use the longest stitch and leave long tails  of thread on not ends. Don't overlap or lock stitches. Instead when you're done, tie one of the set of tails together and drag the top thread through the fabric. This causes a gather.

Match up the notches, even up the gather and sew. 

So that's the skirt part done. 

Let's add the top. 

The elastane top needs to be about 10% smaller than the body circumference. 

Sew the back seam and repeat the marking method, notching the quarter and halfway marks. 

Sew using needles for stretch fabrics and use a stretch stitch. You'll avoid stitches skipping or breaking. 

Match up the notches to the skirt, pin and sew. 

You'll stretch the elastane to match up with the cotton skirt. 

Finish the top with a zigzag finish or overlock (serge)

I've yet to add the straps, but with button holes or buckles, this will finish the dress beautifully.