Doesn't every baby girl need a dress that's just as sweet as she is?
This simple peasant dress pattern is sized 0-3m (approximately 8-12lbs), and is an easy project that is great for all sewing abilities, even beginners.
The elastic neckline makes for an easy on and off, keeping both you and your little one smiling :).
A peasant dress pattern with more sizes and plenty of options may be coming soon to my shop, but enjoy this free infant pattern in the meantime! Please remember that this pattern is for personal use only :).
Update: After many requests, the multi-sized pattern is now available in the shop! The Polly Peasant Dress & Blouse PDF Pattern has 10 sizes (0-3m to 6) and features a dainty scalloped hem. You can find it HERE!
Materials:
3/4 yd 100% quilting cotton fabric (45” wide)
1/4" wide elastic – approximately 30”
optional: rick rack for trim hem (40" in length)
Instructions:
*All seam allowances to be 3/8" unless otherwise noted.*
1. Print pattern pieces. Make sure your printer is set to print at 100% and not to scale the file down in size. Lay out fabric with both selvage edges folded in to center of fabric (creating two folded edges - on on each side with the selvages in the middle of the fabric) and right side inward. Cut out fabric pieces as directed on pattern pieces. If you prefer a plain hem rather than rick rack trim, add an extra 1/4-1/2" to the bottom of the bodice pattern. The length of the dress is designed to hit at or just above the knee so it can be worn with tights or legwarmers, so feel free to add some extra length if you wish to make it longer!
2. Right sides together, pin and stitch one sleeve piece at curve to armhole curve on one bodice piece.
3. Right sides together, pin and stitch remaining sleeve piece at curve to remaining curve on bodice piece.
4. Serge or zig zag raw edges and press seams (technically seams should always be pressed toward the bodice, but I pressed them toward the sleeves so take your pick).
5. Right sides together, pin and stitch remaining curve on sleeves to armhole curves of remaining bodice piece. Serge or zig zag raw edges and press seams.
6. If using a serger, serge bottom of each sleeve, removing ¼" of fabric. If not using a serger, press bottom of each sleeve ¼” toward wrong side of fabric.
7. Press bottom of each sleeve ½” toward wrong side (if not using serger the bottom of each sleeve will now have two folds). You can do this step after you sew the side seams in step 9 if you wish, but pressing them now gives more room to work with and I personally find it easier.
8. If using a serger, serge around neckline, removing ¼” of fabric. If not using a serger, press top of neckline ¼” toward wrong side of fabric. Press neckline ½” toward wrong side (if not using serger the neckline will now have two folds).
9. Right sides together, stitch dress together at each side from bottom of dress through folded edge of sleeve, unfolding pressed edge on sleeve. Serge or zig zag raw side seams and press seams.
10. Fold each sleeve back along pressed edge and stitch close serged/folded edge of fabric, forming a casing for elastic and leaving a small opening (it'll be a bit tricky to maneuver around your sewing machine so take your time and it'll turn out great).
11. Stitch close to serged/pressed edge of fabric at neckline, forming a casing for elastic and leaving a small opening.
Note: 7" of elastic will allow for a chubby baby's arm circumference. If after inserting your elastic it looks a bit loose for your baby, you may want to trim 1/2"-1" off the elastic before stitching the ends together.
13. Stitch opening closed on each sleeve.
14. Cut 12” length of elastic. Insert elastic through opening using a safety pin and stitch ends together using a zig zag stitch, overlapping elastic ½” on each end. Stitch opening closed.
15. Serge bottom hem of dress, removing ¼” of fabric, or press hem ¼” toward wrong side of fabric (if you're adding rick rack to the hem you'll also want to zig zag stitch the raw edge before pressing it).
If not sewing rick rack trim at hem: Press hem another ½” toward wrong side of fabric. Stitch close to folded edge around entire hem of dress.
16. For rick rack trim, align outer scalloped edge of rick rack with bottom edge of dress and stitch around entire circumference of bottom of dress down center of rick rack. Overlap rick rack at beginning and end and trim excess.
Great job, you are done!
Be sure to share your finished dresses in the Sew Much Ado Flickr group!
113 comments:
I love these little dresses, and they are so simple to make! Thanks for sharing it today! I hope all is well with you!!! Hugs!
Super sweet!
Thanks for sharing!
Thank you so much for taking the time to make this pattern for us!! I can't wait to make one for my little girl!!
This is my next dress project! It's great, thanks for sharing the pattern and the tutorial.
Do you have a larger sized pattern, i.e. 6-9 mos??
Thanks!
Lynne - For now, it's just a 0-3m pattern. I'm planning on making a full pattern with lots of sizes and options in the future that will be available in my shop though, so you can watch for that!
oh my goodness - so cute! I love the little ric rac around the bottom...Priceless :)
Such a sweet little dress...thanks for the pattern!
This is the perfect little infant dress! Thank you so much for sharing your pattern!
Thank you so much for sharing your pattern and the tutorial:)Love your blog!!!!
Cute!! I'm pinning this one. Love it!
Aloha,
Charlie
So darling! I would love for you to link up with my party at http://anoriginalbelle.blogspot.com/2012/01/make-it-yourself-monday-10-link-up.html
Happy Monday!
Thank you for sharing! These little dresses are just the cutest!
Thank you so much for this post. I want to let you know that I posted a link to your blog in CBH Digital Scrapbooking Freebies, under the Page 3 post on Jan. 10, 2012. Thanks again.
Beautiful dress, and excellent tutorial.
A few blog friends and I introduced a new challenge idea yesterday and it would be so fun if you want to join. If you have a second, check in at http://thespacebetweenblog.wordpress.com/2012/01/09/imagine-the-impossibilities-challenge/ to learn more, and feel free to email me if you have any questions!
Karah @ thespacebetweenblog
I think I need to make one of these for my baby cousin born a few weeks ago!!
Feel free to submit this to my link party, would love to share it with more people!
http://toastiestudio.blogspot.com/2012/01/made-monday.html
These are so cute! Great job! Pinning...
Adorable! Thanks for sharing!
~Mrs. Delightful
ourdelightfulhome.blogspot.com
I think these are so cute! THey remind me of my childhood. My mom used to make all my dresses and I refused to wear anything else! Love these.
Best,
Jenn from JustAddWaterSilly.com, hopping from strictly homemade
I love peasant dresses! they're so quick and easy
This looks great! If I get a chance to make one I'll send you pics - you did an amazing job writing the pattern - it's so hard, isn't it?
This is the cutest little dress! On a scale of 1-10 how difficult would you say this would be for a beginner?
By beginner I mean I just got a sewing machine for Christmas.
This dress is SO cute!! One of my favorites out there! I will try and adapt this to my daughter who is 4. She has to have it! : ) You did such a nice job on the dress!
Natalie - First off, yay for getting a sewing machine! Second, I'd definitely get to know your machine a bit and practice sewing some lines on scrap fabric (you can also draw lines on paper and practice tracing them with your sewing machine). Once you're comfortable with your machine, I'd say this is about a 2 out of 10 and you could totally do it. Let me know if you have any other questions and good luck!
Seriously one of the cutest dresses I've made. Thanks! Looking forward to the others in your shop :)
Thanks for your pattern....I have made these in the past, but kind of just make it up as I go along (having to re-remember it each time!)...the patterns will be great to have! Come visit me too...www.palmettosandpigtails.com
-Shara
A simple and cute tutorial! Thanks for hosting the linky party.
I wonder if I could make this into a shirt for my 20 month old? Very nice job! Thanks!
I love this I am going to adapt this for my 5 year old. We do civil War reenacting ant this is a style that was prevelant in the 1860's for little girls. Thank you so much for sharing.
Thank you - not only for the adorable pattern but for now making it crystal clear how to add rick rack to a hem. Can't wait to make this dress as part of a baby shower gift.
Jess
Love love love! I've never seen ricrac used that way, can't wait to try it :)
These are so darn cute - I especially love the one in Rainy Days and Mondays - so retro looking!
So cute!!! I haven't been sewing for long, but I am excited to try making things for the little girl we will be having in April. But most of the things I see and love online are way too hard. I can do this and it's so cute! I have all sorts of embellishment ideas! Thanks for sharing!
So adorable. I am going to make one for my little niece. Thanks a lot for sharing.
I have been looking for this type of dress pattern everywhere!! Your tutorial is great!! I would love to have one in a size 2-4. What are the chances of getting you to make one?? Please.............
Just finished one, can't wait to share!! Thanks for the pattern, it came at a most opportune time!
I just made this dress in purple leopard print, and I LOVE LOVE LOVE IT!!! Thanks so much for the pattern! Any idea for a time frame on the bigger sizes? I can't wait to tackle another one! I, too, just got a sewing machine for Christmas, so I'm on a roll! :)
Finished one last night. Very doable...even for a beginner like me! So cute. Thanks for the great (and easy for me to follow) tutorial!
These are so cute! I really want to try this for my new little arrival, but I am a pre-beginner sewer. haha The elastic scares me.
I loved making this dress (with fabric from a vintage sheet!). I uploaded the photo to your flickr group. I look forward to making more... and hopefully buying your pattern for bigger sizes :)
Thanks for sharing this pattern. It was super easy to make.
Desde barcelona,felicidades por este blog,me encanta este vestido,y yo que soy principiante me va a ir genial, es lo siguiente que voy a hacer.Gracias!
I would totally buy this pattern for my 6 year old! Pretty please? :)
I am waiting (not so patiently) for my first granddaughter to be born today and I can't wait to make her this dress! Thanks for sharing
I was finally able to make a couple dresses! Thank you so much for an easy tutorial, they turned out great!
You can see them here:
http://lifesjewelrybox.blogspot.com/2012/02/baby-dresses-my-first-project-w-my.html
I made a couple of these dresses from thrifted sheet material and they turned out great! So happy with the results, and I'll definitely make them again.
http://sarahdudik.wordpress.com/2012/03/22/baby-dresses/
Oh I love it! I made my own version and added some lace to the bottom! check it out...
http://lovepeacecreate-missy.blogspot.com/
I did this without the elastic in the arms (i like the open arm effect) and i turned the himn a couple times on each area because i dont have a serger and my machine only does straight stitch!! took me about 10-15 minutes of real work time to cut it and sew it it was so easy!! just hope it fits her when shes born in june.
I just made one of these dresses for a friends baby girl and it turned out so cute! I knew it would, but I am even more in love with it since the finished product is right before my eyes! Thanks for such a detailed tutorial and excellent pattern!
I just made my first dress for my granddaughter Emaline! Thanks for the awesome tutorial!
I just finished making this dress!! soo cute! Thank you!!
Thank you so cute! Can I send a photo?
LOVE it! but it won't let me print or download to print... :( I get the " This web page has a redirect loop" and it shows a long web address
Jen - Hmm, I just checked it out and was able to download it, so I'm not sure what's happening (I know sometimes certain web browsers can have issues), but I emailed the file to you - let me know if you have any more problems, and good luck!
I, too, am not able to print this. Click on the link, and it allows me to select print etc.. but it just will not print. I tried it in two different browsers, Chrome and Firefox.
I would really appreciate a file sent to me via email too. I looking forward to making this for my new little baby girl who will be born in august.
McKrola Family - I'd be happy to email the file to you - your address is not linked to your blogger account so just let me know what it is and I'll send it on over!
Just a note - some web browsers may not allow you to print directly from the print icon on Google Docs - if you're having issues, download the pattern first, and then open the file to print and you shouldn't have any issues.
Ty. My husband came home and restarted the computer and it printed!!!! Very excited to make this little dress. I look forward to larger dress patterns in your shop!
Hi,
I'm a new sewer. I think I'd like the arms NOT to have the elastic in them. Do I have to alter the pattern? Do I make them slightly smaller? Please advise.
BTW, any tips on sewing because you use the serger in this post a lot!
Thanks!
Sandra - You can just hem the sleeves without adding the elastic, and they'll just be slightly fluttery without having to alter the pattern.
And no worries if you don't have a serger - each step where I use a serger, I also give instructions for if you're not using a serger, so just follow along and you'll do great!
Did it!
Thank you for the great tutorial.
You can see it although it's in Hebrew
http://www.tapuz.co.il/blog/net/ViewEntry.aspx?EntryId=2305318
:)
So, so cute! I started making 2 of these dresses today for a sister and a sister-in-law who are both expecting little girls this summer. What a great tutorial! Super easy to follow.
Thanks for posting this.
Thanks for the great tutorial! I just finished a dress for my sister, who's expecting her first baby, and it is ADORABLE. Thanks!
Does anyone have a picture of an actual baby wearing this dress?
McKrola Family - There are a couple pics of babies in the dress in our Flickr pool, just click the Flickr button at the top of the page!
Great tutorial. I am just learning to sew and this was a great dress to start with. And very plan and easy instructions. But the dresses don't look like "hey, my mom is trying to sew and she made me wear this" dresses. I posted it on my blog. I also put a link to your tutorial. I hope that was okay. thanks again!!!
http://whitneysartspot.blogspot.com/2012/05/little-girl-peasant-dresses-from-t.html
Thank you! Love it! http://emilyscraftblog.blogspot.com/2012/06/managed-to-make-this-little-dress-from.html
Hello there! Thankyou so much for your fabulous pattern and step by step instructions. I am kinda a newbie and I think that with your instructions I got this...the only thing that is confusing me is the sleeves. I didn't see a pattern piece for the sleeves. And because I am new, I have no idea how to just make them...can you please help me?
THANKS so much for your time!!!
Tammy
Tammy - the sleeve piece is the next page after the bodice pieces. Let me know if you still can't find them, and good luck!
Thanks for this lovely tutorial! I featured the dress I made on my blog today. :) http://embracingalifeunexpected.blogspot.com/2012/06/little-peasant-dress-for-my-littlest.html
Hello my name is Rachel, I made the dress Baby, I thought you would like to see-it, I leave the link to my blog.http://hechodetela.blogspot.com.es/2012/06/vestido-bebe.html
Hope you like.
hugs
Thank you for this fun and easy tutorial! I am new at sewing (I got a sewing machine as a birthday gift last month). Your pattern and directions were so easy to follow. I made a cute little dress for my niece that will be born next month. Thanks again!
Thank you for this great tutorial and pattern. This was the first clothing item I made using a pattern (as opposed to just following a tutorial or making it up as I go). Now I feel much more confident :)
Would this work if you shirred it instead of the elastic casing??
Anon - Yes! If you look in our Flickr group you can see an example (it's red-ish burgandy if that helps you find it).
I made this for my daughter {who isn't born just yet} out of this beautiful slinky stretch fabric. It was so easy and straight forward, a real no brainer! Which is good when you have baby brain ^_^
O my! It's amazing!
Very creative idea and I think its not that difficult to do. I love color as well as the design.
What is the final measurement from the neckline to the hem? I fear I may have made this a bit too short.
A Misplaced Texan - Off the top of my head, I'm pretty sure the length is 12" from the neckline to the hem. I'll check on it and let you know if it's different! It's not a super long dress, but if you made it too short, you can always add a cute border or ruffle at the bottom to add some length!
I LOVE this tutorial. I have made 3 dresses so far for people I know having babies. Thank you for sharing this.
THANK YOU SO MUCH ;)
Thankyou very much for sharing this!!! Your pattern & tutorial was quick and easy to follow. Jess
Thank you so much for the pattern! I made one too, added a ruffle and an appliqued butterfly. Here's mine:
http://bornambitous-bornimaginative.blogspot.com/2012/08/ruffled-peasant-dress.html
I love peasant dresses, they are so simple & quick, I tend to do my necklines with shirring because I'm lazy!
Best thing though is they fit baby right through to a top, Woop!
Hi Abby, thank you for this tutorial. It's perfect for my now 1-month old baby.
I linked this tutorial in my blog, http://realitystrikesmommy.blogspot.de/2012/08/weekend-snipping.html
Seems like its very easy to make. Many mom will love to do this for their little angel. Maybe they can still add some details on it.
Hi Abby, love the pattern. I have been trying to print the pattern for a couple of days to no avail. I don't usually have any issues with google, but it is not allowing me to save or download. Is it possible for you to email me the pattern? I would much appreciate it!
peanutspansy@yahoo.com
Thanks,
Jennifer
Jennifer - no prob! I'll send it on over!
Thanks Abby! I look forward to receiving it and knocking a dress out soon for my friend's brand new baby girl (born Thursday!).
Jennifer
Hi! great pattern. Would this also work if I added a waistline made fo shirring elastic? Would I need to add length?
Thank you so much for this tutorial! :)
I just finished such a little dress for my newborn niece. It looks great. I added a little ribbon at the chest - looks a little like a bow tie. ;) The perfect christmas gift!
Thanks a lot.
Greetings from Germany.
Jennifer
Tui - yes, you could definitely add shirring to the waist! It'll pull the length of the dress up a bit, so adding some length wouldn't be a bad idea, especially since it's a fairly short dress :).
Hi, I love the pattern and have bought the multi-size pattern too. Just one question - I saw the seam allowance is 3/8th inch, but are seam allowances INCLUDED in the pattern, or do I need to add them when I cut the fabric out? I mean, is the edge of the paper pattern the cutting line? Hope my question is clear.
Many thanks for the pattern!
Phillippa
Phillippa - Both the free and multi-sized pattern include the seam allowances (meaning you do not need to add any), but the multi-sized pattern has 1/2" seam allowances (the pattern mentions this, but thought I would too just in case!) rather than the 3/8" in the free pattern.
Thank you so much for the very quick reply!
These dresses are so cute! I have a couple of little girls already in mind!
Thanks for the great pattern and tutorial. I posted a photo of my finished dress and link to your tutorial on my blog.
Thank you for this pattern! I made a double layer silk and lace dress for my daughter's blessing. It was so adorable, thanks!
Hi. I am not a real experienced seamstress and I am not great at reading patterns, but where are the sleeves in this pattern? Thanks.
Grammy - the sleeves are in the same file as the bodice, if you print/download one you'll have both!
Absolutely loved this pattern, I couldnt find anything similar in the shops, and where I live it is 30+degrees, and a newborn needs something like this with a new belly button. Would love to attach a picture.. Thanks Gloria
Absolutely adorable!
I've pinned this to my baby girl board on Pinterest, please let me know if that is not okay and I'll remove it. I can't wait to make this!
This is so cute...do you think it could be made with knit fabric? Thanks!
I just made one for my baby's first birthday! It was so easy and turned out great. I already have a request for one from my daughter, and the wheels are turning to make one for me! thank you for your great pictures and instructions :-)
LOVE them !!!
I love this little dress. However, I cannot get the free pattern to print. I keep getting a message that the page is not available.
Dianna - Hmm, I just checked and am able to print the pattern myself - I'm guessing it may have something to do with the browser you're using or your security settings on your computer. Do you have a different computer or friend's computer that you could try printing it on?
Thank you so much for this tutorial! :-) I made the dress for my baby: http://i-love-polka-dots.blogspot.com/2013/04/baby-peasant-dress.html
Thank you for the lovely pattern. I discovered it via threadbias.com. I made one up yesterday in the newborn size to give away to my daughter at her baby shower today. I used fabric left from a project I'd done for her when she was little.
This is a great pattern and so easy to make. Thanks for a great tutorial.
I just scaled it up to todler size and made it out of one of my husbands old shirts. It looks fantastic.
http://niddynoo.blogspot.co.uk/2013/05/shirt-peasant-dress.html
It is really attractive. It is a lovely dress idea for my expecting baby.
Post a Comment