So this post is about a month late, but I was finally able to get it done.
I took a lot of pictures while making this dress, so I hope that it helps you out!
First things first, here are the patterns (these are for a 3-4T size) for the front bodice, back bodice , skirt and ties. The skirt and ties aren’t really a pattern, just shapes to show you how big to cut your fabric. I hope to eventually get more sizes, but it’s been hard getting the patterns up.
When all is said and done, this is what you should have cut out
Now, I know, I know, it looks like a lot of fabric, but really, it’s not too hard to put all together. I included lots of pictures, so I am actually going to separate it into two posts.
BODICE
Step one:
Fold the band fabric in half (wrong sides together and sew it to the bottom of the bodice front
When you are done it will look like this
Step Two:
Take each back tie, and sew it with right sides together. Be sure to leave the bottom open so you can turn it.
Since I couldn’t get the whole tie in a picture, I showed you the end.
STEP THREE:
Next up is to sew the ties to the bodice. To do that, take the open end of the tie and place it on top of the band. See how I have it laying across the bodice? You want to do it like that.
Sew up the side (where the pins are).
Do the same thing for the other side.
Now, you have a front band, with two ties sewn on. I folded the bands up to try to give you a better idea of how it looks. This is also a helpful way to place the ties so you can sew on the back bodice.
STEP FOUR:
Sew your shoulder ties, right sides together, leaving the bottom open for turning.
When they are sewn, turn them out, so the right sides are facing out.
We aren’t sewing them on quite yet. So just put them to the side for now.
STEP FIVE:
Now, find the back bodice, and place it on the
So you, have the ties sandwiched between the front and back bodice
Sew up the side
And now you have the first part of the bodice done. Next up is the lining (which is way easier than the above)
STEP FIVE:
Find the front and back bodice pieces you cut out of the lining. Place them together and sew up the sides only.
(See! Easy peasy!)
STEP SIX:
Now it’s time to sew the lining to the main fabric. Put the two bodices so that their right sides are together. I basically slip the main fabric into the lining. Sew around both arm holes (not NOT across the top yet).
STEP SEVEN:
Now, find those shoulder ties, and place them so that they are between the fabric and lining on the back part of the bodice.
When you are sewing them, it should look like this.
Sew across the top of the bodice back (both the lining and the main fabric) and the top of the bodice front (once again, both fabrics. The very bottom of the bodice should be open. This allows you to turn it right side out. Go ahead, and turn it out. And marvel at the awesome bodice you just made!
Click here to go to part two of the dress.
**EDITED: Don’t forget to put some button holes in the front corners of the bodice. The shoulder straps get knotted and pulled through the button holes.