An easy gift idea
About a year ago I took my 2nd sewing class. My first being in high school where I learned to sew a kite and then progressed to a fleece vest, yes I graduated in the mid-90's, in Utah. I really didn't care much for sewing until just last year when some friends were going to take a class from Heather Ross learning how to make little girl smocks, tunics, and pants. Sounded fun, even though I didn't own a sewing machine or a little girl. But, I did learn how to make this very cute and easy summer smocked dress. Granted, the method she taught us included cording and a zig zag stitch, not too easy for someone that hadn't used a machine in 10 years, but it got me jump started. She later taught another method, using elasticized thread. Much, much easier, and not so homemade looking. Here are a few below I have made for friends.
How to:
*You will need fabric 1 1/2 to 2x's as wide as the babies chest. The bigger it is, the more full the dress will be. You will also need elasticized thread. Gutterman makes some, but JoAnn's carries a few different brands. If you search online just type in the elasticized thread and it should come up. Depending if you want straps the same fabric or not, you will also need the fabric for them or using single fold bias tape makes the project a bit easier too.
1. Cut a rectangle of fabric as wide as you need and as long. I suggest hemming the top and bottom of the dress first. I find it easier to hem before you sew it up the back. I typically do a 1/4 inch hem on bottom and 1/8 on top.
2. Use regular thread for the top, and hand wind the elastic thread onto the bobbin and place in machine. With right side up, line the presser foot with the top hem and sew with a loose stitch along the length of the garment. Your first stitch will not be all that smocked but you can always pull on the end of the elastic to get it to gather more. I don't recommend doing this until you have completed all of your rows. Line the presser foot again with the stitch you just did and sew along the garment. Do this for at least six rows. I usually do between 7 and 8.
3. Trim excess threads and sew up the back inside out. I usually just finish it off with a zig zag stitch, and will run it along the smocked threads a few times to secure it.
4. You are almost done. If you use fabric to make the straps. Measure an inch and a half and cut two pieces about 10 inches long. Fold both raw sides of the strip in with an iron about 1/8 of an inch. Fold together, iron, and sew down the side of the strip. Finish ends. Sew onto front for a halter tie lining stitches up with smocked thread. I usually secure it with 3 rows of stitching.
If you use bias tape. It is already pre-folded, just fold it in half again, stitch down the side, and finish the ends.
If these instructions seem confusing you can email me at alyshasmith@mac.com.
Saturday, June 30, 2007 at 6:32AM
Reader Comments (6)
Thanks for the written instuctions. I love the dress you made for Sutton. She wears it often.
So cute!
Alysha you are so funny - of course I know who you are I check your cute sewing projects (and baby) on your blog all the time. This dress is darling - and I REALLY love the built by wendy stuff too.