How to Make an A-Line Toddler Dress for a Beginner
- 1). Make or buy a pattern for an A-line dress. Patterns can be found at craft stores, fabric stores or online. You will need to know what size the child wears when purchasing the pattern. Pattern sizes can be found by using the child's measurements or by using the size of purchased clothing they already own.
- 2). Buy the fabric. The amount of fabric needed can be found on the pattern's back cover, or you can measure the purchased or self-made pattern to find the yardage needed. You will need fabric for the dress and the lining.
- 3). Place the pattern on the fold of the lining fabric. (You will save fabric if you open the fabric first and then fold both side edges in toward the center, giving you two folds to work with instead of one.) You may pin the pattern in place to prevent slipping while you cut.
- 4). Cut the front and back of the fabric lining. When finished cutting, you should have two pieces cut out that resemble the finished product.
- 5). Place the pattern, or the already cut lining (it is from the same pattern piece) on the fold of the dress fabric. The dress fabric can be folded in toward the center of the fabric here too. If using the pattern, pin then cut. If using the already cut lining, pins are not necessary as it will not slip.
- 6). Cut the front and back of the dress fabric. All four fabric pieces should look similar.
- 7). Place the dress front and back fabric pieces facing each other (design side touching design side). Sew along both long edges.
- 8). Place the lining front and back fabric pieces facing each other. Sew along both long edges.
- 9). Leave the dress turned inside out. The lining should also be inside out.
- 10
Place the dress fabric inside the lining fabric. The design sides will be facing each other. Match the straps and the seams. Pin the fabric pieces together around the top and along the side seams so they will not slip. - 11
Sew around the edges of the straps, neckline and arm holes. Leave a 1/4 inch seam unless your pattern states otherwise. Trim any extra fabric from the edges. - 12
Turn the dress right side out. Use your scissors to carefully push the strap fabric in the corners; this will give them a uniform square look. Press the edges in place with an iron. - 13
Fold the bottom edge of the dress and the lining under 1/4 inch each; begin at a seam. Match the folded edges to each other, while folded under. Pin the seam with the fabric still folded. Continue folding and pinning the raw edges all the way around the hemline. - 14
Iron along the hemline, pressing the bottom edge flat (with the raw edges hidden inside). - 15
Sew along the bottom edge of the dress. Leaving about three inches open in the seam. - 16
Pull the dress through the opening in the seam. The dress will be right side out with a small opening at the hemline. Make sure the opening is folded flat and pin. - 17
Stitch the hem edge close to the bottom all the way around. You can stitch around the neckline and strap portion too, giving the dress a uniform look. - 18
Mark the spot where the length of the button will be, on the front straps. Use a washable marking tool to make the mark. Sew the button holes along the mark and cut the opening, making a button hole. - 19
Sew the button on the back straps, making sure they line up with the button holes on the front. Add any embellishments you desire.