The Ruffles Sun Dress Tutorail

 I hope everyone had a wonderful weekend! It was nice sunny and hot here, a great weekend! Now onto our tutorial.

You will need

two fabrics, about a 1/2 yard to 1 yard each . (less for a smaller girl more for an older.)

Elastic thread

thread

Now lets get started!

 1, This dress requires no pattern at all just simple cuts so it is pretty easy to make.

For the top of the dress measure you child and x that by 2. so Sweet pea's 20"x by 2 + 40. Since she was so close to 22 I just cut the intire width of the fabric. For little ones you need just one big cut but for older you'll need 2 pieces of fabric. (if your measurements is 25" you'll need two 25" cuts). or the lenght I measured a long Tshirt of hers. you won't want this part to long.***note if you are not using a serger add 1" to the lenght for narrow hemming.***

For the two rows of ruffles cut them 4"x double the width of the top piece you just cut out. Cut out both colors. ****note if you aren't using a serger add 1" for hems so instead of 4" make it 5"***

Cut out a width of the fabric x4" for straps.

 2, Serge or narrow hem both top and bottom of fabric. Sew the seam(s) together using a 3/8" seam allowance. For the narrow hem fold over and press 1'4" and then fold over again a 1/4" then stitch in place.

 Take your long 4" strips, the main color first and sew the strips together to make one long piece of fabric. Now take the second color and do the same.

Now place the two long strips of fabric you sewn together and place them right sides together and pin. Sew them with a 3/8" seam allowance. Press the seam towards the top9main fabric)  and then edge stitch the seam down.

 3; Now take the two short ends, pin together with right sides facing and stitch. Finish edges and press the seam.

 4; Now serge or narrow hem the top and the bottom of this piece.

Now make a gathering stitch across the top of the ruffle fabric, about 3/8" seam.

 5; Working on right sides of fabrics, over lap the ruffle fabric 1" over the main top piece. Gather evenly across pinning in place. Stitch over the gathering stitch so attach ruffle. (see next two pictures)

 6; Now mew 8 rows of shirring starting a 1/4" from the top and make them a 1?4" apart. Here is great tutorial on shirring.

 7; take the strap fabric and fold it in half, pinning in place. Sew with a 1/2" seam allowance, turn and press. Then edge stitch both sides.

 Now place the dress onto your little girl and measure the straps lenght and placement marking both. Take and finish the edges of the straps and then pin and sew in place. We are all done, enjoy!

Happy Sewing!

Sharon