The sewVery Sunny Dress Tutorial

I'm really excited about the project I'm sharing with you today as part of Melly Sews' (30) Days of Sundresses Series!  The sewVery Sunny Dress is quick and easy to sew and simply perfect to wear on a hot, sunny, southern summer day!  Oh, and did I mention that it's adorable on your little one and may promote smiles and hugs, too?!  And guess what?  I actually digitally graded this into a pattern and have it available to download for FREE!  

The (30) Days of Sundresses Series is one of my favorites! This year, I wanted to offer up another fun, whimsical dress, and again, I found my inspiration in the Kelly's Kids catalog!  I even found this patchwork plaid fabric, similar to the one used in their photo shoot, at my local fabric store.

My goal was to make a dress pattern and tutorial that is quick and easy. Plus, there are no buttonholes or zippers in this pattern design!

The sewVery Sunny Dress is an A-line style halter dress that includes a simple neckline ruffle trimmed with a piece of bias binding.  The front of the dress is partially lined on the upper bodice eliminating the need for any hemming on the top. The neck ties run through loops on the back and then are tied in a knot or bow which helps keep the back of the dress from sagging.  The dress is very comfortable to wear, especially for little girls who like to run, jump, climb, and swing!

Right now, I'm offering the free downloadable pattern in sizes 5, 6, and 7, but I hope to someday have it be a fully graded pattern.  When and if that happens, I'll be sure to let everyone know!

UPDATE

The sewVery Sunny Dress & Top Pattern in sizes 2T-12 is now available for purchase in the sewVery Pattern Shop!

This pattern has been tested by a group of wonderful volunteers, and in the next few days, I'll be sharing their creations with you!  The designing, drafting, grading, and testing process has kept me busy and taught me a lot of new things! Plus I've met a few more of my sewVery fans!

Are you ready to sew up a sewVery Sunny Dress?  Then let's get started!

First, download the FREE sewVery Sunny Dress Pattern in sizes 5, 6, and 7 at Craftsy. (affiliate link). The tutorial for constructing the dress is below.

Supplies:

• Approximately 1 to 1 1/2 yard of 44" wide fabric 
• 3/4" wide elastic
• Normal sewing supplies:  sewing machine, scissors, thread, pins, etc.

Consult the sizing chart below to determine the best size to fit your child.

Print out the pattern pieces and assemble them according to the instructions found in the download. Cut out your fabrics.  You should now have the following:

• 1 front piece
• 1 lining
• 1 back piece
• 1 back casing piece
• 1 bias binding piece
• 1 neck ruffle piece
• 1 loop piece (that you will cut in two after pressing)
• 1 piece of elastic
• 2 tie pieces

Assemble the Back and Attach the Loops:

Assemble the Ties:

Attach the Ties to the Front:

Step 1:

Step 2:

Step 3:

Step 4:

Assemble the Neck Ruffle:

Attach the Neck Ruffle to the Front:

Attach the Bias Binding to the Neckline:

Sew the Side Seams:

Step 1:

Step 2:

Step 3:

Create the Elastic Casing:

Hem the Dress:

Your sewVery Sunny Dress is now complete!  Try it on your beautiful model and criss-cross the ties, run the ends through the loops, and tie in a bow or a knot on the back!

Come back soon to see the great pattern tester versions of the sewVery Sunny Dress and to see some variations of the pattern that I am developing.  I hope to offer for sale a fully-graded version of the pattern along with these other variations within a few weeks!

Want to enter a giveaway and see all of the free sundress tutorials posted in the days before mine, them be sure to visit Melly Sews.  We aren't even half way through the month of June, so there are lots more sundress tutorials coming up!

Be sure to check out my free Girl's Halter Top Sundress Tutorial I made for the series last year.  In fact, I think it's time I make Ella a new one!

Thanks for stopping by today!  I'd love to hear what you think of my sewVery Sunny Dress Pattern, so please leave a comment below!  And be sure to check back soon for more variations of the sewVery Sunny Dress!

Have fun sewing!