I finally got around to making these dresses last week. The fabric I got at a Joanne’s store-closing sale back in April, and the ribbon I got online (ironically to match a different fabric– which it didn’t). Other than those two things, a sewing machine and some thread, all I needed was to find the time (when I wasn’t vegging on the couch). Seeing as how my summer is almost over, I decided that I should really get started.
It turned out to be a lot easier than I expected. Even with Big Sis “helping” me, I finished with hers in less than 1.5 hours. And after she went off to sleep, I made her sister’s in probably half that time. There are no photos of the process, because I hadn’t intended on posting about it. By no means am I any expert– I was figuring it out as I went along– but I do enjoy learning and making things on my sewing machine. I’m pretty proud of myself and happy with how they turned out. What I love the most about these is that even after the girls grow out of them as dresses, they can be worn as tunics and then tops!
Of course I can’t take credit though. Below are the sites I consulted in figuring out what to do:
I’d like to try this for next time.
If you do a google search, you will find that the measurements vary quite a bit amongst different sites. My daughters’ measurements were: Big Sis (4T) 44 width/24 length, and Baby Girl (18-24m) 32 width/18 length. Their dresses came out really loose and flowy, which is how I wanted them. It’s a great beginner project that you can make if you know how to work the basics of a sewing machine. The only tricky part was the armholes. I think next time I will try combining some different patterns and tying the bow in the back.
We were out at the mall, with both my girls in their pillowcase dresses, and got many compliments. With this beautiful girly paisley print and the bright yellow ribbon, I think they make for perfect summer dresses!

lunchldyd is an aspiring children’s clothing maker and quilter. Her husband says, “If only that paid the bills.”
The dresses look very well made and your daughters look very nice!