＇Let＇s Go Fly a Kite＇ Sundress

   Hi Ribbon Retreat fans! Jess here, from Craftiness is not Optional...and I am so excited to be here with a cute and easy sundress tutorial for you!

I used some adorable fabric from Ribbon Retreat-for the main fabric I used one yard of the Cream Main from Fly a Kite by October Afternoon for Riley Blake, to cover the buttons I used the Cream Circle, and for the contrast fabric I used 3/4 – 1 yard Dottie in Teal.

These fabric amounts are good up to 4T. You will need more fabric for bigger sizes.

 First I made a quick bodice pattern by tracing around a tee folded in half.

Then I drew a curve like so for the bottom of the bodice, and a straight line across for the top like so.

Then I cut it out and traced around, adding seam allowance. Do the same for the bottom of the bodice.

Then I cut out 4 rectangles for the sleeves.  Mine were 6.5″x8″ but I wish I’d cut mine a little narrower-more like 5 inches would have been better I think. You can measure around the shirt you used to trace to find out how long they should be, then add seam allowance to that measurement.

I also cut two strips for the bottom of the dress-as wide as you want and then cut them selvage to selvage to make sure they are long enough.

Cut out 4 bodice pieces on the fold as well.

Then I folded my fabric and cut out 2 pieces on the fold for the skirt, using the bottom of the pattern I traced earlier. You can measure an existing dress to find the length you want.

Then I figured out how long I wanted the dress part to be, and cut the sides in a slight A-line.

Next sew long sides of 2 of the rectangles right sides together…repeat for other 2.

Then turn your sleeves right sides out, press, and top stitch along the sides.

Then sew a gathering stitch along the short ends of all 4 ends.

Next gather all the ends to be the same width and tie off the thread tails to keep them secure…then pin them about 1/2″ from the edge of the top of the bodice. Baste them in place.

Then pin another bodice piece on top and sew together along the curved armholes and top.

Turn right side out and press.

Then repeat the same steps with the other bodice pieces.

 

Next open up each side of the bodice like so.

Pin them right sides together, sew, and press with iron. Repeat for the other side.

Then I sewed the strips of contrast fabric to the bottom of the dress pieces.

Sew the sides of the dress together and sew.

I cut my pieces a little wide so I gathered it to fit the bodice, and sewed them right sides together, matching up the side seams.

 

Hem the bottom, sew on some covered buttons, and you’re done!

 

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Thank you Jess!

I absolutely love this dress! And the fabric makes it so much fun.

Check out Craftiness is not Optional for tons more tutorials on cute girl clothing and accessories.

And if you love the line, Fly A Kite, click on the link to see more of it’s cute fabrics!

If you have great tutorials and a fun idea you would like to share on The Ribbon Retreat Blog,
please submit a project.

Have a great day! 🙂