Sew Nightgown or a White Summer Dress Tutorial

Hey y’all – back with another free pattern today. Sew nightgowns or sundresses galore with this tutorial and pattern.

Curly Sue did not want this photo shoot to end. I strung paper butterflies from the ceiling and she was entranced. Every time I thought we were done she would say, “No auntie, I want to take more pictures!”

This dress is actually just an update of the Tie Shoulder Dress I shared last summer. Since Curly Sue has been growing up but not out, I just added a little extra length to the pattern. GO HERE to get the original tutorial and pattern info. 

Instead of bias tape ties for the shoulders, I cut a strip of fabric 3 inches wide by 30 inches long. I folded it right sides together, making a loop, and stitched the short ends. I added a rolled hem to the long raw edges, then I used elastic thread to shirr the loop into a ruffled strap.

I finished the armholes with bias tape like the original dress, but then just did an overcast stitch on the neckline raw edges. Then I sewed the shirred strap around the neckline, covering the overcast stitching.

For the bottom ruffle I cut strips of 4 inch wide fabric to 3 times the circumference of the bottom of the dress. Again I did rolled hems on the top and bottom edges. Then I used my ruffle foot to ruffle the fabric. Finally I pinned the ruffle to the hem, joining it into a loop before stitching it on.

So pardon the picture overload, but like I said, Curly Sue did not want to stop this session.

Don’t forget to enter this week’s giveaway – get a notions and fabric mystery box! Go here to enter. 

Join in the fun! Share your  handmade sundress goodness on Instagram (and please follow me! @mellysews) using the #30DaysOfSundresses hashtag.

And in case you’ve missed any of the posts so far, you can click on any picture below to go to the post.