Free sewing tutorial and pattern long sleeve dress

Long sleeve dress made from knits. Sizes range from newborn to 4Y. Size 3 months through 12 months are with envelope neck. It's perfect for babies because it's so easy to get over their heads.

Materials:
* Knit fabric - De Melkbrigade - Summer Swans Jersey (Fabric width: 155 cm) (dress)
   50 cm - (EU size 56 - 86) (US 3 months - 24 months)
   100cm  (EU size 92 - 122) (US 2T - 7Y)
   125cm  (EU size 128 - 146) (US 8Y - 11Y)
* Ribbing (neckband)
 * Two buttons - ⌀ 0,6 cm

Chosing a clothing size:
The European clothing size is equal to the length of your child in cm, measured without shoes. Always chose a size larger than the size of your child, unless the size of your child is exactly the same as the clothing size. Children clothes don't come in small, medium, large and extra large. The patterns on my website are sized medium. Is your child bigger than average, chose one size larger and shorten the sleeves with 1 à 1,5 cm (5/8 inch).

Instructions:
Download the free sewing pattern from the list below.

(EU size 56) (US Newborn)
(EU size 62) (US 3 months)
(EU size 68) (US 6 months)
(EU size 74) (US 9 months)
(EU size 80) (US 12 months)
(EU size 86) (US 18 months)
(EU size 92) (US 2T)
(EU size 104) (4Y)

Sizes 5Y through 15Y can be bought in my online store.

For size newborn through 9 months follow these instructions.

When working with knits, it is important not to stretch or pull the fabric while sewing. Also use a stretch needle and a stretch stitch. In this pattern all seams are sewed with a twin needle. Only the neck seam and the plackets are sewed with a straight stitch.

Double-click images to enlarge.

Step 1: Draw the pattern.

Print the sewing pattern in landscape mode at 100% on A4 paper or US Letter. Draw the pattern with an aqua trickmarker on the back of the fabric.

The pattern is without seam allowance. Add 1 cm (5/8 inch) seam allowance. Add 2 cm (1 inch) seam allowance at the bottom of the sleeves and the bottom of the dress. Draw the neckline without seam allowance.

Step 2: Cut the fabric.

Cut a front piece, a back piece, two plackets (buttonhole layers) and two sleeves out of the fabric.

Step 3: Cut a L shape.

Cut a L shape.

Step 4: Fold the seam allowance to the inside.

Fold the seam allowance of the plackets to the inside and pin down.

Step 5: Pin placket in place.

Fold the placket in half lengthwise. Pin the placket in place.

Step 6: Sew,

Sew the placket to the dress back. Repeat step 4 t/m 6 for the other placket.

Step 7: Sew both plackets together.

Sew both plackets together. Sew a square with a X inside at the bottom of the placket.

Step 8: Stitch the buttonholes.

Using a ruler, mark where your buttons and buttonholes will go. Stitch the buttonholes.

Step 9: Sew the shoulder seams.

With right sides facing pin down the back and front piece. Sew the shoulder seams. Trim placket.

Step 10: Sew neckband.

Take your ribbing fabric and cut it about 4,5 cm (2 inch) wide. Align the raw edges of the neckband with the raw edge of the neck opening, wrong sides together. Sew 1 cm (1/2 inch) from the outer edge. Stretch the neckband while you sew, but be careful not to stretch or pull the long sleeve fabric.

Step 11: Fold your neckband.

Fold your neckband in half hot dog style, wrong sides together. Pinch the two ends together, and sew, wrong sides together (Use a single needle with a straight stitch). Trim.

Step 12: Sew neckband.

Fold the neckband over the cut edge, re-fold and pin down. Sew.

Step 13: Sew the sleeves.

Fold the seam allowance of the bottom of the sleeves to the inside and pin down. Sew the hems in place.

Step 14: Sew the sleeve into the armhole.

Pin the left sleeve right sides together, into the armhole. Sew.

Step 15: Pin the sides of the dress and the sleeve down.

Turn dress wrong-side out.  With right sides facing, fold the sleeve in half and pin down. Pin down the sides of the dress.

Step 16: Sew.

Sew the sides of the dress and the sleeves.

Step 17: Fold the seam allowance to the inside.

Fold the seam allowance of the bottom of the dress to the inside and pin down.

Step 18: Sew the hem in place.

Turn right-side out. Sew the hem in place.

Step 19: Sew the buttons on.

Sew the buttons on properly to make certain that they function well and last for years.

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intended for non commercial use only