Pleated Pillow Case Dress Instructions

I have a fancy machine that does the fancy stitches. If you have the serger stitch use it, if not just straight stitch.

1, Cut 2 rectangles the same length printed material. (fold material in half, and in half again the same day.  Cut on the second fold)  I used a size 2 and 5 dress that fit my girls well right now.  Measure from the arm pit to the end of the dress.  I also used the width of the 1/2 of the dress for the width of the material.


2.  Cut a 5 inch strip of fabric for the pleats.  Depending on the width of the dress will depend on how many you need.  You need 3 times the width of the dress times 2.

For the doll version I did the pleated in grey to match the color blocking on the girls dresses

3.  In a matching or neutral fabric cut a 4inch strip for the sides and a 5 inch strip for the pleating.  The same lengths as before.  If you do not want the color block just add this to the initial dress.

4.Fold strips in half and iron.  Then pleat right side to right side along the bottom edge of all 4 pieces.  Pleat as much or as little as you want.  its all up to you, just keep it the same for all 4 pieces.

5. Straight stitch  and remove pins. 

6.  Flip, pin and straight stitch down to hold in place.  Repeat for all pieces.

7.  Take 1 large piece and 1 small pieces and serge (straight stitch) together.  Match the pleat seam together, right side to right side.  Repeat with other 2 pieces.

8.  Take the 2 large pieces and match the pleated seams again, right side to right side and sew a serge/straight stitch.

You now have the basics of the dress.

9.  Flip and pin the armpits to make a nice edge and straight stitch.

In the girl version you will have cut an aimpit matching the the dress you picked.  For the doll version I just did a straight edge.

 10.  Add  2 horizontal button holes to the front and back of the dress.

11. Open the holes with a seam ripper..... BE CAREFUL that you do not go to far!

12.  Add a ribbon to tie to the front.  Fold the rough edge up and straight stitch.  Flip the end and straight stitch.  (If you are making the doll version repeat the same thing on the back and you are done!).

 13.  Add 2 vertical button holes to the back right beside the horizontal ones.

14.  Feed the ribbon though the horizontal  and then through the vertical holes.  Cut all strings and you are good to go!