Today I get to share my summer dress tutorial for the 30 Days of Sundresses series hosted by Melissa from Melly Sews. When it comes to sewing for myself, you all know that I’m all for the quick, simple sewing with minimal time investment. If it takes more than a couple of hours, it will likely end up in my To Do pile that is currently collecting dust. 🙂
I created something that’s simple to sew with only a few body measurements. I call it the Easy Summer Sack Dress. Now, truthfully, I’d probably think twice before buying anything to wear called a sack, but hey, that’s all I could come up with, Ha! Ha! (It was one of those days.)
I used a knit fabric (2 way stretch along the selvage) which was more forgiving, but this will work with a non-stretch fabric also. Just make sure you add in lots of ease for comfort.
Measurements Needed:
Shoulder to Shoulder (front only/across upper chest)
Hip
Base of neck to waist
Waist
Scye Depth (To calculate Scye Depth/Armhole Length, use the following formula based on chest measurement):
- 24 to 30 inch = (chest/4) + 1(1/4) inch
- 30 to 38 inch = (chest/4) + 1(5/8)inch
- > 38 inch = (chest/5) – 1/2 inch
STEP 1 Cut Out Pattern Pieces (In Windows, Click Diagram to Enlarge)
SPECIAL NOTE: I used a Knit Elastic, so it had a lot more “give” (It wasn’t stiff.) This is why I suggest subtracting 2 inches from waist measurement. To determine what’s best for you, place elastic around your waist, stretching to where it’s comfortable (not too tight). Add in your seam allowance. Cut here.
STEP 1 Sew Pieces Together
1. For Bodice Piece: From top of Bodice, measure Scye depth + 1″. Mark point on both sides of Bodice (Both pieces).
2. With right sides facing, sew Bodice pieces together from bottom up, stopping at marked point. (use 5/8″ SA)
3. Open seams and iron flat. Continue to iron the unsewn sides over by 5/8″
(OPTIONAL) Fold edges under by 1/4″ to create French Seams. Sew in place.
4. Fold Top edges of Bodice over by 1/4″. Iron flat. Fold over again, 1 1/4″ to create casing. Iron Flat. Close casing by sewing 1/4″ from edge.
5: For Skirt Piece: With right sides facing, sew sides of skirt pieces together.
6. Turn the bodice inside out and place over skirt piece. Right sides should be facing. Pin the bottom of the Bodice to the top edge of the skirt, matching side seams.
7. Sew pieces together 1/8″ from edge. Sew again 1″ from edge. (This is your waist casing). Fold the casing up toward bodice, ironing away from the seam. Sew the upper casing to the Bodice, leaving 2″ open to insert elastic.
8. Insert elastic. Over lap edges of elastic by seam allowance. Use a small zigzag stitch to close. Try on for fit and make any adjustments to the elastic if necessary. Close casing.
STEP 2 Add Neck Band
1. Fold Neck Band Piece length-wise with right sides facing. Sew one end and length of Band closed (1/4″) from edge. Trim. Turn Band right side out and iron flat. Press open end inward by 1/4″. Iron flat. Stitch closed 1/4″ from edge. (Need help turning your tube right side out. Try my video here.
2. Place button hole 1/4″ from edge.
3. Feed Band through front and back casing. Over lap ends. Mark button placement and sew your button in place. Open button hole.
4. Hem skirt to desired length. (My hemline ended up being my selvage, so I didn’t hem mine. )
THAT’S IT!!!
Thanks for stopping by today. If you have any questions about this tutorial, please leave me a message in the comments or send me an email at littlekidsgrow@gmail.com
Have a great weekend.
Keep doin’ what you love!
Shannon
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That is cute and looks very cute on you, Shannon! It looks nice and cool for summer. We haven’t had much for warm days yet, but hopefully we will warm up soon and I will feel like sewing some summer clothes, too. 🙂
Thank you, Stacy. It’s 82 degrees where I am in Georgia today, but the humidity is 82%, so it feels like a sauna outside. I don’t know how much my summer dress will help. I’m stayin’ inside!
This is such a smart summertime dress! Smart in both senses of the word – fashionable and practical for hot muggy days!! (I live in Arkansas so our summers are very similar to yours in Georgia. It was 83 degrees at 7:30 this morning!!) I’ve scheduled a post on Craft Gossip for later this evening that links to your tutorial:
http://sewing.craftgossip.com/tutorial-easy-summer-sack-sundress/2013/06/28/
–Anne
Thanks so much Anne! I had no idea Arkansas’ weather was similar to Georgia’s.This is the time of year that I wouldn’t mind living a few states north or at least visit for the summer 🙂
You look great gorgeous woman! Thanks for participating.
Thank you so much for the invitation, Melissa!
Hola Shannon!1500 cariños para usted.
Vengo de su entrada del 30 de junio .
Que contraseña?no lo comprendo.
Como consigo esa contraseña?
Muchos besos.Siempre aprendo con usted.
Hola Susana!
Te envié un “email”con una explicación.
That dress color looks great on you! Thanks for the tutorial and I hope you get to wear it all summer long!
Jenny
Seamingly Smitten sewing patterns
Thank you, Jenny!
It’s soooo hot and humid this way in Georgia. I need a few more dresses like these to battle the heat. 🙂
What a great dress Shannon. I just might make one for myself.
Thank you, Tracy!
So inspiring!
Thanks, Priscilla!
Shannon, I love this! Pinning…
Thanks, Justine!