Lined Pillowcase Dress Tutorial

Oh, just when I thought I couldn’t love this little dress more…I could make it over and over!  I’m so happy to add this tutorial for a lined version to the Fat Quarter Pillowcase Dress Collection.  It gives the opportunity to really dress up the dress, and add another layer of interest.

I added a simple eyelet ribbon to the bottom of the lining, but you can add a ruffle of fabric, or leave it off all together.  It’s just as simple as the original, and I’ll walk you through how to adjust the steps from the original tutorial with plenty of pictures and step by step instructions.

Lined Fat Quarter Pillowcase Dress Tutorial

Use the Fat Quarter Pillowcase Dress Sizing Chart and Cutting Guide that includes measurements for 3 months on up to 6T (or even older) to determine the fabric cuts, and the Fat Quarter Pillowcase Dress Tutorial as a supplement to this tutorial. You can read through the directions first and then using the print button at the bottom of each post to delete text and photos that you don’t need from each to save on ink.

For this version you will need the fabric you intend to use for the lining and an trim if you want to add it to the bottom of the lining.  I used eyelet but you can even buy folded and ruffled fabric trim that would work great. Or use the leftover fabric for a coordinating ruffle.

Using the original tutorial assemble both the front and back panels stopping before you cut the armholes. Lay the lining fabric flat on a surface with two layers. Place one of the panels on top of the lining fabric.  Now cut around all four sides using the panel as the pattern. You will have to lining panels now.

Now cut off about 1 1/2 inches from the bottom of the lining panels to make them slightly shorter than the dress panels.  This is the case even if you don’t intend to add a ruffle trim.

You can see how my trim will peek out slightly at the bottom when all sewn up.  Cut the trim to length and sew to the bottom of the lining front and back pieces.  I pressed the lining bottom edge over 1/4 in twice, then sewed along the fold.  Then just sew the top of the trim to that folded edge.

If you want to add a fabric ruffle this tutorial will show you the basic steps for doing that.

Now using the guide on the original tutorial, cut the armholes all the same.  I just layered the panels together lining up the top and sides and cut all four layers.

Continue on with the original tutorial to finish the armholes and the sides.

To make the casing at the top tuck the lining inside the dress and line up the top and side seams.

Press the top over 1/4 inch and then 1/2 to make the casing. Repeat on the other side.

Now just sew right along the bottom edge, leaving the sides open.

For this dress I used the instructions for adding elastic to the casing and then used fabric for the arms and sash.  This is a great option for little ones that will be all about pulling on the ties to the sash – and it is safer for younger babies too.

This is a 12 month size on a 12 month old baby. The lining makes the dress hit mid calf – so slightly longer than without the lining.  Speaking of the baby – isn’t she beautiful? She is my good friend Zoe’s baby, and we are so going to miss her when we move. Never mind that no matter how hard I try she’ll have nothing to do with me!   Unless her mom is gone – then she thinks I’m the bees knees :).

For the sash I used a 3 x 44 inch strip of fabric, cut the ends to a point, folded edges over 1/4 inch twice and sewed. Simple. Then I just tied the bow and tacked it with a needle and thread to the front.

I hope to see some pictures come in for this version!  I have loved all the variations popping up in my inbox!

Have a question? Just leave it in the comments and I will be more than happy to help you out there.

Do you like this version?  If so, I’d love if you’d share it with others that might like it too!  Just like it, pin it, stumble it, or whatever your favorite form of sharing is (besides copying and pasting ;)).  That would make my day!

Thanks for reading friends!

~Destri

Tagged as: babies, Fat Quarter Pillowcase Dress, girls, Summer Sewing Tutorials