Pillowcase Dresses

My current dress progress. Isn't it pretty?

As usual these days, it's been a long time between posts. Since I last posted, I have moved 2000km back to where I grew up, sent my youngest off to school and gone back to uni. I have contemplated deleting this blog many times but then I get a lovely comment from a reader about how much they appreciate one of my tutorials and I just can't delete the blog when people are still enjoying it and finding it useful. Thank you to everyone who still finds my blog and takes the time to leave a comment!!

Recently I have tried sewing pillowcase dresses. They are so quick and easy to make and so pretty too! I got some great inspiration on Pinterest and then just picked and chose the bits I liked best. I couldn't possibly just follow a tutorial as is could I? Ha!

I just need to add binding to the arm holes, make the top casing and thread the ribbon!

There are heaps of tutorials online for these and I thought I would share some that I have found really useful so you can give it a try too!

Dress a Girl Around the World - This is a great tutorial that uses elastic across the top front and back and bias binding for the ties. They also distribute dresses for kids in struggling countries so you might like to check that out too!

Coral & Co. - Shelly has been very kind and provided a FREE downloadable pattern along with her tutorial. The pattern gives the dress an A-line shape instead of the traditional pillowcase rectangle and the straps are made the traditional way with a ribbon or tie threaded through the top front and back casing. Oh, this one also includes a ruffle at the bottom and can be made as a top or dress.

Sew Sweet Patterns - SSP also provides a free downloadable pattern with their tutorial. Here you can see how they use an actual pillowcase to make the dress. The pattern also gives a slight A-line shape and has the traditional ribbon ties through casing.

Sew Delightful - This is another group of people who sew dresses for kids in need. They provide a fantastic cutting guide for a large range of sizes. No pattern is needed as they use the traditional rectangle shape.

Candice Ayala - This is not a pattern or tutorial but a gorgeous idea that I loved. This clever sewer has modified the back of her dress so that the bow can be tied at the back and it looks beautiful! Check it out!

We All Sew Bernina - Bernina has a great tutorial as well! This website includes the cutting guide (instead of pattern) and a tutorial for a traditional pillowcase dress.

That should be enough to get you going. And don't forget to check out my Pinterest board full of gorgeous pillowcase dress inspiration!

I can't wait to see it finished!