Here’s how to make this cute dress pattern:

note: I do not provide printable patterns. I have a video tutorial HERE showing you how to create your own pattern.

Materials needed:

• 2 1/2 yards of fabric (I used a printed flannel from Jo-Anns)
• matching thread
• 1/4″ wide elastic

Pattern pieces you will need for this dress pattern:

• Bodice front and back (these can be identical pieces as long as your bust isn’t too big. If it is bigger, add darts to the bodice front, or use a fabric with stretch)
• Skirt front and back (same as above – can be identical pieces)
• 2 Sleeves
• 2 Neckline Lining pieces (matching the front and back of your bodice neckline)
• 1 Skirt ruffle piece

Step-By-Step Instructions

Cutting your pattern pieces:

• Cut your BODICE FRONT on the folded edge. *note: the neck opening must be wide enough to fit your head. Otherwise you’ll need to add a keyhole or a zipper.
• Cut your BODICE BACK piece on the folded edge.
• Cut your 2 SLEEVE pieces
• Cut 2 NECKLINE LINING pieces. These should match the neckline of your BODICE pieces, but then be cut 1/4″ on each side before attaching. See illustration.
• Cut 2 rectangular pieces for the SKIRT. The shape of the skirt should be slightly A-line. The dimensions in mine are shown in the illustration. Here’s how to get your measurements:
  • (waist measurement x 1.5)/2 = top of skirt at the waist.
  • Taper down toward the hem, adding 1-2″ on each side as you taper.
  • Length can be as long or short as you’d like. Mine was 17″.
  • Cut 1 SKIRT RUFFLE piece (mine was 9″ wide). This must be cut in a circle for it to ruffle properly. See illustration.

Now let’s sew.

1. . Take your BODICE FRONT and BODICE BACK and sew them together at the shoulder seams with right sides together.

2.  Take your two NECKLINE LINING pieces and sew them together to form an “O.” With right sides together, pin the “O” to the dress neckline, stretching slightly as you go so it fits evenly around the neck. Sew all the way around the neckline with a straight stitch to attach it.

3.  Then tuck the lining inside the neckline, press it flat, and top stitch around the entire neckline with a wide straight stitch to hold the lining flat.

4.  Take your sleeve and pin it to the shoulder on the BODICE with right sides together. Once it’s pinned, attach it with a straight stitch. Repeat for the second sleeve.

5.  With right sides together, pin your bodice together at the side seams. Sew up each side with a straight stitch.

6. Hem the sleeves to your desired length. If you’d like, you can create a casing in the hem and insert elastic to create a fitted cuff.

7. Now it’s time for the skirt. With right sides of the fabric together, sew your SKIRT FRONT and SKIRT BACK together at the side seams with a straight stitch.

8. Now take your RUFFLE piece and, with right sides together, pin the ruffle to the hem of the skirt. Sew around the hem of the skirt with a straight stitch, attaching the two pieces together.

9. With right sides together, sew the BODICE and SKIRT  together.

10. Measure your waist and cut a piece of elastic 5-6 inches shorter than that. Sew the ends of the elastic to form a loop, and then pin it to the seam allowance of your dress waistband, making sure it’s evenly spaced around. Since the circumference of your elastic will be smaller than the circumference of the dress waistband, you’ll have to pull the elastic as you sew along it so it fits all the way around. Then when you let go, it will bunch up and create a perfectly stretchy waistband.