Pattern Re-Mix: The Princess Nightgown

I love making dresses and nightgowns for my little missy, and this princess nightgown was so much fun to sew! It’s soft, comfortable, and makes bedtime feel a little magical.

Whether your little one dreams of being a princess or just wants a cozy nightgown, this simple nightgown pattern hack is the perfect easy sewing project.

This post will showcase the nightgown I made, share a few tips for sewing it, and point you to the free pattern tutorial to make your own.

When Pajama Day Sneaks Up on You

It never fails… at about 4:30 yesterday afternoon, my lil princess sweetly handed me a note from her teacher, informing us: tomorrow is pajama day at school!

Of course it is!

I mentally surveyed her sleepwear collection for an item that was school-appropriate but not too warm, not too short, and not just plain ol’ too shabby-looking.  (I don’t know about you guys, but we keep wearing our pjs, until they’re lost or several sizes too small or just too worn out to wear…)

I knew everyone needed new summer weight PJ’s this year (pj’s were already on the “list.”)  So I figured I’d go ahead and whip up a new nightgown for my missy using my favorite quick and easy standby pattern (my free peasant dress pattern.)

A Magical Princess nightgown

She absolutely adored the Princess Peasant Top I made last fall and has been asking for another one. With the right fabric, the Princess Peasant Top would definitely make a sweet nightgown.

This knit floral print has been in my stash since last spring, and the small flowers seemed nightgown-ish enough to me. Even better, it had already been pre-washed. So it was perfect for the project.

Turned out so cute, she loved it!

She also loves this little pink blankie I made; it’s so soft and cuddly.

Simple Pattern Hack

If you’d like to make a nightgown like this, it’s a fun remix of my free peasant dress pattern with the princess peasant top. (The princess peasant top is another variation of the peasant dress, but as a top with bell sleeves added.)

How to Remix It

To make your own princess nightgown, grab the printable pattern and basic peasant dress instructions here and check out the sleeve modification instructions here (it is the princess peasant top I mentioned).

This peasant dress pattern is so simple and adaptable, so small tweaks make a big difference!

Optional Ruffle

I had thought about adding a 4-inch ruffle to the bottom, but time didn’t allow it (and I had to take photos!). Leaving the bottom unhemmed worked just fine for now, but you could easily add a ruffle later for a cute finishing touch.

Ribbon Tip

The pink trim is a piece of ruffled grosgrain ribbon. I did run into a little trouble keeping it straight after ruffling, so next time I might try sewing two basting stitches to help the ribbon lie flat. Little tweaks like that make the sewing process even more fun and teach a lot about working with knits and trims.

Fabric Suggestions

I used a soft cotton jersey for this nightgown because it drapes beautifully and feels wonderful against the skin. Lightweight flannel is another great option if you want a warmer version or a soft quilting cotton works great too.

Tips for Sewing This Princess Nightgown

• Use a ballpoint needle when sewing with knits to avoid skipped stitches.
• If your fabric is thin, consider a narrow hem or finishing edges with a serger.
• Pre-wash your fabric to prevent shrinking later.
• Add ruffles, lace trim, or a little bow at the neckline for an extra-special touch.

Let me know if you make one of these and have a great rest of the week!

As always, if you end up sewing one of these tops, please share a photo in my Facebook group or tag me on Instagram using #scatteredmompatterns

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