Make a Sweet Summer Sundress in any size with this Ruffled Sundress Tutorial!
(Looking for more free patterns? Be sure to check out my free patterns and tutorials page here.) I’ve had this cute black and white chevron fabric sitting in my stash for awhile now. I only had one yard, so I didn’t think I could make anything for myself. (Actually, I could have squeezed a top out of this since the fabric was around 60 inches wide, but I probably wouldn’t wear a top with chevron stripes running side to side, it is much better suited for my daughter who would look cute no matter what…)
My little Missy has been requesting a strapless dress. I’ve tried explaining to her that a strapless dress wouldn’t stay up! I thought this fabric would make a perfect little sundress or tunic top so I made her the next best thing to strapless and added skinny spaghetti straps.
When I first had her try it on, she resisted a bit because of the straps, but I showed her that I made the top extra tight and she could tuck the straps in when we were at home, but when out and about, she had to keep the straps on to avoid wardrobe malfunctions…
How cute is this outfit? We already had these pink leggings, so I decided to to make a tunic top instead of a dress and use pink fabric for the straps and belt.
The best part of this dress (or top) is that you can make it in any size! It’s so easy and doesn’t require a pattern! I totally want one for myself. My only recommendation is if you are busty, you may want to leave off the ruffle, especially if you are using a stiff cotton fabric. I’m top-heavy. So for me, I plan to use a slinky jersey or stretch knit. By using fabric that lays close to the body, I could keep the ruffle, but add a few inches to its length so the bottom of the ruffle hits below my bust line, but above the belt/waistline. (To get the perfect length on the ruffle, I would probably cut it a little long and hem it last, so I could ensure the perfect length.
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Jennifer Walker says
Love this! If I make an adult size, would I do the shirring just on the sides of the dress or all the way around the waist area? Seems like it would look funny all the way around…
Jamie says
Definitely shirr all the way around. I have done this many times, it doesn't look funny. (this is an example of shirring under the bust, all the way around.)
~Jamie
Jamie says
oops, here is the example: http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RMPxSUzcirk/TdV4ecLNUgI/AAAAAAAAAlA/49JvskBAIAk/s1600/039.JPG
srushti says
She is so pretty. My eyes go to her 🙂
kristi dominguez says
I just love this, Jamie. So pretty!
Chelsea @ Making Home Base says
I love this sundress! It is even something I could whip up for my 1 year old I think. Thanks so much for sharing this tutorial!
Carrie says
So cute!! Thank you for sharing at Sharing Saturday!!
Kathy Moody says
This is so adorable, and the chevron print! Amazing job. Thanks so much for sharing at A Bouquet of Talent.
Hugs
Kathy
Rebecca @ My Girlish Whims says
Thanks so much for linking up to Your Whims Wednesday – i featured this on my blog tonight! Come stop by and grab a featured button 🙂 http://www.mygirlishwhims.com/2013/05/your-whims-wednesday-112-and-features.html
Aleks says
Awesome dress! Thanks for sharing! I'm going to make a few of these for my niece! Visiting from the Mad Skills Linky Party!
Alice Emma Thompson says
This looks great – such a pretty dress.
I would love for you to link up at the Empty Your Archive party which has children's clothes as one of it's themes this week – Alice @ Mums Make Lists x
Clare says
I don't have a little girl but if I did I'd be making this right now. Very cute!
Heather SettingforFour says
Your daughter is so stunning! She really is so photogenic and that sundress looks gorgeous on her! Thanks for sharing at Project Inspired! Hope to see you at tonight's party 8 pm EST!
Penny Lane says
Love it. Found you through Busy Monday. The top is just perfect. I always love black, white and light pink together. Your daughter is adorable too! Your newest follower, Penny Lane @ SistersRaisingSisters.com
Jennifer Hughes says
In addition to Monday Kid Corner Weekly Linky Party, this week's theme is MUD. Brush off those archives and link them up at thejennyevolution.com. See you there! Jennifer
Justine of SewCountryChick says
So pretty and comfy for girls!
kikistok says
Love this! I am going to have to make one for me! I would love for you to visit my blog!
Oneofakind-kikistok.blogspot.com
Kiana stoker
TitiCrafty by Camila says
I LOOOOOVE it!… Gosh it is so cute! I really miss my sewing machine =(… I would do it without thinking! Lovely share! Would you link this up at my Link Party that goes live every Sunday? Your creations are always nice to have it there!!!
Hope you are having a lovely Sunday!
Hugs
Cami @ TitiCrafty by Camila
Zoe says
The dress and your daughter are so adorable!
A Thrifter in Disguise says
This is so beautiful! I will be trying these as soon as I can. My girls love to wear dresses, and I've made them so many skirts (because they're easier), but they don't wear them that much, because they'd rather wear a dress any day! So I need to get moving on that! I've been admiring Girl Charlee fabrics, too, so I think this is the perfect project for it.
Marucci Beard says
Precious! I'm pinning for later. Perfect summer dress.
http://www.princesssplendor.com
mikey says
so cute!
Nidhi Jain says
This is gorgeous… Had been thinking of making something for my daughter for Summer!! And viola…I stumbled upon your post…I guess its the easiest for me considering my first attempt at stitching a dress!!! was jittery …but your post has given confidence to go ahead! 🙂
You daughter is so pretty! And I loved that 'can I move my toes' question! 🙂
sunshinendewdrops.blogspot.com
Jamie says
Thank you, good luck on the dress. Come back and leave a comment if you have any questions on the dress!
~Jamie
Heather May says
Now this is a dress I can make! I am no good with patterns and have been avoiding sewing because of it. I think that this will definitely get me back into it. My 5 year old daughter would LOVE this dress! I am hosting today at http://www.frugalfitfamily.com – swing by and share if you can!
thehomemakerspost.com says
Beautiful dress and photos. I'd love to be able to sew like that some day. You've inspired to try sewing again:).
Amanda
Kristin Hibiske says
Too funny… our girls must like the same things… I posted a tutorial on the train to crazy for a similar style dress except mine was long. 🙂 I love love love the fabric and your girl is totally adorable!!
The CSI Girl says
This is beautiful and what a beautiful model. Love the black and white. Love Chevron. Ok, I could go on and on. LOL
You know you have to link up to The CSI Project starting tonight.You just have to!!!!
The challenge is Crafting with patterns. You just might win or make the Top 10.
This is perfect!
http://www.thecsiproject.com
Mandy Beyeler says
Thanks for linking to Take-A-Look Tuesday over at Sugar Bee Crafts – you were featured today! MOST VIEWED LINK
–Mandy, http://www.SugarBeeCrafts.com
HandJ Cobb says
SO cute! I love the black white and pink, and the chevrons! My favorite part is the ruffle at the top. So cute! I'm pinning this!
http://www.domesticblisssquared.com
Kim M says
So cute! I love this dress…actually might attempt it for my own strapless-envy crowd! 🙂
Van Hoang says
Love what you did with our Black Chevron on White Cotton Jersey Knit!! 🙂
Katie Adams says
This is so cute! I would love for you to share this on my weekly link party Blog Stalking Thursday. Thanks for the inspiration!
Amber Heidi says
So adorable! The whole outfit put together is just perfect! I pinned this for my little girl and who knows, maybe myself 🙂
Heidi
handmadefrenzy.blogspot.com
Linda Walker says
She looks darling in that tunic. So cute! What a nice compromise for her strapless dress!
Linda
mysewwhatblog
Cathy says
thank you for the great tutorial on the wonderful yet simple summer dress… I will be making some when I get home… our granddaughter will love them and I think i will make one for myself…
Wendy P says
I completely love this! I am addicted to chevron too! Thanks for the great tutorial! Pinning now!