I love fun and easy dresses for kids, and shift dresses are at the top of that list! Farrah of the Sewing Rabbit Team is here today showing you how to sew an easy kid’s shift dress, with a free sewing pattern for size 2/3T.
How to Sew a Color-block Shift Dress – DIY
Nothing signals the start of summer quite like brightly colored dresses! Get your Mod on with this easy to make Color Block Shift Dress.
Materials:
- 1 yard of fabric
- 1/2 yard of contrasting fabric
- General sewing supplies
- Pattern (size 2t/3t)
Most of my projects begin with the same self drafted pattern. I made a basic pattern that I use for both tops and dresses, by tracing one of my daughter’s tee shirts. The pattern takes the guess work out of sewing. Plus it is easily customizable by adding or reducing the length or fullness to achieve your desired look. Trust me it is truly worth your time to make a sloper/pattern, it will be the first thing you grab when starting a sewing project.
First things first, I traced the pattern onto a blank sheet of paper so that I could make modifications to it without ruining the original pattern. Measure from the shoulder seam down to where you would like the color to block, then cut. Its that simple. I choose to do just 2 colors, but you could certainly use three or ten contrasting colors instead. The possibilities are endless with this trend. If your little is a size 2t/3t, you are in luck!
Tip: For every cut you make be sure to add seam allowance where ever it attaches to the next section. Otherwise your garment will end up shorter than you had planned.
Your pattern pieces should look like this:
Now that all of your pattern pieces are cut, now it’s time to sew. (I’m not sure why I had DJ Lance Rock’s voice in my head when I typed that, I was almost tempted to type “Now break it down” #toddlermomproblems).
Instructions:
1. Sew front panel to back panel at the sides, right sides together.
2. Sew front facing to back facing at the sides, right sides together.
3. Sew front hem band to back hem band at the sides, right sides together. Sew the front hem band facing to back hem band facing at the sides, right sides together (This step is completely optional. You could just hem the hem band regularly, but I like the clean finish of using the facing with this fabric. Skip step 4 if you choose not to use the hem band facing).
4. Pin hem band facing to hem band right sides together. Sew lower edges together. Turn hem band facing inside. Press.
5. Pin facing to dress, right sides together, matching seams and centers. Sew around neckline and armholes. Turn facing to inside. Press.
6. Turn facing to outside, tuck front shoulder seams into back shoulder seams. Pin. Sew.
7. Pin hem band to front and back of dress, matching side seams. Sew.
So, what’s your favorite style Summer Dress?
Be sure to come back for more easy color-blocking goodness later on this week!
Left: Color Block Skirt by Sewbon, Middle: Color Block Shift Dress by Mingo & Grace, Right: Tomorrow’s Post by The Sewing Rabbit!
Thanks so much for stopping by, and until next time…
Happy Sewing!
Love this! and what gorgeous photos. 🙂 Great tutorial Farrah!
Thank you. Did you spot my cool ironing board cover in the photos?
I did now! so cute– I want to make a light colored one now too!
What a cute little dress! It looks so comfy!
It is very comfy, she kept balling it up in her hands, wrinkling it. Ha!
ADORABLE! Such a cute dress!
Thanks Erin
LOVE this dress! Thanks for sharing your pattern!
thank you and you’re welcome
Love this! Is that knit or woven that you used?
Hi Becky, its knit but a woven would totally work with this pattern. You would probably need to add a small button and loop closure to the neckline if you use woven instead of knit.
A fun idea would be to make it reversible. Love your colors. Thanks for sharing.
KatieP, Reversible would be awesome. I thought I randomly choose those colors, but they are the same color combination as my children’s plates, utensils and sippy cups. lol
That is funny. Sometimes we get in a color rut.
This dress is so precious! It makes me wish I had a baby girl 🙂
Awe Thank you.
Love it Farrah, and your little model is so adorable!
Thanks Jen! She is a HAM.
Precious!
Thanks Nessa!
Oh that is so cute!! 🙂
Thanks Emily
Love this! She’s so adorable!
Thank you Sarah
Love love love this dress. So simple and so fun! I’m going to have to grade the dress up and make it for my Miss E.
This is adorable!! I would like to make one for my daughter’s first birthday, and for her friend too. Do you have any tips on re-sizing for a 1 year old? (Or maybe 18 months so she could grow into it) She has just started toddling around and looks so cute…
Also I think this would be a beautiful autumn dress (maybe with a long sleeved top underneath) – would any warmer fabrics work well? What would you suggest?
Sorry, I am a bit of a beginner with my sewing machine!