Oh Hello friends… did you miss me? Life is kind of funny that way. I have just been super busy on lots of fun projects that I forget to stop and share them. Not only that but summer is here! We live outside, seriously, from spending the mornings at the pool and the afternoons at the park, and the evenings in the backyard. Little Penny, who is growing like a weed these days doesn’t have much of a summer wardrobe so when I am sewing I am usually whipping up something for her.
So I made a quick and easy summer dress. Perfect for everyday wear. I have made a few different variations of the dress which I will share over the next little while and a free PDF pattern for you! The size is roughly 3-6m I would say or up to an 18″ chest, but if you need it a little bigger simply make the bodice and skirt a little wider and the skirt a little longer and you should be good. (it’s a pretty basic pattern)
To get started you can download the pattern pieces here:
Summer Breeze Dress Pattern
You will also need:
about 1/2 yard of fabric a little more if your print goes one way like mine, (I had to piece the back together)
1/4 yard for lining
2-3 buttons
A onesie (optional I used it for this version)
cut out the pieces should look like so.
I used a onsie for this style, because I hate when little baby bellies are exposed, the dress can easily be made without a onsie. If you are using a onsie pick a current size or one size up even, and then cut it off under the arms, if your baby is tall cut it up higher and you will have a little added length.
Then to get started sew the front and back bodice pieces together at the sides.
Do the same for the lining. Be sure that when right sides are together they match up.
Then for the straps (which can easily be made longer if you want a little more growing room) Sew two right sides together up along the sides. Then turn it right side out and press.
Then using the marking on the pattern place the straps between the outer and lining of the back piece. You want the raw edges to match up at the top. Pin in place.
Now you will sew following the black dotted lines. or basically all the side and top edges except along the top front. Clip the corners and the curves.
Now pull the strap down from the back piece.
You are going to put the strap in place along the top front. Again matching up the raw edges. You can pin in place and turn it right side out to check that you didn’t twist the strap, but you would notice if you twisted it. Then sew along the top front edge, and clip the corners.
Now when you turn it right side out you have a nicely finished bodice.
Line up the back pieces so they over lap and match the width of the front. You can place the buttons and button holes now if you like.
Now for the skirt pieces place them right sides together and sew up the sides. Then turn it right side out and gather along the top edge. (not a very tight gather)
Now slide the onsie into the skirt and match up the side seams. You may have to stretch the onsie a little to fit which is totally fine.
Now so right sides are together sew the bodice to the skirt and onesie. (serge, or zig zag stitch, or finish edge with bias tape)
Press the seam up and top stitch.
Hem the bottom of the skirt by turning the bottom edge up twice and sewing in place. Now you have a little dress with a onsie.
Perfect for lounging out on a warm summer evening.
With the onsie there is no need for a diaper cover or anything and little baby bellies are nice and covered.
So there you have it a quick and easy baby dress perfect for summer.
I have a few fun variations coming up!
This one was made with a fun ice cream print by Lisette found at Joann Fabric and Crafts
adorable, Shauna! I did miss you, and I am in agreement about baby bellies and dresses, though it's cute when their tees ride up…hehe.
How smart is that onesie trick!
Can not download the pattern 🙁 Really great dress, wanna make on for my little one..
This is the smartest thing ever! A onesie?!? I love making my daughter dressed but cant stand to make the matching diaper cover. So i usually pick out fabric to match her gdiapers haha but this onesie idea is genius. Also, i will be going to joann tomorrow to get this fabric. I have been looking for a popsicle fabric so thank you!!
she is adorable! and thanks for the free pattern and tutorial. You are awesome!
Oh my gosh she's adorable!! Love the dress and fabric. 🙂
Soooooooo cute! Pinning!
Oh love it! My daughter picked the same fabric with blue background :)I love it how you made a dress with a onesie! What a brilliant idea!
Yay! This is super cute and a fantastic idea. I can't wait till its a little warmer and I will be trying this out for sure 🙂
What a wonderful idea to put the onesie inside! <br />Thanks for sharing!
That's the exact same fabric I used to make my niece your Maggie Mae! Super cute!
I love the fabric! And the dress is clever and cute! Thank you for sharing!
I CANNOT wait to make this. I needed baby gifts for 3 different people and this will fir the bill perfectly…thank you so much for sharing
Fabulous little dress!<br />just about to start sewing here and I was wondering what the seam allowance is?<br />Thanks!
Great idea! Thanks for sharing it.
Hi there, I made this dress and have linked to it a couple of times on my blog. I love it! Seriously took me an hour and a half from start to finish including cutting out the pieces. I also used it as a starter for making a baby romper suit. Thanks! Karen<br />nanatipsycreates.com
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So cute! Will bookmark this and hope to try soon. Btw, thanks for the free pattern. 🙂
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Really like that one. I'd have to sew it for my friend's newborn (for summer 😉 )
Hi when you print this do you set your printer page size to 100%, thank you
Ready to start the sundress, what size seam allowance do you use?
Hi<br /><br />I love this dress. I just started teaching myself to sew over the last few months and I managed this dress it was so easy.<br /><br />I was looking to buy a bigger size now I have found I can do this pattern. But you don't have it in your shop. I just wondered if you might be releasing a bigger size now Little Penny is bigger?<br /><br />Here's my version (if link works)
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very nice dress'es <br />http://fashion-4girls.blogspot.com/p/babies.html
I can't download the pattern.
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How do I convert http://shwinandshwin.blogspot.com/2013/06/summer-breeze-baby-dress-free-pdf.html
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love this dress trying to make it for my little one and cant seem to download it
Hello, this dress is very very nice. I like to make it for a girl to Christmas. She is born on 6 January 2013. A made a shirt in German size 86. What size ist your pattern.
Thanks for answer
Evi
Hey Shwin and Shwin
I love, love, love your free patterns and want to use them all! 😀 But I am new to sowing and I am not sure if your patterns are including seam allowance already or if I am supposed to add this to the cutouts my self? If I am supposed to add this on – how much do you recommend?
I hope you can find the time to help me 🙂
Kind regards
Marie Vinter
(Denmark)
Great dress! I am making some for my foster twin granddaughters. I am not seeing a seam allowance anywhere. I have the iron out, pattern pieces cut and ready to sew. I have started with the usual 5/8″ seam allowance, but when it comes to the straps that can’t be right. I suppose 1/4″ on the straps and 5/8″ everywhere else? If 5/8″ isn’t right it may not matter in my case since the babies are premies and may not wear them for a while. Please let me know. Loving this dress though, using up some fabric I have on hand to 1) use it up and 2) help my daughter clothe the babies.
The seam allowance on all of my patterns is 3/8″
I love this dress pattern, was so much fun!! I had to stop at 3 and refrain myself for making it in every fabric I had (which is a lot) I did all different skirt darting which was fun! Thanks again!!
I made this dress for a baby-to-be in a pink plaid organza over white cotton. It is cute as can be and so very simple to make.
Someone with the pattern who could send it to me? I can’t download it 🙁
Someone with the patter who could send it to me? I can’t download it 🙁
Just downloaded the pattern, your baby looked so cute in this dress. I’m going to make it for 2 friends who have new granddaughters. I did wonder what the buttons were for, the back? Or to put on the straps. I tried lots of the links but they are no longer there, so thought I’d ask.
I’m used to sewing curtains, this seems like a nice easy step into clothing.
I didn’t grab a picture of that step but if you read in the instructions before the skirt is attached you add button holes and buttons to the back bodice. It makes dressing a bit easier.
Thank you so much for this lovely practical design. I will make a couple more now as I am delighted with my first one.
You are the best!
I used this dress pattern for my granddaughter who will be here in about four weeks. My daughter was absolutely thrilled. Says it’s her favorite so far. Wish I could post pictures.
Im making this dress today for tropical weather. Thanks a lot for this amazing user friendly free pattern. My first time making baby dress