It's Sew Simple
Creating a Simple Tube Dress Part 1 |
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It's Sew Simple
Creating a Simple Tube Dress Part 1 |
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The purpose of Sew Simple is to show how simple but lovely designs can be
made by the novice sewer. If you are a beginner sewer this is the place for
you. We will begin with a simple tube dress. You will learn how to make your
own pattern and dress for your doll. You will also learn how to enhance the
simple dress to get other looks. In each future article we will enhance a
tube dress for other fashionable looks.
Although these fashions can be sewn by machine or by hand we will be using a sewing machine.
| Supplies | |
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sewing machine |
measuring tape |
| Measuring your doll.
Lay your doll down and use the tape measure to get the size of
the largest part of the doll. Normally this is the hip. Example #1. This
doll's hip measures 6".
Now measure the doll from the neck down. Just a little below where you want the length of the dress. We measured to the ankle, which is 10". Example #2.
The pattern will be placed on a fold so we only use half of the hip measurement (3"). We will make our pattern 2.75" x 10". A measurement of 2.75" instead of 3" is used so the fashion is form fitting. Take the tissue paper or paper towel and measure and draw a rectangle of 2.75" x 10". Example #3. Put markings on the 10" side so you know that it is to be placed on the fold of the fabric. Cut out your pattern. Fold your fabric and place the pattern on the fabric with the fold marked side on the fold of the fabric. Cut out the unfolded sides of the dress. You will have a piece of fabric similar to Example #4.
Hemming the top and bottom. I have a tip for hemming. This tip makes it so simple and you can ensure you have an even hem. Place the fabric on the sewing machine. Using your presser foot as a guide, sew a zigzag line approx. 1/4" from the edge. Example #5. Fold the fabric close to that line. (Press and pin if necessary). Sew. (Note: We use a zigzag stitch because we have stretch fabric and want it to remain stretchable. Otherwise, use a straight stitch with non-stretch fabrics.) Clip raw edge of the fabric close to your sewing. Fold the edge under, press, pin and zigzag again. Example #6. (Note: If your fabric does not ravel the last step is not necessary. Cutting your fashions with pinking sheers reduce raveling.) I did not turn my raw edges under. Fold the fabric in half lengthwise with the right side of the fabric together (RST), pin and sew. Example #7. Turn the dress to the right side. That's it. Congratulations, you're finished. In Part 2 we will create an overdress.
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All dolls and associated trademarks and copyrights are owned by their perspective manufacturers. Dolls used on this website are used as manequins for the purpose of displaying the fashions and artwork. This website and associated pages and its owners are in no way affiliated with the doll manufacturers.
Dolls displayed on this web site are or were from
the personal collection of the designer. |
