Sensational Summer Sundress Tutorial...

This is a quick and easy dress or shirt if you prefer. There is a picture step-by-step above... I'm sure more than you will need. If you're a seamstress, I'm sure the picture will do the trick. You might need the fabric measurements below. If you are new to sewing, If you can sew a straight seam, this dress is for you. No zippers or button holes required.

Fabric Measurements (for Size 18-24 mos)
Main fabric~
In center... 14 inches by WOF (Width of Fabric) ~ This piece will change depending on the length you need for your finished dress/summer shirt.
Straps... 2.5 inches by WOF divided into 4 equal pieces... folded in half length wise (this works for infant - 24 mos straps, for bigger sizes you might need to cut two strips and trim to appropriate length). Also, another option for the straps might be grosgrain ribbon ~ I would go with 5/8 inch to 1-1/2 inches.
Contrast fabric ~
Upper Casing... 4 inches by WOF folded in half length wise (right side out).
Lower Border... 8 inches by WOF folded in half length wise (right side out)... this creates the hem... very simple, very easy.
Elastic ~ Measure around your child's chest under the arms... or just hold it up and eyeball it... that's what I do... honest, seems to work fine.
Two buttons or add a bow or any little embellishment your heart desires.

Instructions:
We'll start with the straps if you are making from fabric. Fold in half right sides together. Serge along the length... I do all four in a row. Then serge across one end of each strap. Turn right side out. (I use a pen or pencil to help flip the fabric ~ start with the end for pushing the fabric up and then once done, flip over and use the point to fix the corners.) Press, press, press.

Now your ready for the body of the dress. Make sure if your fabric has a pattern, ie... up and down print, that you place the upper casing on the top... saves ripping out later. With the lengths together, serge 1/4 inch along the long edge. Press the serged seam towards the main body of the dress. Topstitch down the serged seam (I place the seam along the inside edge of my presser foot ~ works perfectly ~ see picture above), If you do not have a serger, you may choose to sew your seams, then use a decorative stitch to overlock the edges when doing your topstitching. Once done you are ready to make the seam for the casing... measure your elastic width. ( I use 1/2 inch - 5/8 inch elastic.) Make sure you allow for the elastic to move freely. Measure over from the seam where you attached to the main body of the dress approximately 1 inch... this will leave a edge on the top that create a ruffle much like sheared curtains.

Now we attach the lower border the same way. Once again, press the serged edge towards the body of the dress. Topstitch down for a nice finished effect.

Take your length of elastic, place a dress makers straight pin a cross one end. (This will keep the elastic from pulling all the way through as your feeding through the other side.) Use a large safety pin lengthwise on the elastic to help feed through the casing. Once all the way through, I pin the elastic in place about two inches in (This helps to keep the pins out of the way of the serger or presser foot.) Now you are ready to sew the short edges of your dress together. Lovely... now find the center of the front, line up with the center of the back. Measure out equal distances on each side... approx 2 inches and pin the straps in place... front and back. Sew across the strap, make sure to reinforce your seam for added strength. Sew at the seam between the elastic and the ruffled top edge. (this helps to hide the stitches)

Now you are ready to embellish to your hearts content... Everyone loves buttons and bows!

Enjoy!