Easy Toddler Summer Ruffle Dress Tutorial!

This will be one of the easiest dresses you will ever make!  The tutorial took longer to write then to make the dress!  This is a GREAT beginning sewing project! 

Here is what you will need:

Tank Top (or a T-shirt will work too!)

2 Strips of fabric.

1. Cut your strips. 

Here are some suggested dimensions (in inches):

12M - 3 X 36 and 6 X 36

18M- 4 X 36 and 7X 36

24M & 2T- 5 X 36 and 8 X 36

3T & 4T- 6 X 36 and 9 X 36

2. Serge the bottom edge to finish it off... totally optional... you can hem it (add an inch to the length) or you can leave it raw to fray (shown below!)

3. But your pieces together with the right side facing up on both of them.  And sew together to create a ruffle. 

Here is a trick that works to ruffle in my machine:

Set your tension to the highest setting.  While sewing hold the thread.

Ruffles come automatically! 

Leave the threads long so you can adjust your ruffle.

4. Line up your ruffles around the bottom of the tank top and cut off the extras.

5. With right sides together sew on the edge to create a circle.

6. Pin right sides together to the bottom of your tank top.

7. Sew around the tank top using a zig-zag stitch (so it will stretch with it)

All done! 

You could get crazy and sew on some appliques too! :)

(photos taken with my Ipod!)

Here is the frayed bottom option you could do too!

It really could not get any easier...

Except that it does!

I have created kits for you!  The fabric is cut and serged (and a matching tank is included!)!  You just have to create the ruffle and sew it to the tank top!  I have sizes 18 months to 4T! 

Check them out in my Shop: FUNKY JOY!  

The first 5 people to order kits and leave me a comment here (telling me what that you ordered a kit) will get a FREE applique in the matching fabric of your choice! (I have a silhouette, so, it could be anything!) 

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