All Four Ways Sundress Tutorial

Today's tutorial is a new one I designed for the Melly Sews' 30 Days of Sundresses series and shared over there last week.  Just like the name says, this little dress can be worn 4 different ways.  It's easy enough for a beginner and a great way to show off several fun fabrics in one simple dress.  Wear it wrapped in front with a fun print and crossover style:

Or flip it around and inside out for a totally different look~

The coordinating prints I used are from the Country Cafe collection by Timeless Treasures. I especially loved the chicken print since I lovingly call my kids "little chickens".  Now here's how to make your own All Four Ways Sundress:

You'll Need:

- Two 1yd cuts of cotton fabric or Four 1/2yd cuts if using more than 2 prints (for sizes 3T or smaller)

- Four inches of 1/4in wide elastic

- Two buttons

- Sewing Machine & Notions (iron, press cloth, pins, ruler, hand sewing needle, thread, scissors/rotary cutter)

- Tank style top/dress, pencil & paper to trace it

Make a pattern piece for the dress bodice by tracing around the top and sides of of a tank, adding 1/2 inch around all edges:

From each of the fabrics cut:

One piece from the full bodice pattern.  Then fold the top of the pattern piece so that there is a straight line running from the top of one side seam to the top corner of one shoulder.  Fold the fabric and cut from the folded pattern, so that there are two angled bodice pieces that mirror one another.

Next cut three rectangular pieces for the skirt.  The width should be twice the width of the bodice pieces (to make a nice full skirt).  For my 2yr old I used a height of 14 inches.  

Cut four strips 2 inches wide by 10 inches long for the shoulder ties:

Fold inward lengthwise so edges meet in the center and press.  

Fold over a second time and press.  Fold raw edges of one short end inward and then topstitch around close to the edge to finish the tie.  Set aside. 

With right sides facing, sew together the side seams of the bodice pieces with angle pieces as shown for each dress side:

Sew together the sides of the three skirt pieces:

Baste along the top length of the skirt and then pull the bobbin threads to gather.  With right sides facing, match up the lower edge of the bodice to the top edge of the skirt, adjusting the gathers to fit and pinning together.  Stitch with a 1/2 inch seam allowance.

Press seam allowance upward.  Flip over to right side and top stitch just above the seam:

Place each of the ties at the shoulder points:

Cut two, 2 inch pieces of elastic, fold and place 1/2 inch below the outer corner edge on each of the angle bodice pieces:

With right sides facing, place the other dress side over the first dress and pin all the way around.  Stitch sides all the way around, using a 1/2 inch seam allowance, leaving a two inch gap at the bottom hem for turning.  Trim seam allowance, clipping around curves and turn right side out.  Press all edges and then topstitch all the way around to close the opening and reinforce around the elastic and ties.

Hand sew each button to inner left seam on each side.

Now the dress is ready to wear and fully reversible:

For loads of fun looks all summer long:)

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