Summer Frock – Tutorial + Pattern

6.29 2010

I’ve had a quite a few requests for this tutorial. I hope you use it + enjoy it.  This dress is made to have neither a front nor a back. It is also made to go over the head, one arm at a time. Lets get started.



Buy the pattern piece right here in my shop.
Print pattern.

Supplies needed:
-skirt fabric
-bodice fabric
-bodice lining fabric
-fishing wire
-scissors

Start by cutting 2 bodice pieces + 2 bodice lining pieces.

Stitch the neckline of the bodice.

Then stitch the armholes about 1/2 way up.

Turn each piece.

Press the neckline flat.

Then press the armhole flat.

Including the length of the armhole that is not stitched.

Your two bodice pieces should now look like this.

Lay your two pieces, right sides together.

Take the top edge of each bodice + pin flush.

Like so.

Now using a 1/4 inch seam, stitch the two pieces together, on both sides.

This will leave you with a small hole that we will deal with in just a bit.

Time to stitch the sides.

Again put right sides together.

Pull up the lining on each side + pin.

Using a 1/4 inch seam, stitch your sides.

Be sure to only get the sides of the bodice when you sew, nothing else.

Time to iron the armholes. Push the fabric back into the hole, following your original pressed lines.

And iron flat.

Press your seams flat on the sides,

Turn down + press the sides.

Your bodice should now look like this.

Everything should be pressed nice + flat.

Top-stitch the neckline using an 1/8 inch stitch.

Nice + close to the edge.

Now top-stitch the armholes, again using an 1/8 inch stitch.

You just made a bodice + a fine one, I’m sure.

Now make the skirt.  For the length, I measured from right underneath the breast bone to the knee.  I also used the edge of a pillowcase for skirt, so finishing the hem was unnecessary. You can follow the directions on the elastic waist tutorial for finishing an hem.

Additionally, I used a french seam on the skirt, tutorial for french seam here.

To create the gathers in the waist I used the fishing wire technique.  Using a zigzag stitch,

stitch the fishing wire to the top of the skirt.

Like so.

Now time for assembly.  

Start with your skirt piece + bodice piece RIGHT side out. Pull up the bottom part of the bodice.

Then turn the bodice inside out.

Then upside down.

Slide your bodice piece into your skirt piece.

Pin bodice to skirt.

Make sure to have about equal lengths of fabric between each pin. Then pull your fishing wire loose ends tight to gather the skirt.

Using an 1/2 inch seam, stitch along the top edge.

You should have something similar to this.

Now, pull the the bodice up out of the skirt.

Lay bodice flat.

See how your raw edge is completely enclosed within the bodice? Perfect!

Turn the dress inside out + press your back seam, making sure the raw edge is going up into the bodice.

Then turn your dress right side out + turn the outside edge of your bodice under about 1/4 inch.

Press flat.

Using 1/8 inch, stitch the top bodice to the skirt

Now go forth + enjoy summer.

Comments

1. Rebecca :

   Thanks so much for these instructions! I love the way you made the bodice so it covers the gathers perfectly - it's a really neat way of finishing it off. I'd love to use this method to make an adult dress for myself.
2. Stephanie in Michigan :

   Awesome tutorial! Very clear. I want to make one for my daughter! Can I post a link to this on my blog, including the photo so people can see the finished product and hop over to your blog? Thanks!
3. julieb :

   love this!
   
   and where do you get all your fabric?
   soooo cute!
   
   julie
4. Jennifer :

   This is perfect! You explained it so well there is no way I could possibly screw it up@
5. Susan :

   Stephanie, please do!
6. Britt :

   Great tutorial! I may have to make one for my niece.
   Thank you!
7. Katie :

   What a thorough tutorial! Thank you for that! I absolutely love the finished product. Stripes have ruled my world lately.
8. liz stanley :

   THANK you! I'm going to try this this week
9. Grace Lane :

   Thank you for sharing! I am going to try this right away. My daughter came over as I was reading this and said she wants this dress!
10. Julia :

    I may have missed it in the post, but what's the width of the skirt? Are you literally just using a standard pillowcase, top cut off? No alterations to the circumference of it at all?
11. emily sparks :

    how cute-i may need to make one for penelope for the 4th of july! thanks for sharing!
12. Nancy :

    Wow. You revealed the secrets of keeping everything tucked away inside. I would have never been able to figure that out on my own! Fabulous tutorial.
13. kmadolin :

    thank you for this tutorial! i saved the picture, thinking, maybe i can make something similar in the future. But now I can just use this tutorial!!! Yay!! it is so cute, good job!
14. Mira :

    Do you know how to grade patterns or was that just a pattern you had on hand? I'd love to learn to grade patterns like that! Great tutorial!
15. Nikki :

    This is such a great dress. The stripes are awesome. Thanks for sharing. I can't wait to make one!
16. joolee :

    VERY cute! must try this!
17. Alison :

    ab fab! thanks so much! I love my elastic waist skirt, and I'm sure my unborn daughter will love this!! When she's big enough to fit into it...
18. Anonymous :

    Awesome! I will be trying this today!
19. Rachel@oneprettything.com :

    How beautiful for summer! I absolutely love this! I'll be linking. Thanks so much for the tutorial!
20. Jessica :

    Okay. I'm having image fail. When I right click, I don't have a print option. When I left click, I get an image that prints over FOUR PAGES.
    
    I can copy the image and resize myself, but how big does it need to be?
21. KJ :

    This photo tutorial must have taken some time to prepare. It is truly excellent. I recently made a tunic from a commercial pattern(not childsize but for myself) using the same faced yoke, so everything is neat and covered. It works so well.
22. Kelly B :

    Lovely tutorial - just linked to you :)
    
    http://rubyinblue.blogspot.com/2010/07/freshly-picked-pinny_02.html
23. Paige :

    Thank you so much for emailing me the pdf pattern! It worked beautifully and my daughter's dress for the 4th of July turned out wonderful!
24. Eva / Sycamore Street Press :

    Can't wait to make this for Ingrid! (I may have to wait a while since she won't even be born until November...)
25. Stephanie :

    Now, how can I make this big enough for me...? hahaha
26. Laura :

    your my hero! Thanks for doing this tutorial. I've been wanting to learn how to sew a dress for my daughter (and me!) and this will work perfect.
27. Cath Lawler :

    Hi there - thanks for a tutorial on a gorgeous dress:)
    
    Just wondering if you could possibly explain to me what ages/sizes/measurements 2t/3t etc are supposed to be for, as we don't use this sizing guide in Australia. I'm assuming it is 2t = 2 Year old toddler 3t = 3 Year old toddler and so on???
    
    I question this, as I made this dress for my 2 year old daughter last week in the 6t size and I wasn't even able to get it over her head.
    
    What should the measurement of the bottom of the pattern be? Just want to make sure my printer actually printed the right scale.
28. claire :

    So pretty! Thanks for sharing the tutorial!
29. Oh Holland! :

    This is adorable, and I can't wait to try it! However, how do I print the bodice pattern in the correct size? It's a very scaled down version and I don't know how to enlarge it. Thanks!
30. Mrs. Sassy Crafter :

    Oh I really like it! Very good job! I really like stripes, I think I'm gonna buy some pretty fabric to make this cute dress...Thanks for sharing!
    
    www.mrssassycrafter.com
31. Lorajean :

    ooh I wanna make one for me!!
32. Connie :

    How disappointing, your "free" pattern isnt free SCRIBID is charging $5.00 for it.
33. Susan :

    connie,
    
    email me + i will send you the document.
    
    thanks for the info
34. Mom2TwoWonderfulKids :

    Great tutorial. By the way, just wanted to let you know that you dont have to use Scribd to upload PDFs. You can siply use your google account with Google Docs and set the share to "Anyone with a Link" and you can share those links. Hope thats helpful. Thanks again.
35. Seamingly Smitten :

    Honestly I almost gave up on following this tutorial! I was so confused on sewing the lining and fabric flush at the shoulder seams that I almost turned off the computer. BUT I DIDN'T! I kept following your directions and IT CAME OUT PERFECTLY!!!!! Thank you, thank you!!!!
    Jenny
36. princesse :

    Hi! This dress is awesome, it's a great job.
    
    I will like to make the same for my little 4 years old girl.
    
    Can you send me the pattern to try the make it.
    
    than you.
37. dosimont :

    Hi! This dress is awesome, it's a great job.
    
    I will like to make the same for my little 4 years old girl.
    
    Can you send me the pattern to try the make it.
    
    than you.
    
    dosimontmaeva@gmail.com
38. Judy :

    What a great little dress, I have 6 granddaughters that this will be so cute on!!! Would youn please email me the pattern: jckreates@msn.com
    
    Thank you so much !!
39. Suzy D :

    What a gorgeous dress! I just stumbled onto your blog while looking for ideas for some Dr. Suess fabric I've bought - this would be fantastic!
40. helenemalmberg :

    What a wonderful dress! Can you please send me the pattern?
    
    helenemalmberg@hotmail.com
41. Minsurlia :

    http://www.burdastyle.com/projects/her-summer-frock
    I made it! It's so cute, thank you very much!
42. Purplelady49 :

    I would love to have a copy of this pattern to make dresses for my grandaughters age 3 and 1. I made a dress similar to this years ago for my daughter who is 44 years now. Thanks!
43. teapotopera :

    thank you! this is just what I needed. <3
44. tarynn :

    this is the best one i have seen yet beautiful!!!
    would love to make it for my daughter Summer,
    tarnnschueneman@gmail.com
45. ellen :

    I would also love to have a copy of this pattern to make dresses for my granddaughters who are 5 and 6 month. This dress is perfect. Thank you.
    
    ellenmvick@gmail.com
46. ginine :

    i'm gonna give it a whirl...thanks for taking the time to share. ginine@mac.com
47. christi :

    LOVE this tutorial and am needing a good pattern for some dresses for gifts. would love the pattern ... christirauth at gmail dot com. thank you!
48. Gloss + Grain :

    Super clear directions- can't wait to give it a try. Thanks!
49. Anonymous :

    I would love to have a copy of the pattern please. It looks so cute for my grand daughters.
    
    lmead1974@hotmail.com
50. cathyohler :

    Found your blog quite by accident and I am so glad.....dress is absolutely lovely. I have 5 grand daughters who will absolutely love one. Just one question, what size pillowcase did you use for what size
    dress?
    Would love a copy of your pattern. My email is cathyohler@yahoo.com
    
    Thank You.
51. BeccasMom :

    I absolutely adore this! Will you please send me a copy of the pattern? Angela.Bailey@Gmail.com
    
    Thanks so much in advance!
52. Anonymous :

    Could you please send me the pattern for the summer frock pattern to jeatherton@uclan.ac.uk
    
    thanks jill
53. Diana :

    I finally got to make it. So happy, it turned out great. Thanks for the pattern and great directions in this post!
54. mjb :

    Love this dress and your blog:) I have been sewing for less than a year and would love to try this pattern for my granddaughter. Can you please send me the pattern. Thank you so much:)
    mjbrueggemann@hotmail.com
55. Laura :

    I'm sorry, I think I made a mistake. I just came across your blog and I love the idea of making dresses with the seams hidden. Anyway, I bought the pattern but I'm not sure where to go to download it. Would you mind clarifying for me?
56. just jayma :

    Before i purchase the bodice, can you tell me what sizes it comes in? Thank you!
57. Stork1 :

    This is so cute!! Can you email me the pattern? Can't wait to try it!!
    
    nudyfamily@msn.com
    
    Thanks so much!!
58. Angie :

    Just made this dress for my daughter, it was my first sewing project and it came out beautifully. Thanks for the tutorial!
59. Rebekah B :

    Would love to make this for my granddaughter - would you email me the pattern please? Also - do you pull the fishing wire out? Thanks!

60. Pingback: this one’s for the (little) girls | blockpaperscissors

61. Gaye :

    Adorable.....I would love the pattern as well. Great tutorial! Thanks so much!
62. Becky Odom :

    this is the best tutorial i have ever seen on a website. So thorough and easy to understand. Would you please email me the pattern, i have two grand daughters who would look adorable in this. Thanks so much.
63. Tess :

    Is it possible to email this pattern to me or do I need to submit payment somehow? Child is 8 yrs. thanks!
    • Susan :

      tess, the pattern only goes up to size 6. It can be purchased in my shop! thanks for your comment!

64. Pingback: My Five favorite posts | Freshly Picked

65. Patty :

    what are measurements of the skirt ??? I purchased the bodice pattern but would love a rough idea of skirt dimensions Thanks
    • Susan :

      I would measure from the high waist to just below the knee and then for the width, twice the measurements of their waist.
66. corinne :

    please can you email me the pattern many thanks
    • Susan :

      corinne, you can purchase the pattern in my shop!
67. Jenn :

    I just made this and it looks SUPER cute! gonna throw it in the wash and then i'll post a pic on my blog. thanks for the tute!!!

68. Pingback: Summer Sewing – Dress and Skirt Tutorials | Freshly Picked

69. kamal :

    its so nice and you make it very easy way to stich at home
70. karen cupples :

    Could you please send me the pattern for the summer frock pattern I love it. Thanks Karen
71. Carol :

    Please email me the pdf of the pattern for the summer frock. Thanks.
72. cindy :

    I would love to receive this pattern for making this adorable dress. Could you please send to my email account? Thanks! Cindy
    • Susan :

      cindy, you can purchase the pattern in my shop!
73. Jane Lawrence :

    I can't wait to make this adorable dress! Can you please send me the pattern? Thanks so much!
    • Susan :

      jane, the pattern can be purchased here, in my shop. http://freshlypicked.bigcartel.com/category/patterns
74. IRIS :

    This is so amaaaazing! This tutorial made sewing so easy. Thanks!
    • Susan :

      thank you, iris!
75. elize :

    amei seu tutorial riquissimo em detalhes , será que vou conseguiri fazer ?voce teria mais moldes? de vestido para meninas ? bjs
76. MARIELA :

    GRACIAS HERMOSO TUTORIAL MUY EXPLICATIVO BESOS.
77. Magali :

    Thank you a million times!!! Thanks to you I finally get it!!
78. Salma :

    Hi, beautifully stitched dress and thoroughly explained tutorial. I was wondering if you can help me to give me the size for 4years old. Thanks
79. Latha :

    Excellent!!!. Got to know perfect finishing and more pattern of stitching.
80. Angie :

    I would like the pattern please - sooo cute!!
81. Lydia :

    Please send me this pattern.
82. Nancy Griebel :

    How can I purchase the summer frock pattern? Nancy
    • freshlypicked :

      the plan is to put the free download back on this post....so check back!
83. ingrid samberg :

    How to buy the pattern for this Summer Frock dress? thanks ingrid
    • freshlypicked :

      it used to be available in the shop, but we will be putting back on this post as a free download soon. so check back!
84. Loveta Newbolt :

    I love this dress. I would love the pattern to make it for my grandaughters. Size 2T My e mail address is loveta@cox.net THank you so much.
85. Jenny Bowman :

    Hi Susan, can you please explain the sizes to me. Have purchased the pattern previously but as I am from across the pond not sure of our British equivalent. What ages is it supposed to cover. Thanks
86. Ann Marie Harper :

    Looks good! Can not figure out how to buy the pattern. Please advise
87. Patty :

    I loved this little dress, but can't seem to find the pattern either. Is it available as a PDF file? Thanks for your help
88. Patty :

    I loved this little dress, but can't seem to find the pattern either. Is it available as a PDF file? Thanks for your help.
89. Patricia Price :

    I would love to make this for my niece, but like the other gals I cannot figure out how to buy the pattern. Thank you for your attention to this problem.
90. Lydia :

    Has anyone NEEDED buttons or a closure? My kiddos tend to have largish noggins and I was just wondering if anyone else has had that issue before starting the pattern?
91. Mary :

    Please post the free pattern or email it to me? Many thanks.
92. jaya ramesh :

    WOW! never seen any thing like this before, so easy to follow the stepwise photos were so helpful.i am looking forward to more patterns --could you please give us a raglan sleeve pattern too?
93. connie odom :

    pattern please
94. Donna :

    I am making dresses for am orphanage and would like to use this pattern...Where can I get it?
95. Betty :

    Great easy pattern. I would like a pattern also so I can teach my grandson to sew for his sisters. Hes 8 and loves to sew. Thank you so much.
96. Karen :

    Ok this is supposed to be a free pattern and tutorial. But there is no pattern. Where is it?
97. Mary Lynne :

    I can't get the link with the pattern to work. Is it still available? And if it is available, I agree with the sewist who wanted a measurement for reference to make sure she has the scale correct.
98. Diane Robinson :

    Where can I find the pattern for this adorable dress? Thanks
99. Lara Morales :

    This is a beautiful dress!!! thank you for sharing! Can I please have the pattern. xlauram@hotmail.com
100. Joann :

     Hi. I can't seem to find the pattern link. I would love to get the pattern Thanks! (:
101. Emma :

     My 9 year old would like to make your design of a dress for our baby, who is due in October. Can you send me the pattern, please?
102. Diane Kirchoff :

     How do I get pattern?? When I click on 'from here', I get baby moccasins?? Pleasxe E-Mailme pattern and sizing??? Thanx in advance, Momx8 & Grandma x7
103. Kathy :

     Can't locate the free Summer Frock Dress pattern. Please give me some guidance. Thank you.
104. Trish :

     OMG! I have been tearing my hair out(and seams) trying to decipher another tutorial for a bodice! Thank you so much for this one! Easy to understand and love all the pics. Best one I've found!!
105. Emma Clements :

     Gorgeous Dress! Could someone please email me the pattern as my PC doesnt seem to like the link :( Thank you x
106. Naomi :

     Hi this dress is so sweet! Would love to give it a go and make this for my daughter!... please could you email me the pattern.. Thank you
107. myra :

     why would you need a fishing wire technique on the dress, and I cannot understand where it was sewn?