Pillowcase Dress Instructions
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How to make a Pillowcase Dress - new and improved instructions!
So, I thought it was high time that I updated these instructions. Now, let me make it clear - people have been making dresses like these since forever and I certainly don’t claim these instructions as my own - in fact, many thanks go to Mama’s Doodles (whose “easy peasy” image I redrew for clarity) and Rostitchery (whose instructions I slightly modified) but I have presented them here because I know there are a lot of people looking for these online.
So without further ado…
The traditional method of making pillowcase dresses creates a drawstring casing around the child’s neck, which makes the dresses adjustable for a growing child. This method eliminates the drawstring casing which can be a choking hazard (using elastic instead) while preserving the adjustability of ties.
Start with one pillowcase, cleaned and pressed. You’ll also need 12″ of 1/2″ wide elastic, and one package of bias binding (you get this in the notions section of the fabric store–look for double fold binding tape) or 60” ribbon. You’ll need a couple of safety pins for threading your elastic. Extra rick rack or ribbon is required to decorate the lower edge of the dress (optional).
Full instructions are provided below but here is a quick summary diagram:
step 1 Measure your child from the shoulder to the desired length of the dress. measure this distance on your pillowcase from the open end, and cut straight across. this cut edge will be the top of the dress.
step 2 On each side of the pillowcase, at the cut edge, draw armscyes (that is the dressmaker term for armhole). The shape is like a letter “J” with the top of the J at the cut edge of the pillowcase. For a small child, it should be about 3″ deep, for a larger child make it 4″ deep.
step 3 Fold the two top edges 1/4″ to the inside and press (don’t worry about making it exact–just get close enough). fold down and press these edges again, this time 3/4″. Doing this double turn makes the finished edge neat. Stitch along the first fold, from one end to the other, forming a tunnel (this is known as a casing).
step 4 Cut your elastic into two 6″ pieces. Attach a safety pin to one end of one piece and use that to thread the elastic through one of the casings. As you thread the elastic, the casing will draw up, forming a stretchy neckline. You’ll need to pin the other end of the elastic when it gets to the casing so that it doesn’t come all the way out. Stitch across the open end of each casing to hold your elastic in place. Repeat with the other elastic and casing. stitch across the open end of each casing to hold your elastic in place.
step 5 You’re almost done! Cut two pieces of binding, each 28″ long. You’ll notice that the binding is folded lopsided–one side is wider than the other. This is to help make sure you get both sides stitched. Always stitch with the narrow side of the binding facing up and you can be sure you’re catching the back side as well.
Slip one armscye edge into the fold of one of the binding pieces, leaving about 10″ or so overhanging the top - these form the ties. Pin as much as you feel you need to in order to keep things neat. Beginning at one end of the binding, start stitching along the free edge, continuing all the way around the armscye and to the other end of the binding. Repeat for the other armscye.
Instead of the binding, you can fold a casing (as you did earlier in step 4) and thread a piece of narrow ribbon 28” long into each of the arm holes, tying into a bow at the top. Once the ribbon is threaded through, sew a couple of stitches at the side seam to keep the ribbon from being pulled all the way out.
step 6 Sew some ribbon or rick rack approx 3 ½ - 4” from the lower edge, catching the original envelope opening of the pillowcase so that it doesn’t catch when your child puts the dress/top on.
That’s it! The hem is already finished for you.
Now you just have to tie the ties to fit your child and admire your handiwork.
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Sew Much Fun Said,
Wednesday, December 31, 1969 @ 5:00 pm
this tutorial on how to make a girl’s dress from a pillowcase. This wasn’t an old pillowcase just some fabric I bought from Joann’s.
Amanda Said,
Friday, March 24, 2006 @ 12:39 am
THANK YOU!
I have been dying to make one of these for years and years since I saw in in MSBaby. Your tutorial is so thorough. Now I am on the hunt for some pillowcases. Can’t wait!
Corey Said,
Saturday, April 1, 2006 @ 2:45 am
Hi jen, thanks for commenting on and looking at my blog! Yep, I even impressed myself getting all that done in a week (well, technically a week and a day to be fair!)! Now we’ll see if it was all worth it! I haven’t seen your blog before -looks like you’ve got some cute stuff to look at- I adore this pillowcase dress! I’ll have to save the instructions in hopes that my next baby will be a girl and I can make it!
SewForum.com :: View topic - Flour Sack Dress Said,
Monday, April 10, 2006 @ 2:13 am
[...] Rosemarie–yes, two towels for one dress. I put the hemmed ends for top and bottom. Here’s the link for the dress instructions–Have fun! http://www.jenleheny.com/archives/158 [...]
Alice Deggs Said,
Tuesday, April 11, 2006 @ 1:02 am
This is sooooo simple to make. I have made several for grandchildren, friends grandchildren. They all love it. Thanks a lot.
Sherry Said,
Wednesday, May 10, 2006 @ 9:56 am
I made a dress and a top in one day for my 5yr old niece. I used the instructions from the site. One suggestion that I have is to be sure you buy a pair of cases so that you can use one of them to make a bias strip for the armhole binding. It results in a much neater binding than one cut on the straight of the fabric. It does work however to use the straight if you must but the binding is harder to sew in and keep it from puckering. Ironing and pinning is a must to get a neat finish! I used a white case with a pink and green embroidery design for the top and stitched a simple, elastic waist pair of cropped pants (pink with green polka dots) to go with it. For the dress I used a white case with tiny yellow polka dots on it. I added a 7/8″ red gross grain ribbon 3″ from the bottom and then placed a 5/8″ embroideried ribbon on top of the red ribbon. The 5/8″ ribbon was yellow with red stipres and red and black ladybugs. I made 2 yards of the layered ribbon again to run through the casing at the top for the ties on the shoulders.
Newbie Here & Question - AmityMama.com Said,
Saturday, June 10, 2006 @ 5:49 am
[...] Newbie Here & Question I am new at sewing and want to make one of those cute pillowcase dresses. Does anyone have pictures, easy how to or a video on how to bind the arm holes with that 1 inch strip. I have been following the instructions from http://www.jenleheny.com/archives/158 but the pictures are not very clear. Thanks. [...]
Margaret Said,
Saturday, June 10, 2006 @ 10:56 am
The pictures and instructions were originally written by Allison/arasmama who used to frequent amitymama.com but now posts mostly on sewingmamas.com. You can see her original sew-and-show here:
http://www.amitymama.com/vb/sew-along/10725-sew-along-instructions-pillowcase-dress.html
Margaret
Danny and Kelly's Site - Danny and Kelly's Site Said,
Friday, September 22, 2006 @ 2:19 pm
for everyoneLink: jenleheny.com pillow case dress pattern
Susan Said,
Saturday, September 23, 2006 @ 7:56 am
If I wanted to sew a pillowcase dress out of regulat material what would be the width size?
It does state if using fabric that is 36″ to 40″ long.
Just a little confused.
pyglet whispers Said,
Monday, October 30, 2006 @ 6:22 am
but I am a bad, bad blogger as I now cannot remember where I saw the original. I am so sorry, please come forward and tell me as I would like to credit you for such simple and easy instructions. I have searched everywhere and found lots of other instructions some free and some not but none quite as simple as the above single-page illustration. Whoever you may be….thank you so much for great instructions
Kris Kili Said,
Monday, November 27, 2006 @ 1:19 pm
Thank you so much for posting this!!!! I’ve been surching the web and stores for a pattern for this dress!!!! I am sooo happy to find your page! I’ve been wanting to make these for a while now, but am new to sewing, and still couldn’t figure it out just by looking at one.
Much Mahalo!!
Kris Kili
a little crafty blog - August 7th, 2006 Said,
Friday, December 29, 2006 @ 3:09 pm
Here is my 1st attempt at clothing…here is the pillowcase dress i made for my friend’s little girl. She’s one year old this summer! It was surprisingly easy. I’ve gotta post this on Craftster. I’m very proud! I did the sides and top by machine, and did the ties and hem by hand. I figured it was better to do the hem by hand, as I left a lot of material so that it can be let down as she grows. 2x extra inches should do it! I used 100% cotton twill tape as the ties, instead of using seam binding. Material is cotton too. tutorial links are here: rowena.typepad.com/rostitchery/2004/06/done_is_better_.html and http://www.jenleheny.com/archives/158
Think On These Things Said,
Monday, January 8, 2007 @ 11:59 pm
Sense & Sensibility Pattern Information Instructions for Pillowcase Dress Pattern for Basic Bloomers Sew Baby! Costume Gallery - Research Library for Fashion & Costume Education Vintage Sewing Patterns Sewing Modest Clothing
Pillowcase dresses? - Decorating/Sewing and other Hobbies Said,
Sunday, January 28, 2007 @ 12:51 am
[...] Here is a link to detailed instructions. It looks straightforward. http://www.jenleheny.com/archives/158 I have seen them made from actual pillowcases but it is not required. If you decide to make one have fun and show us your results, ok! [...]
REGULAR FEATURES PAGE @ globalexpressfeb02.bigsispat.com Said,
Friday, February 2, 2007 @ 11:35 pm
[...] Pillowcase dresses I was also curious to know what a pillowcase dress is, so I cranked up the Google search engine. Below are a couple of links, that have directions on how to make them. They also have some pictures of them. If you want to see more, just type pillowcase dresses in the Google search bar. You can use real pillowcases, or material. This is perfect if you come upon a pillowcase with embroidery on it, or a fancy laced hem (like the vintage ones). The flowered pillowcases also make adorable summer dresses for babies, and toddlers, or you can put a long-sleeved shirt under it for cooler days. [...]
the homespun heart Said,
Wednesday, February 7, 2007 @ 10:16 pm
[...] Well, I have to tell on myself to give you the whole story on this little dress idea. Since my friend Grace was here last week and we always love to craft - I had pulled out this idea from a previous issue of Country Living:I looked all over for some fun vintage fabric (also cheap) to use for this but came up pretty empty. So, I continued to scour ebay and found one lot of cute fabrics in fun retro colors. The fabric arrived, I washed it in preparation for our fun project.Well, we cut the strips of fabric in random widths as suggested. Sewed those strips together with french seams and were getting excited. When we finished sewing our strips together, it became obvious that this was going to be one HUGE tote bag! It would have been a perfect pillowcase! What to do? I certainly did not want to waste all of our effort or the fabric and it was turning out cute!We tossed around several ideas and the bag idea just wasn’t working. Then we remembered an idea she had previously sent me for a pillowcase dress for little girls! So, you guessed it - we decided to make the most unique little dress we’ll probably ever make! Should I even make Emily wear this? Or will it scar her for life? :)Here is the finished product:And, from leftover scraps - a cute little matching purse:We loved these so much that we decided to each make another one from 1/2 yard of fabric. The tutorial on the above link is perfect - gives all the details. We did do french seams so there are no raw edges - should wear well.For Emily:For Brianna:The dresses we started with were not really frugal or thrifty…but the second ones made out of 1/2 yard were $2-3 each! They will be perfect for running around this summer and staying cool!Labels: crafting, sewing [...]
what is a pillowcase dress? - The Nest Forums Said,
Thursday, February 8, 2007 @ 6:02 am
[...]Picture & instructions. [...]
everything old is new again: Project; Pillowcase dress for little girls Said,
Friday, February 9, 2007 @ 2:02 am
[...] Pillowcase Dress - a different wrap on the idea. I like the enthusiasm Homespun Heart shares in her blog. She and a friend liked the idea of sewing together strips of different fabric on their way to making a tote bag that got too large, so they decided on idea of borrowing pillowcase dress (link - tutorial). For me, my granddaughters might all be too old to be running around on those hot days in these cool dresses, but there is Emily - she might be still young enough to wear and appreciate just such dresses - maybe for one more season, till she becomes school age and too old for such ‘little girl’ things. [...]
Lea Said,
Friday, February 16, 2007 @ 2:21 am
I have never made one like this. I have done a few like on the Sew Beautiful website where you actually cut a bodice from the top portion of the case and they turned out wonderfully. I will definitely try this method.
Thanks for the pics!
marytree Said,
Friday, February 23, 2007 @ 9:04 pm
on more, especially fun pants for the spring and summer. If you give the pants a try make sure to give plenty of room, easier to take them in then let them out. Here are some tutorials for other easy to sew kids clothes. Pants Jeans into skirt Pillowcase dress
The Hippie Christian Bulletin Board :: View topic - top for my dd Said,
Thursday, March 1, 2007 @ 1:30 pm
[...] enlighten me, hon, i don’t know what that means. super cute top on a super cute kiddo, btw!! Thank you!! Here are some links that explain; I didn’t have as much material as a pillowcase comes in, but I’ve made a few pillowcase dresses & improvised: http://rowena.typepad.com/rostitchery/2004/06/done_is_better_.html#more http://www.jenleheny.com/archives/158 sammy [...]
National Crochet week 17-23 March « Said,
Thursday, March 22, 2007 @ 4:15 am
[...] Pillow Case dress by Red Instead [...]
Gentlewood Cottage Said,
Thursday, March 22, 2007 @ 1:22 pm
pillowcase dress tutorial
Pillowcase Dress Instructions from Wists, top web picks from everyone for top. Wists, social shopping scrapbook, wishlist Said,
Thursday, March 29, 2007 @ 12:26 am
[...] visit site »(http://www.jenleheny.com/archi…) [...]
Wardrobe Refashion Said,
Saturday, April 7, 2007 @ 2:35 am
When I saw what great condition they were in and the beaufitul “lamby” embroidery I just knew I just had to use them for Easter dresses for my two girls. [IMG Dsc01830_2] [IMG Dsc01844] I’ve made the basic drawstring neck pillowcase dress before, but I decided to make it a little more complex this time adding a front and back yoke. I used vintage mismatched buttons I picked up at a garage sale on the front yokes. In the end, $20 for two easter dresses is a steal in my book and
Hearth & Home Education » Sewing Said,
Tuesday, April 10, 2007 @ 2:21 pm
[...] Pillowcase Dress - make a child’s dress from a pillowcase. [...]
Welcome Said,
Sunday, April 15, 2007 @ 3:16 pm
Casual Supper Party - Kimberly Kennedy Fabric flowers Fluffy Flower Tutorial Handkerchief Bonnet Kit Hanky Envelope Paper Dolls Pillowcase dress tutorial Stuffed Animals How-To
Baby Blog Said,
Tuesday, April 17, 2007 @ 6:21 am
she’s requested that I have some bloodwork done…booooo. I get faint just thinking about it. So, that’s my doctor update for now. I’ll keep you posted on any updates after my labs get back and I see her again in May. Tonight I made my first ever pillowcase dress
christina joseph Said,
Tuesday, April 17, 2007 @ 3:00 pm
The dresses we started with were not really frugal or thrifty…but the second ones made out of 1/2 yard were $2-3 each.
simple? baby smock dress help Said,
Friday, April 20, 2007 @ 7:57 am
[...] Heis a link to one i found yesterday: http://www.jenleheny.com/archives/158 [...]
Creations for Cambria Said,
Tuesday, May 1, 2007 @ 6:51 pm
Here’s an dress/pants outfit I created (with Mom’s help with the binding stitching!) for the Clovis Rodeo. We had fun watching the parade complete with horses and clowns! I used a combination of this and this pattern for the pillowcase dress. It was very easy to make! The pants and other dresses/pants on other posts are from this site (Growing up with Rosey).
Elaine Dowden Said,
Sunday, May 6, 2007 @ 2:40 am
Thanks for the instructions. I sew jumpers (and bears, dolls and doll clothing, etc), and have recently acquired an embroider machine. I sell some jumpers along with dolls at craft shows and on ebay and last fall sew a girl sell small size pillowcase dresses for $20 on which her friend had machine embroidered an applique or initials. Told a friend about wanting to learn this, and she is just learning to sew, so this will help us get started. She paints so we may be able to come up with something unique between us.
Love this site - have never “blogged” before.
I Dream of Van Gogh's Bad Cat Said,
Friday, May 11, 2007 @ 12:33 am
These are very simple to make and great for the summer months! [IMG ][IMG ] If you are interested in making a pillowcase dress, here is a link that I found that has a similar pattern to the one My Millie is wearing……………………………..http://www.jenleheny.com/archives/158 Have fun!
Refashioning « thornberry Said,
Tuesday, May 15, 2007 @ 9:53 am
[...] I’ve really got on a roll with the pillowcase dress / pillowcase nighties - how about this one? The pillowcase concerned was also from the op-shop. I use a combination of the above two tutorials - I prefer that the neck casing is elasticised, rather than a drawstring for both the neck and ties (a safety issue, I suppose - I’m not terribly keen on drawstrings the whole way around the neck). Reading the two tutorials in combination gives a nice mix of instructions and measurements though. [...]
New to sewing - MotheringDotCommune Forums Said,
Friday, May 18, 2007 @ 3:23 pm
[...] I don’t have a girl, but a lot of mama’s that I know who do make pillowcase dresses. Here’s a page with pictures and instructions: http://www.jenleheny.com/archives/158 [...]
Elaine Dowden Said,
Friday, June 8, 2007 @ 12:38 am
I have tried these dresses using different techniques and the best idea for the small child is the elasticized neckline. That also allows you to change bows at the shoulder. I have also tried running one piece of ribbon through instead of the elastic. With that styleyou can gather the neckline in enough to let ribbon rest on the shoulder like a shoulder strap and you can either tie one bow in the middle of the exposed ribbon or tie one at each end where the fabric ends. That way you have a little halter type top with changeable bows. For an older childer, I made one with a little opening in the back (I put my one seam in the back) and ran the ribbon through so it would tie in one bow in back instead of on the shoulders. That still allows you to tie ribbons and bows on the shoulder.
Redbud's Lane Said,
Friday, June 15, 2007 @ 6:12 am
have twins and can use both!), or you make a fabulous pillowcase find at the thriftstore or garage sale? You can’t just pass up a good deal! Here are some ideas for using those wonderful pillowcases to make some both useful and beautiful items. At Red Instead BLOG you’ll find a step-by-step photo presentation of how to change a pillowcase into this adorable dress: [IMG ] This one needs a onesie or t-shirt for the top. I really liked little slipover dresses when my girls were toddlers.
Jenny Said,
Friday, June 15, 2007 @ 3:55 pm
I want to make one of these! I think I would sew the knots in the straps though or make them shorter to reduce the strangulation hazard. I’m nervous about strings on clothing for really little ones.
Great project!!!
Mrs. Burrows Said,
Friday, June 15, 2007 @ 10:18 pm
Here are instructions with elastic for the neckline and bias tape for the armholes ~ might give ladies some ideas.
http://www.embroiderylibraryprojects.com/ Search Pillow Case Dress(sorry, their site doesn’t provide individual page URLs)
And one that is more the typical dress ~
http://www.sewbeautifulmag.com/corrections/images/sweetdreams.pdf
Mayfly: June 2007 Archives Said,
Saturday, June 23, 2007 @ 1:15 am
[...] Vacation pajamas for all the little cousins. I usually don’t do this to the kids, but I got this giant piece of travel print seersucker-y fabric from Jenny and couldn’t resist. I used the directions found here and here for the pillow case nighties. [...]
Minnesota Mama Said,
Wednesday, June 27, 2007 @ 4:22 am
[...] I’ve had a couple of old, too worn out to use, pillowcases saved for awhile. This morning I turned one of them into a pillowcase nightgown for Elle. I used the instructions here as a reference and just made changes as I went along to make it work for Elle. It should be cozy to sleep in. The fabric is super soft and they will be nice and cool for the summer.I’d like to try to make this bag with the other pillowcase. Or maybe Ava needs a nightgown too?! Hers could be a dress since she’s smaller. Hmmm….I think I need to find a few more cute old pillowcases.
By the way, look closely at that smile in the second picture. Elle lost another tooth on the bottom so she now has a total of 6 teeth missing. The two bottom, middle permanent teeth are just starting to come through. Hopefully they grow quick! The other middle tooth on the top is pretty wiggly! [...]
Has anyone made a pillowcase dress? - The Knot Forums Said,
Friday, June 29, 2007 @ 12:47 pm
[...] I bought one for DD from Ebay for under $20!! I used to have some pics in bio.. It was a lime green bandana pattern.. Really cute!! Here’s some directions that I’ve found.. http://www.jenleheny.com/archives/158 Lindsay ~ Mommy ~ to Rilynn 12-13-05 #2 EDD 2-18-08 My Bio! From: Angelina1003 Date: 6/28/2007 at 9:38 PM [...]
Two Peas Message Board Said,
Friday, July 6, 2007 @ 12:42 pm
[...] Someone had asked for the instruction to make the pillowcase dresses from a recent photo shoot. I wish I was talented enough to tell you myself how to make them, but I am not. Here are the instruction I found online. The girls’ grandmother used these to make the one from the shoot. [...]
First Official Entry « Lil’ Booger Said,
Wednesday, July 11, 2007 @ 4:43 pm
[...] It was inspired by this (who was inspired by her- I read them both religiously and love what they come up with). I started thinking what a great cover up it would make and having not found anything that I actually wanted to buy for Hali, I decided it was time to sew my very first article of clothing. [...]
pijaviguwicn Said,
Monday, July 30, 2007 @ 11:34 pm
pijaviguwicn…
nice post…
04.08.07 « the Site of the Pain Said,
Saturday, August 4, 2007 @ 10:44 pm
[...] I also came across instructions on how to make a pillowcase top - which I am totally going to do because I think Kate will love it! And I also think she will love one of these skirts too! Oh and I sooo want to make a shoulder bag like this one! Very cool, huh? We made a start on Kate’s room yesterday. You see, her room has a bright red feature wall which looks really feral so we have patched it up, thanks to the 40 or so nails that were in it, and tomorrow I will undercoat it. Then I am thinking, left over pink from the babys room sounds nice! LOL! She wants one purple wall and the rest pink. I am not so much into that cool feature painting, but we shall see…. Also, we have to take Webster to the vet tomorrow, he has a sore on his side and it looks infected. We have a great vet that we go to and he is so cheap! As he says, if they are cheap, people will look after their pets by taking them to the vet when they need to. True. So me and the kids are doing that first thing in the morning as Steve is going fishing. Our new couch came yesterday. Mmmmmm, it is so scrumptious! Steve, the wonderful man, stayed up till all hours putting the coffee table and tv unit together. It is really nice and tomorrow I will take a pic and upload. Which reminds me, I would love to make some cushions for it! I got newborn neice cuddles today! My sister, BIL and baby Sarah came over for a visit. Sarah is still so tiny! She is 2 weeks old now and has just reached 3 kgs which isn’t quite 7lbs. Tiny, huh? She has the cutest little feet! I should have whipped out my camera but I didnt want to disturb the sleeping princess! Well, thats about it for now. I am still bloghopping so if I come across anything else I love, I will be sure to let you know! LOL! Also, I want to say a big thanks for everyone who stops by and has a bit of a read! [...]
13.08.07 « the Site of the Pain Said,
Monday, August 13, 2007 @ 1:29 pm
[...] So, I made Kate a pillowcase top on the weekend. I like it. She, not so much. But I am sure once summer gets here she will like it. Hopefully, anyway. It was so easy, it took just over an hour. Sweet. [...]
BJ Said,
Friday, September 7, 2007 @ 12:21 pm
WOULD LIKE TO KNOW HOW TO MAKE BABY BLOOMERS FOR MY GRANDDAUGHTER
stacy Said,
Wednesday, September 12, 2007 @ 1:06 am
Hi there - was just coming by to see what all the hoopla on my statcounter was about.
This little pillowcase dress is one of the top reasons why folks trip over my blog. Glad to see the easy-peasy instructions got even easy-peasier. 
Well done.
designer brand jeans Said,
Sunday, September 16, 2007 @ 5:03 pm
designer brand jeans…
embroidered designer jeans…
tasha Said,
Tuesday, October 9, 2007 @ 12:38 pm
thanks so much for the wonderfully described pattern. Love to start making for my three lovely girls. My friends little girl got one and i just immediately fell in love with it. you can have for every occasion. a simple for every day church wear or one for every holiday. thanks so much.
Marie Said,
Tuesday, November 6, 2007 @ 7:07 pm
Great post!! Thanks for this wonderful tips…
FLora Said,
Friday, November 30, 2007 @ 7:48 pm
Great post!! Thanks for this wonderful tips…
children’s patterns « Of Chickens and Gardens and things… Said,
Tuesday, December 18, 2007 @ 11:19 pm
[...] Pillowcase dress- http://www.jenleheny.com/archives/158 [...]
How to live on less: repurposing items Said,
Friday, January 18, 2008 @ 2:54 am
[...] I’ve been on a sewing kick lately. Funny, I get all this yarn and now I want to sew! My daughter has been wanting me to sew something for her, but my fabric stash is really slim. Enter the pillowcase dress. I had this pillowcase that I have no earthly idea how it got into my house. It doesn’t match any of my sheets and I’ve never even seen sheets like this before. But it was a cute stripey pattern, so I used this tutorial and turned it into this: [...]
natalie Said,
Friday, January 25, 2008 @ 8:25 am
This is priceless. My mother taught me how to sew when I was 10 and this was one of our first dress projects! Thank you for taking the time to put together this dress tutorial. Wonderful memories.
Coming Up Rosemary! » Blog Archive » Sew, Mama, Sew! Said,
Tuesday, January 29, 2008 @ 6:38 am
[...] machine for Christmas? I need to learn how to use it, but once I do, I’m absolutely making a pillowcase dress for [...]
Jan Said,
Saturday, February 2, 2008 @ 12:03 pm
I just got a sewing machine for Christmas and i think the pillowcase dress is going to be the first thing I make on it. The dress is so cute, and I am so happy I could find these instructions. Now i finally have something to do with all those vintage textiles. I think my baby is going to look so freakin adorable!!! I write back with how everything went. Thanks again!!!!!
Elerdine Denise Benn Said,
Wednesday, February 20, 2008 @ 3:01 am
I THINK THIS IS VERY GOOD AND I LOVE IT. I WILL BE MAKING ONE FOR MYSELF. IT’S GOOD TO KNOW THAT YOU CAN TAKE NOTHING AND MAKE IT INTO SOMETHING WEARABLE.
sweet kids Said,
Wednesday, February 27, 2008 @ 7:04 am
Outstanding! I have a pillowcase I bought on ebay JUST because I recognized it from when I was a child. Now, I’m definately going to make this for my daughter for sure!
girls party mom Said,
Wednesday, February 27, 2008 @ 7:19 am
I love it!!!!! This is so clever.
Just for you, Baby L » Boss Sanders Said,
Saturday, March 8, 2008 @ 4:01 am
[...] HERE are the instructions on how to make one. I didn’t have any cute pillowcases, especially not [...]
Moni Said,
Thursday, March 20, 2008 @ 4:20 pm
Wow, I m so impress to see this……I love it so much……thank u ….here too much hot in bangladesh…so i find something which is very easy and simple for my child…..and at last i find it….thank u so much…..
Pillowcase Dress Instructions - Hip Girl Boutique Free Hair Bow Instructions--Learn how to make hairbows and hair clips, FREE! Said,
Friday, March 28, 2008 @ 4:33 am
[...] Pillowcase Dress Instructions Pillowcase Dress Instructions › Red Instead BLOG Pillow Case Dress Pillowcase Dress - Downloadable Pattern and Pictured Instructions - Sewing [...]
Yarn Miracle » Blog Archive » pillowcase Said,
Wednesday, April 9, 2008 @ 10:47 am
[...] tutorial for the pillowcase dresses that I’ve been seeing all over [...]
Kimmie Said,
Wednesday, April 9, 2008 @ 11:10 pm
Thank you so much, I have a new (old) sewing machine and still get overwhelmed by figuring out the how to. I am excited about giving this a go…thank you so much for taking the time. God bless you!
Kimmie
mama to 6
one homemade and 5 adopted
Kimmie’s last blog post..Where does the time go?
samantha Said,
Monday, April 14, 2008 @ 12:13 am
that’s a very cute little dress and much simpler than I remember martha stewart giving in one of her mags many years ago.
samantha’s last blog post..here’s one I prepared earlier
jessica Said,
Monday, April 21, 2008 @ 12:51 am
i must make one of these. thank you for the tutorial.
jessica’s last blog post..Before/After Daniel & Fia’s House
Bec Said,
Tuesday, April 29, 2008 @ 8:26 pm
Hi -
I just came across your intructions for the pillowcase dress - I LOVE IT and am going to try it out! Can you help me with one thing…I am having brain freeze on the tie/ribbon part.
I follow pretty much everything but can’t figure out how the ribbon for the ties will go through if that space has been sewn (where the elastic goes)???
Am I making any sense here?
HELP!!
Heathir Said,
Friday, May 9, 2008 @ 4:53 am
Thanks for the info on making the dress. I used the patter for the base of my dress and then went crazy with adding things to it.
Lots of fun and pretty easy!
Heathir’s last blog post..Fairy Festival
basic dress pattern Said,
Sunday, May 11, 2008 @ 6:27 pm
[...] for Pillowcase dress pattern for basic Bloomers Sew Baby! Costume Gallery - Research Library for …http://www.jenleheny.com/pillowcase-dress-instructionsBasic costume pattern, Halloween craft project…. Halloween craft projects and costume ideas at [...]
Hip Girl Boutique Said,
Tuesday, May 13, 2008 @ 12:28 am
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Val Said,
Tuesday, May 13, 2008 @ 3:41 am
Thanks for the instructions! I’m in the process of making this on my new sewing machine - my first project!
I could not for the life of me figure out how to sew a casing on the armscye, and I was sick of ironing so didn’t want to attempt bias tape. Somehow, I managed to figure out how to do a rolled hem. First side is somewhat crooked, but the second one is near perfect… so un-humbly proud of myself.
Unless I missed it in the instructions - a suggestion. Refold/lay the pillow case so that the seam will be at the back of the dress.
Denise Said,
Saturday, May 24, 2008 @ 1:45 pm
I have a question!! Instead of “stringing” the ribbon through the armscye, could I just sew the ribbon at the top on both sides? Does this make sense???
Fatima Said,
Monday, June 2, 2008 @ 2:10 am
Im gonna try this.., definitely .. but i wanna ask something.. does anyone here has a patter for making a baby bloomer to match this dress?
sew beautiful magazine pillowcase dresses Said,
Wednesday, June 4, 2008 @ 12:14 am
[...] what would be …. I have done a few like on the sew beautiful website where you actually cut …http://www.jenleheny.com/pillowcase-dress-instructionsphorum - Sew BeautifulSew beautiful … 05-21-05 05:54 Vacancies at SB magazine. new: Claire UK : 1 [...]
stacy Said,
Friday, June 13, 2008 @ 1:23 pm
Just thought I’d make mention that Lark Books solicited a pillowcase dress from me for their pending book “Pillowcase Challenge.” I submitted one, including revised instructions blending both our approaches, giving credit to you for your tutorial. They edit the heck out of everything - and the dress may not make it in - but if it does, I’d assume your name will be in print.
stacy’s last blog post..The yummiest little critter
Cindy Said,
Wednesday, June 18, 2008 @ 3:22 am
Thanks for posting this! I am in love with these dresses!
now if I could learn how to sew…..
Cindy’s last blog post..Edible Etsy
More search terms « Gentlewood Cottage Said,
Friday, June 20, 2008 @ 3:19 am
[...] Jen, at Red Instead, has this tutorial. [...]
Dresses - Page 2 - Hip Girl Boutique Free Hair Bow Instructions--Learn how to make hairbows and hair clips, FREE! Said,
Monday, June 23, 2008 @ 12:15 am
[...] because they were originally made from pillowcases). heres some instructions with pictures HTH’s Pillowcase Dress Instructions › Red Instead BLOG pattern for pillowcase dresses - Sewing Forum - GardenWeb I love this site below! Sewing and [...]
Danyele Said,
Saturday, June 28, 2008 @ 7:12 am
I can’t thank you enough for the great instructions and picks. I’m one of those “i can sew that” peeps, but really have no idea what I’m doing, but will try anything! I made a really fun version of your pillowcase dress last night and am making 4 more this weekend for my girls! Thanks…
Pillowcase / bandana dress LINKS!! - SheKnows Message Boards Said,
Wednesday, July 9, 2008 @ 3:16 am
[...] sewing/how to/pillowcase dress How To Sew a Pillowcase Dress | eHow.com Pillow Case Dress Pillowcase Dress Instructions › Red Instead BLOG Bandanna Clothing Crafts and more fun kids’ crafts, projects, activities, and family-friendly meal [...]
B e n t e B’ s B l o g » Blog Archive » Søt sydd topp / Cute Tie Top Said,
Thursday, July 10, 2008 @ 9:48 pm
[...] bare klippet og sydd litt på måfå, men har lært av beskrivelsene jeg har lest! Her er en topp, her er en versjon av den velkjente Pillowcase Dress, og her er enda [...]
Child’s Vintage Pillowcase Dress « Cranberry Blossom Said,
Friday, July 18, 2008 @ 3:22 am
[...] little vintage pillowcase dresses around online. I wanted to share the instructions given at Red Instead if you are like me and interested in sewing one up. I haven’t any vintage pillowcases [...]
Repurpose Your Life Said,
Saturday, July 19, 2008 @ 4:00 am
[...] plastic containers to use for storing craft supplies, small toys, and other items. When I saw these pillowcase dresses, I thought they were a great repurposing idea. Make a fashion and green statement with [...]
Holly Said,
Monday, July 28, 2008 @ 9:00 am
Thank you for the pillowcase dress pattern. I am looking for T-shirt Dress pattern. I have made a couple just from guess, but not sure of the exact length for all sizes. Do you know of a place to get one??
Thank you. Your blog is cute.
Judi Said,
Friday, August 1, 2008 @ 8:46 am
Hi there
I am so excited to have found your tutorial on making the vintage pillowcase dress. I immediately found some lovely pillowcases and made one last night for my granddaughter. It was very thorough and easy to follow and I was amazed at how cute it looked and wanted to let you know.
I’ve mentioned your site and tutorial on my site. I welcome you to visit my site and see the result of my sewing and the post from today shows her modelling it.
Thank you again.
Judi
Judi’s last blog post..Child’s Vintage Pillowcase Dress