Onesie Dress Tutorial

Hello and happy Wednesday!  Today I'm going to show you how to make a ruffled dress out of a onesie!  This is super simple to do but is always adorable on babies and toddlers.  Want to make one of your own?  Just follow along!

What you'll need:

• a onesie
• 1/4 yard of fabric for each ruffle layer (I did 3 here)
• 1/4 yard of fabric for the sash
• rotary cutter, clear ruler, and self healing mat
• sewing stuff - sewing machine, needles, matching thread, pins, etc.

First, be sure to prewash and dry your onesie and fabric.

Next, determine how long you want the hem of the dress to be.  This onesie is an 18-24 month size, and I knew I wanted the hem to be about 6 inches from the bum.  Then determine where you want your skirt to start.  Add two inches for the sash.  For me, I measured from just below the buttons shown on the onesie below.

Now divide that number by 3.  That will give you the length of your top ruffles.  Because the bottom two ruffles will be sewn right on top of each other and just above the leg band, you want to double the length.  For example, my top two ruffles were 5 inches long, so I cut my 3rd ruffle 10 inches long.

When you've determined your length, cut strips selvage to selvage with your rotary cutter and ruler.  Next, cut 2 pieces of your sash fabric that are 5 inches long, selvage to selvage.

With right sides together, sew each layer along the short edge.  I usually use a 3/8 seam allowance for clothing.  Serge or zig-zag the edges.

Now, hem your ruffles.  You can either do this by turning the edge under 1/4 inch and then again 1/2 inch and topstitching down, or you can put a rolled edge hem with a serger.  I chose to serge, but if you don't own a serger, a traditional hem is just fine.  Once all of your ruffles are hemmed, it's time to actually ruffle them!  Again, I did this with my serger (just turn the tension on the needles up as high as it will go) or do it with your sewing machine.  Place two rows of stitches at 1/8 inch and 1/4 inch using your longest stitch length along the unhemmed edge of your ruffle.  Don't backstitch!  Pull the bobbin (bottom) threads at each end and gather until your ruffle fits neatly around your onesie.

Now let's get those ruffles sewn in place!  First, pin the bottom and middle layer right on top of each other just about the legbands of the onesie.  Sew both layers to the onesie at the same time.

Now, add your last layer.  Sew that one in place too.

For the sash, sew both pieces together at one of the short ends with right sides together.  You should have one long piece.  Fold it in half lengthwise with right sides together, and sew along the long edge and one short edge so that you have a tube with only one open end.

Turn the tube right side out (I use these awesome tube turners) and press.  Turn edges under 1/4 inch on the open end.  Top stitch all the way around.

And voila!  You can tack the sash down if you like, or leave it as is.  Add a fabric flower or other embellishment, and your little girl is ready to party!

I hope you make a onesie dress soon!  Thanks for visiting!