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This pattern is copyrighted 2021 to Rebecca Page by app.youmakehq.com
Please feel free to make garments from this pattern to sell. If you do, we would love you to include a credit to app.youmakehq.com as the pattern designer, but it is up to you.
The finished product may only be sold by crafters. It may not be mass produced. You can only sell the finished product; you cannot sell the pattern or these instructions.
Best of luck and happy sewing!
Children's Abigail Pillowcase Top
Member Rating
Difficulty Level
Beginner
Equipment Needed
Description
This children’s pillowcase top pattern is a quick, easy sew that can be customized in a number of fun ways, with the option to tie bows on one or both shoulders. Includes sizes newborn – 12yrs.
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- +Preparation
- Measure, measure, measure – Please measure your model and check their measurements against BOTH the size chart and the finished garment measurements. Sizes vary country to country and the sizing may match what you’re expecting, or it may not. To ensure you get the best fit, please use the size you fall into on our size chart, rather than what size you’ve worn in ready to wear clothing.
- Muslin – To get a perfect fit, make a muslin (test garment) out of practice/old fabric to see if you want to make any fit adjustments.
- Picking your size – When picking your size, if you fall between sizes, go for the size with the correct chest measurement. That way the underarms and upper back are likely to fit well. Then grade out or in to the correct waist size and adjust for height.
- Fit – This is a traditional pillowcase-style top.
- It’s very loose and floaty around the body.
- The ribbon tie will help the chest and underarms hit in the correct spot.
- 1 ½ – 2 yards of ribbon for the neckline fastening (½ to 1 inch wide ribbon, 1 inch will be bunched slightly as it goes into the casing but will give a larger bow. ½ inch wide will fit nicely in the casing and give a smaller bow)
- OPTIONAL – 2 yards of ribbon for the hemline
- Thread to match
- 1x Front
- 1x Back
Project OverviewChildren’s Abigail Sewing Pattern
Difficulty Level = Beginner
A great beginner pattern, The Abigail is a pillowcase style dress that is sweet for the little girl in your life! A quick, simple sew, this is the perfect pattern for your favorite holiday fabrics or a gift for all occasions.
Our Facebook group is a great place to get help, share your tips and creations! We are a friendly bunch, and we love to help and see what you have made.
Please read the full instructions before getting started.
Wash, dry, and press your fabric before starting your project. A bit of prep now prevents shrinking and means your garment will stay the same size you made it.
Never leave a child or baby unattended or allow to sleep in a garment made from one of our patterns with ties, snaps, buttons, or anything they could remove, choke on, or get caught on. Always use caution if you are unsure. We love our patterns, but we love your bundles of joy more!
SizingSize Range
Newborn – 12yrs
Size Chart
This pattern is drafted to the sizes listed below. If your child is between sizes, choose the larger size and adjust the pattern to remove the extra width/height to achieve the intended fit.
Height
Chest
Waist
Hips
Inches
CM
Inches
CM
Inches
CM
Inches
CM
0 – 3 mos
22.0
56.0
16.5
42.0
16.0
40.5
16.5
42.0
3 – 6 mos
24.0
61.0
17.5
44.5
17.0
43.0
17.5
44.5
6 – 12 mos
27.5
70.0
18.5
47.0
17.5
44.5
18.5
47.0
12 – 18 mos
30.0
76.0
19.0
48.0
18.5
47.0
19.0
48.0
18 – 24 mos
32.0
81.0
20.0
51.0
19.5
49.5
20.0
51.0
2 – 3 yrs
36.0
91.0
22.0
56.0
21.0
53.0
22.0
56.0
3 – 4 yrs
41.5
105.0
23.0
58.0
22.0
56.0
24.0
61.0
5 – 6 yrs
47.0
119.0
25.0
63.5
23.0
58.0
26.0
66.0
7 – 8 yrs
51.0
129.5
27.0
69.0
24.0
61.0
28.0
71.0
9 – 10 yrs
54.0
137.0
28.0
71.0
25.0
63.5
31.0
79.0
11 – 12 yrs
57.0
144.5
30.0
76.0
26.0
66.0
33.0
84.0
Finished Measurements (Inches)
Chest
Waist
Length
0 – 3 mos
21.00
23.00
12.50
3 – 6 mos
22.00
24.00
13.25
6 – 12 mos
23.00
25.00
14.25
12 – 18 mos
24.00
26.00
15.25
18 – 24 mos
25.00
27.00
16.50
2 – 3 yrs
26.00
28.00
13.75
3 – 4 yrs
27.00
29.00
16.00
5 – 6 yrs
28.00
30.00
18.25
7 – 8 yrs
29.00
31.00
20.75
9 – 10 yrs
30.00
32.00
22.00
11 – 12 yrs
31.00
33.00
23.00
Fitting NotesIf you get stuck with fitting, see our favorite resources on our Pinterest Sewing Fitting Advice board.
Materials and ToolsSuitable fabrics are light-weight woven fabrics (e.g. 100% cotton, woven cotton or cotton blend, velvet, oxford, georgette, pique).
Fabric Requirements 45 inches/115 cm wide (in YARDS)
Dress
0 – 24 mos
0.5
2 – 12 yrs
1.0 – 2.0
* If you are using a narrower fabric, a directional print, or a fabric with nap you may need more.
** Make sure to wash, dry, and press all fabrics before cutting out in case they shrink.You will also need:
Tools needed are sewing machine, pins or clips, scissors, tape measure or ruler, and a safety pin to thread the elastic into the waistband. A serger/overlocker is optional but not required.
Printing Your PatternSettings
The pattern is a separate download. Choose either the US letter paper, A4 paper, or A0 paper size based on the printer you wish to use. If you are in the US or Canada then your printer will likely use US letter paper. Other regions normally use A4 paper. Some people prefer to print their patterns at a print shop: A0 is best in this case.
Print at 100%.
On the second page, you will find a 1-inch and a 3-inch square test box. Print this page first, on its own, and measure these squares.
Once you are happy that the test box is accurate, print the rest of the pattern pages.
Please follow this video for information and assistance on assembling this pattern.
Also, please note that some Rebecca Page patterns and projects also come with cut files and a printable design page which you can use to plan your project if you wish. These are provided in a separate section below to avoid any confusion!
+US Print Charts
Here are which pages to print for the US Files
Dress 0 – 6 mos 2, 5-6 6 – 24 mos 2-3, 5-6 2 – 12 yrs 4, 6-8
+A4 Print Charts
Here are which pages to print for the A4 Files
Dress 0 – 3 mos 2, 5-6 3 – 24 mos 2-3, 5-6 2 – 12 yrs 3-4, 6-8 Cutting InstructionsCut each of the pieces according to the directions on the pattern piece. Seam allowances are all included so just cut them as is.
Cutting Checklist:
NOTE – To cut fabric on the fold, fold your fabric over parallel to the selvage edges. Align the pattern piece so it is on the fold of the fabric. Cut around the edges, leaving the fold. If you have folded your fabric correctly the fold will be parallel to the two edges of the fabric that are finished. The raw edges (e.g. the ones you could pick at and threads would come off) will be at a right angle to your fold.
- + Instructions
- FINISH ARMHOLES – Turn the armholes under ¼ inch twice and topstitch. Repeat for both armholes on the front and back of the dress.
- FINISH NECKLINE – Turn the front and back necklines under ½ inch, then again 1 inch. Top stitch close to the edge so you are leaving a casing across the top of the dress for the ribbon to go through later.
- SIDE SEAMS – French seam or serge/overlock the side seams. Trim raw edges on hemline so they are even and ready for hemming.
- FINISHING – Turn hem of the top under once approximately ¼ inch all the way around and press. Fold hem over a second time approximately ¼ inch, press, pin, and stitch in place. Thread ribbon through neckline casing and tie in a bow over shoulder. Cut ends of ribbon on angle. If you wish to, singe or use a Fray Stop product on the ends to stop them unravelling.
- OPTIONAL RIBBON – Either use a ruffler foot attachment to stitch ribbon to dress. Or alternatively cut ribbon to twice circumference of hemline. Stitch ends together. Gather stitch then stitch to hemline. For the exact look in the photos, I attached mine 1 ¼ inches above the hemline.
Quick Glance Cheat Sheet½ inch seam allowance included (¼ then ¼ for French seams) – Top stitching ⅛ inch.
Sewing –
1 . Finish ArmholesSeam Allowance
½ inch seam allowance included (¼ then ¼ for French seams) - Top stitching ⅛ inch
1.1Turn the raw edge of the fabric along the armhole over once towards the wrong side of the fabric approximately ¼ inch and press with your iron. Repeat with the other armholes on both the Front and Back of the dress.
1.2Turn the fabric over a second time another ¼ inch, press and pin, then stitch close to the edge. Repeat with the other armholes on both the Front and Back of the dress.
2 . Finish Neckline2.1Turn the neckline hem over ½ inch towards the wrong side of the fabric and press with your iron. The Front and Back of the dress are identical so repeat this on the other piece of the dress.
2.2Turn the neckline over again, this time 1 inch. Press, pin, and stitch close to the edge. This will leave a little tube running across the top of the dress. This is where you will later feed your ribbon through to gather the neckline. The Front and Back of the dress are identical so repeat this on the other piece of the dress.
3 . Side Seams3.1We are going to do a French seam to join the side seams. Place the Front and Back of the dress wrong sides together (right sides facing out). Pin side seams together, and stitch ¼ inch from the edge. Repeat for the other side.
* TIP – When you pin the side seams, pin under the armhole first and work downward towards the hem. Depending on how accurately you’ve cut your fabric, you might find the hems don’t match up. Don’t worry, we can trim these and get them matching later on. At this point matching the armhole edge is more important.
* SERGER / OVERLOCKER OPTION – Instead of doing a French seam, you can serge/overlock the side seams. Make sure the fabric is wrong sides together if you do this and to use a ½ inch seam allowance. Then skip to step 3.4.
3.2Carefully trim both seam allowances so the raw edge is clean and doesn’t have any uneven threads.
3.3Turn the dress inside out and press side seams. Pin and stitch again approx. ¼ inch from the edge. This will encase the raw edges so you can’t see them (a French seam).
3.4Turn dress right sides out and press. If your hem is very uneven, carefully trim any wobbly bits along so it is even all the way around and the edges match.
4 . Finishing4.1Turn hem of the top under once approximately ¼ inch all the way around and press.
4.2Fold hem over a second time approximately ¼ inch, press, pin, and stitch in place.
The top part is now finished. Time to add the ribbon that holds the neckline together.
4.3Fasten a safety pin on the end of your ribbon. Thread it through both sides of the neckline.
Tie the bow loosely to check you are happy with the length of the ribbon and bows. If need be, trim it shorter so it is to your liking.
Undo the bows and snip the ends of the ribbon on an angle so they are nice and neat.
* TIP – To avoid your ribbon fraying, apply a fray-stop spray, or singe the ends (carefully).
5 . OPTIONAL Ribbon5.0You could use any decoration you like on the hem of the top. A fabric ruffle, a flat ribbon, some buttons, or a gathered ribbon like I have. Here are the instructions to add a gathered ribbon.
5.1Measure your ribbon so it is twice the circumference of the hem of the top (wrap it around twice and cut). Stitch the ends of the ribbon together so it forms a circle. Make sure to change your thread so it matches the ribbon (unless you want a contrasting stitch).
5.2Set your sewing machine to a gather stitch. This will be the longest stitch length possible with no locking stitch at the beginning or end. Stitch all the way around your ribbon leaving long threads at either end for you to gather with later.
* TIP – stitch in the same direction on both ends (e.g. clockwise or counterclockwise). It doesn’t matter which direction so long as both lines of stitches go the same way. It’ll make gathering a lot easier.
5.3Decide how far up the top you want your ribbon. I placed mine 1 ¼ inches from the hemline.
Fold the ribbon in half lengthways to work out where halfway is and then in half again. Place a pin through the ribbon to mark the halfway and quarter points. You should now have your circular piece of ribbon equally divided into 4 with pins.
Unfold and pin these points to the side seams at the desired height and to the center front & center back. Your ribbon is now equally distributed around the top.
5.4Find the top two threads going around the Front of the top. Very gently pull on both equally to gather the ribbon.
5.5Continue to gather the ribbon across the Front until it sits flat against the fabric. You will need to gently ease the gathering across the Front, so it is even. Repeat with the Back and pin in place.
5.6Change your thread color so the needle thread matches the ribbon and the bobbin thread matches the top. Stitch through the center of the ribbon all the way around the top.
5.7Remove the gathering stitches by gently pulling the ends of gathering thread so that they come all the way through the ribbon. Find the thread from the underside of the ribbon and pull this out too.
* Tip you may find the thread snaps if you pull it too hard or your fabric is quite thick. If this happens, just pull the other end and the rest of the thread should come out there.
- + Finishing Notes and Congratulations
Finishing Notes and Congratulations
Congratulations, your Abigail is done. Enjoy!
We would love to hear how you got on and see photos of your finished project!
Join us at our Facebook Group, tag us on Instagram, or use the hashtag #rpabigailtop.
Thank you for using a Rebecca Page pattern.
© Copyright 2021
All Rights Reserved
Sales + Licencing InformationProject OverviewChildren’s Abigail Sewing Pattern
Difficulty Level = Beginner
A great beginner pattern, The Abigail is a pillowcase style dress that is sweet for the little girl in your life! A quick, simple sew, this is the perfect pattern for your favorite holiday fabrics or a gift for all occasions.
SizingSize Range
Newborn – 12yrs
Size Chart
This pattern is drafted to the sizes listed below. If your child is between sizes, choose the larger size and adjust the pattern to remove the extra width/height to achieve the intended fit.
Height
Chest
Waist
Hips
Inches
CM
Inches
CM
Inches
CM
Inches
CM
0 – 3 mos
22.0
56.0
16.5
42.0
16.0
40.5
16.5
42.0
3 – 6 mos
24.0
61.0
17.5
44.5
17.0
43.0
17.5
44.5
6 – 12 mos
27.5
70.0
18.5
47.0
17.5
44.5
18.5
47.0
12 – 18 mos
30.0
76.0
19.0
48.0
18.5
47.0
19.0
48.0
18 – 24 mos
32.0
81.0
20.0
51.0
19.5
49.5
20.0
51.0
2 – 3 yrs
36.0
91.0
22.0
56.0
21.0
53.0
22.0
56.0
3 – 4 yrs
41.5
105.0
23.0
58.0
22.0
56.0
24.0
61.0
5 – 6 yrs
47.0
119.0
25.0
63.5
23.0
58.0
26.0
66.0
7 – 8 yrs
51.0
129.5
27.0
69.0
24.0
61.0
28.0
71.0
9 – 10 yrs
54.0
137.0
28.0
71.0
25.0
63.5
31.0
79.0
11 – 12 yrs
57.0
144.5
30.0
76.0
26.0
66.0
33.0
84.0
Finished Measurements (Inches)
Chest
Waist
Length
0 – 3 mos
21.00
23.00
12.50
3 – 6 mos
22.00
24.00
13.25
6 – 12 mos
23.00
25.00
14.25
12 – 18 mos
24.00
26.00
15.25
18 – 24 mos
25.00
27.00
16.50
2 – 3 yrs
26.00
28.00
13.75
3 – 4 yrs
27.00
29.00
16.00
5 – 6 yrs
28.00
30.00
18.25
7 – 8 yrs
29.00
31.00
20.75
9 – 10 yrs
30.00
32.00
22.00
11 – 12 yrs
31.00
33.00
23.00
Materials and ToolsSuitable fabrics are light-weight woven fabrics (e.g. 100% cotton, woven cotton or cotton blend, velvet, oxford, georgette, pique).
Fabric Requirements 45 inches/115 cm wide (in YARDS)
Dress
0 – 24 mos
0.5
2 – 12 yrs
1.0 – 2.0
* If you are using a narrower fabric, a directional print, or a fabric with nap you may need more.
** Make sure to wash, dry, and press all fabrics before cutting out in case they shrink.You will also need:
- 1 ½ – 2 yards of ribbon for the neckline fastening (½ to 1 inch wide ribbon, 1 inch will be bunched slightly as it goes into the casing but will give a larger bow. ½ inch wide will fit nicely in the casing and give a smaller bow)
- OPTIONAL – 2 yards of ribbon for the hemline
- Thread to match
Tools needed are sewing machine, pins or clips, scissors, tape measure or ruler, and a safety pin to thread the elastic into the waistband. A serger/overlocker is optional but not required.