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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!
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Children's T-Shirt Dress
Member Rating
Difficulty Level
Beginner
Equipment Needed
Description
Sew the ultimate wardrobe staple with this childrens tshirt dress sewing pattern. The quick-and-easy sew features two fit options, six lengths options, two neckline options, and three sleeve length options.
Instant download digital sewing pattern. Includes sizes 12mo-12yrs
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- +Preparation
- Sizing – Sizing is different in different countries and stores, so please measure your model before picking a size. The ready-to-wear size your model normally fits into may be different from our size chart.
- Picking your size – When picking your size, if you fall between sizes, go for the size with the correct chest measurement. That way the shoulders, arms, and upper back are likely to fit well. Then, grade out or into the correct waist size.
- Grading – You may notice on some pattern pieces that there is a slight shape difference. This is to ensure that, with such a wide size range, the pattern can still offer a great fit. Just measure and print the size/s you require. You’ll still need to add any personal adjustments you know suit your body best (such as a full bust adjustment or bicep adjustment), and for this we highly recommend making a muslin.
- Height adjustment – If your child falls into a different size for height, use the length for that height size bracket, keeping to the size your child best fits into for chest measurements. Blend the two patterns together using the size bracket from their height measurement. You will need to adjust the Bodice and Skirt pieces for height.
- Bicep adjustment – Check your measurement against the finished garment measurement above. If your measurement is larger, follow our free tutorial to adjust your sleeve.
- Muslin – To ensure you get the best fit, sew a muslin first. This is how I would recommend you muslin this dress:
- Use an inexpensive knit fabric similar in weight to the final fabric you plan to use.
- Cut out all pieces. Label each with tailors chalk or a fabric pen.
- Baste these together using a ⅜ inch seam allowance.
- Try on. If you are happy with the fit, continue to your final garment.
- If you feel the fit needs adjusting for your personal shape, turn the muslin inside out and try on again. Adjust the seams with pins until you are happy.
- Trim your new seam allowances to ⅜ inch and pull out your basting stitches.
- Use these bits of fabric as your pattern pieces instead of the original pattern pieces. Continue on to sewing your final garment.
- Make sure to keep your adjusted pattern pieces…. It’s like having a tailor-made garment so they’re a valuable addition to your pattern library in case you wish to make more!
- If you get stuck with fitting, see our favorite resources on our Pinterest Sewing Fitting Advice board.
- Thread to match
- Front – Fabric cut 1 on fold
- Back – Fabric cut 1 on fold
- Sleeve – Fabric cut 2 on fold
- Neckband – Fabric cut 1 (Round or V-neck)
- Use a ball point needle of a size appropriate to your fabric when working with knits – The ball point needle has a slightly rounded tip and will prevent damaging the fibre. Use ball point pins or clips and, if you can’t, use regular pins into the seam allowance and you should be just fine.
- Use a stretch stitch – You can use either a short and narrow zigzag or a stretch stitch (lightning bolt stitch) for construction. Test on a scrap of fabric to find which stitch and tension settings work best for you. You don’t want the fabric to pucker under your stitches.
- Your machine might have many fancy stretch stitches and you are welcome to play with them, but often the basic zigzag or stretch stitch are just right.
- Use a walking foot – Using a walking-foot is not a necessity but it is highly recommended when working on a stretchy knit. The walking-foot helps to prevent one layer of fabric from stretching out while sewing. Both layers of fabrics are fed at the same time under your needle.
- Reduce your presser foot tension – Some machines will allow you to change your presser foot tension. Check your manual to see how to reduce your presser foot tension. Reducing tension will prevent your fabric from stretching while it goes through the machine.
- Use a ball point twin-needle (double needle) for topstitching – Using a twin-needle will give you a regular double line of straight stitches on the right side and a short and stretchy zigzag on the wrong side. Alternatively, if you don’t own a twin needle, you can use a medium size zigzag stitch for hemming and topstitching. I like to lengthen my stitch a little when topstitching with the twin needle. Test on a scrap of fabric to find what works best for you.
- Finishing the seams – Because knits don’t fray, it isn’t strictly necessary to finish your seams. That being said, you will achieve a more polished and durable look if you do an overcasting or zigzag stitch on your raw edges.
Project OverviewT-shirt Dress
Difficulty Level = Beginner
The t-shirt dress is a quick and easy sew with two different styles to choose from; flared or straight. There are two necklines; round or v-neck, three sleeve lengths; short, three-quarter and long, and six lengths; crop, top, mid-thigh, knee, mid-calf and maxi. The straight mid-calf and maxi have a side slit. With so many options you can sew multiple looks from just one pattern.
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
12mo - 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
12 – 18 mos
30.0
76.0
19.0
48.0
18.5
47.0
19.7
50.0
18 – 24 mos
32.0
81.0
20.0
51.0
19.5
49.5
20.7
53.0
2 – 3 yrs
36.0
91.0
22.0
56.0
21.0
53.0
22.5
57.0
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)
Straight dress
Sleeve length
Chest
Waist
Hips
Bicep
Short
Three-quarter
Long
12 – 18 mos
19.0
18.5
19.7
5.7
3.5
7.0
11.0
18 – 24 mos
20.0
19.5
20.7
6.2
3.7
8.5
11.6
2 – 3 yrs
22.0
21.0
22.5
6.6
4.3
9.6
13.1
3 – 4 yrs
23.0
22.0
24.0
7.3
5.0
11.0
15.0
5 – 6 yrs
25.0
23.0
26.0
8.2
6.0
13.1
17.5
7 – 8 yrs
27.0
24.0
28.0
8.7
6.6
14.5
19.0
9 – 10 yrs
28.0
25.0
31.0
9.5
7.0
15.3
20.0
11 – 12 yrs
30.0
26.0
33.0
10.1
7.5
16.2
20.6
Straight dress
Center back lengths
Crop
Top
Mid-thigh
Knee
Mid-calf
Maxi
12 – 18 mos
5.2
10.7
13.1
15.7
18.2
21.0
18 – 24 mos
6.0
11.7
14.5
17.5
20.0
22.5
2 – 3 yrs
6.6
12.6
16.2
19.7
23.2
26.5
3 – 4 yrs
7.3
13.5
18.5
22.7
27.0
31.0
5 – 6 yrs
9.2
15.6
22.0
26.7
31.5
36.0
7 – 8 yrs
10.5
17.2
24.5
29.7
34.6
40.0
9 – 10 yrs
11.2
18.0
25.3
31.0
36.6
42.2
11 – 12 yrs
11.5
18.6
27.0
33.2
39.0
45.0
Flared dress
Sleeve length
Chest
Waist
Hips
Bicep
Short
Three-quarter
Long
12 – 18 mos
19.0
20.0
23.2
5.7
3.5
7.0
11.0
18 – 24 mos
20.0
21.0
24.2
6.2
3.7
8.5
11.6
2 – 3 yrs
22.0
22.5
25.7
6.6
4.3
9.6
13.1
3 – 4 yrs
23.0
23.5
27.3
7.3
5.0
11.0
15.0
5 – 6 yrs
25.0
24.5
29.3
8.2
6.0
13.1
17.5
7 – 8 yrs
27.0
25.5
31.3
8.7
6.6
14.5
19.0
9 – 10 yrs
28.0
26.5
34.3
9.5
7.0
15.3
20.0
11 – 12 yrs
30.0
27.5
36.3
10.1
7.5
16.2
20.6
Flared dress
Center back lengths
Crop
Top
Mid-thigh
Knee
Mid-calf
Maxi
12 – 18 mos
5.2
10.7
13.1
15.7
18.2
21.0
18 – 24 mos
6.0
11.7
14.5
17.5
20.0
22.5
2 – 3 yrs
6.6
12.6
16.2
19.7
23.2
26.5
3 – 4 yrs
7.3
13.5
18.5
22.7
27.0
31.0
5 – 6 yrs
9.2
15.6
22.0
26.7
31.5
36.0
7 – 8 yrs
10.5
17.2
24.5
29.7
34.6
40.0
9 – 10 yrs
11.2
18.0
25.3
31.0
36.6
42.2
11 – 12 yrs
11.5
18.6
27.0
33.2
39.0
45.0
Fitting NotesBoth styles are fitted at the bust. Crop top length is intended to fit above the natural waist and fall at the first rib. The straight dress will skim over the hips, flowing straight down to the hem. The flared dress will flow over the hips to the hem.
Materials and ToolsFabric – Your fabric needs to be a stretch/knit fabric. It can be any weight; however, best results and fit will be achieved with a light or medium weight fabric such as jersey, silk satin with elastane, silk jersey with elastane, double brushed poly, rayon spandex, bamboo spandex, modal, cotton lycra, ponte, poly rayon spandex etc.
Your fabric will need to have at least 20 – 30 % stretch to get the fit as it’s designed. To check how much stretch your fabric has, take a piece of fabric, and pull along its stretch. I.e., A 2-inch piece of fabric (unstretched) should be able to be stretched to 2.4 – 2.6 inches.
The stretch recovery of your fabric is just as important as the stretch percentage. This will ensure your tee maintains its shape and fit for as long as possible and does not become baggy. To test the stretch recovery (elasticity), simply check that when you stretch your piece of fabric it returns to its original size.
A fabric with 4-way stretch (stretches in all directions) will give more drape than a 2-way stretch (only stretches in one direction).
Generally, knit/stretch fabrics are heavier than wovens. You may find you need to hem your garment slightly higher if it stretches out in length while wearing it.
Fabric Requirements 60 inches/150 cm wide (in YARDS)
Straight dress with short sleeve
Maxi
Mid-calf
Knee
Mid-thigh
Top
Crop
12 – 24 mos
0.75
0.75
0.75
0.50
0.50
0.25
2 – 3 yrs
1.00
0.75
0.75
0.75
0.50
0.25
3 – 4 yrs
1.00
1.00
0.75
0.75
0.50
0.50
5 – 6 yrs
1.25
1.00
1.00
0.75
0.50
0.50
7 – 8 yrs
1.25
1.25
1.00
0.75
0.75
0.50
9 – 10 yrs
1.25
1.25
1.00
1.00
0.75
0.50
11 – 12 yrs
1.50
1.25
1.00
1.00
0.75
0.50
Straight dress with three-quarter sleeve
Maxi
Mid-calf
Knee
Mid-thigh
Top
Crop
12 – 24 mos
0.75
0.75
0.75
0.50
0.50
0.25
2 – 3 yrs
1.00
0.75
0.75
0.75
0.50
0.25
3 – 4 yrs
1.00
1.00
0.75
0.75
0.50
0.50
5 – 6 yrs
1.25
1.00
1.00
0.75
0.50
0.50
7 – 10 yrs
1.25
1.25
1.00
1.00
0.75
0.50
11 – 12 yrs
1.50
1.25
1.25
1.00
0.75
0.50
Straight dress with long sleeve
Maxi
Mid-calf
Knee
Mid-thigh
Top
Crop
12 – 24 mos
0.75
0.75
0.75
0.50
0.50
0.25
2 – 3 yrs
1.00
0.75
0.75
0.75
0.50
0.50
3 – 4 yrs
1.00
1.00
0.75
0.75
0.50
0.50
5 – 6 yrs
1.25
1.00
1.00
0.75
0.50
0.50
7 – 10 yrs
1.25
1.25
1.00
1.00
0.75
0.50
11 – 12 yrs
1.50
1.25
1.00
1.00
0.75
0.50
* 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.Fabric Requirements 60 inches/150 cm wide (in YARDS)
Flared dress with short sleeve
Maxi
Mid-calf
Knee
Mid-thigh
Top
Crop
12 – 24 mos
0.75
0.75
0.75
0.50
0.50
0.25
2 – 3 yrs
1.00
0.75
0.75
0.75
0.50
0.25
3 – 4 yrs
1.00
1.00
0.75
0.75
0.50
0.50
5 – 6 yrs
1.25
1.00
1.00
0.75
0.50
0.50
7 – 8 yrs
1.25
1.25
1.00
0.75
0.75
0.50
9 – 10 yrs
1.25
1.25
1.00
1.00
0.75
0.50
11 – 12 yrs
1.50
1.25
1.00
1.00
0.75
0.50
Flared dress with three-quarter sleeve
Maxi
Mid-calf
Knee
Mid-thigh
Top
Crop
12 – 24 mos
0.75
0.75
0.75
0.50
0.50
0.25
2 – 3 yrs
1.00
0.75
0.75
0.75
0.50
0.25
3 – 4 yrs
1.00
1.00
0.75
0.75
0.50
0.50
5 – 6 yrs
1.25
1.00
1.00
0.75
0.50
0.50
7 – 10yrs
1.25
1.25
1.00
1.00
0.75
0.50
11 – 12 yrs
1.50
1.25
1.25
1.00
0.75
0.50
Flared dress with long sleeve
Maxi
Mid-calf
Knee
Mid-thigh
Top
Crop
12 – 24 mos
0.75
0.75
0.75
0.50
0.50
0.25
2 – 3 yrs
1.00
0.75
0.75
0.75
0.50
0.50
3 – 4 yrs
1.00
1.00
0.75
0.75
0.50
0.50
5 – 6 yrs
1.25
1.00
1.00
0.75
0.50
0.50
7 – 10 yrs
1.25
1.25
1.00
1.00
0.75
0.50
11 – 12 yrs
1.50
1.25
1.25
1.00
0.75
0.50
* 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, scissors, tape measure or ruler, disappearing ink pen or tailors chalk. 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
Sleeve Neckband Short Three-quarter Long V-neck Round neck 12-24 mos 27 27-28 27-28 30-32 30-32 2 – 3 yrs 27 27-28 27-28 30-32 30-32 3 – 4 yrs 27 27-28 27-29 30-32 30-32 5 – 6 yrs 27-28 27-28 27-29 30-32 30-32 7 – 12 yrs 27-28 27-29 27-29 30-32 30-32 Straight OPTION Crop Top Mid-thigh Knee Mid-calf Maxi 12-24 mos 15-16, 21-22, 28-28 15-16, 21-22, 28-28 15-17, 21-23 28-29 15-17, 21-23 28-29 15-17, 21-23 28-29 15-18, 21-24 28-30 2 – 3 yrs 15-16, 21-22, 28-28 15-16, 21-22, 28-28 15-17, 21-23 28-29 15-17, 21-23 28-29 15-18, 21-24 28-30 15-18, 21-24 28-30 3 – 4 yrs 15-16, 21-22, 28-28 15-17, 21-23 28-29 15-17, 21-23 28-29 15-18, 21-24 28-30 15-18, 21-24 28-30 15-19, 21-24 28-31 5 – 6 yrs 15-16, 21-22, 28-28 15-17, 21-23 28-29 15-18, 21-24 28-30 15-18, 21-24 28-30 15-19, 21-24 28-31 15-19, 21-24 28-31 7 – 9 yrs 15-16, 21-22, 28-28 15-17, 21-23 28-29 15-18, 21-24 28-30 15-18, 21-24 28-30 15-19, 21-24 28-31 15-32 11 – 12yrs 15-16, 21-22, 28-28 15-17, 21-23 28-29 15-18, 21-24 28-30 15-19, 21-24 28-31 15-19, 21-24 28-31 15-32 11 – 12yrs 15-16, 21-22, 28-28 15-17, 21-23 28-29 15-18, 21-24 28-30 15-19, 21-24 28-31 15-32 15-32 Flared OPTION Crop Top Mid-thigh Knee Mid-calf Maxi 12-24 mos 7-10, 15-16 7-10, 15-16 6-11, 15-17 6-11, 15-17 6-11, 15-17 5-12, 15-18 2 – 3 yrs 7-10, 15-16 7-10, 15-16 6-11, 15-17 6-11, 15-17 5-12, 15-18 5-12, 15-18 3 – 4 yrs 7-10, 15-16 6-11, 15-17 6-11, 15-17 5-12, 15-18 5-12, 15-18 4-13, 15-19 5 – 6 yrs 7-10, 15-16 6-11, 15-17 5-12, 15-18 5-12, 15-18 4-13, 15-19 4-13, 15-19 7 – 9 yrs 7-10, 15-16 6-11, 15-17 5-12, 15-18 4-13, 15-19 4-13, 15-19 3-20 11 – 12yrs 7-10, 15-16 6-11, 15-17 5-12, 15-18 4-13, 15-19 3-20 3-20 +A4 Print Charts
Here are which pages to print for the A4 Files
Sleeve Neckband Short Three-quarter Long V-neck Round neck 12-24 mos 8 8 8, 15 22, 29 22, 29 2 – 12 yrs 8 8, 15 8, 15 22, 29 22, 29 Straight OPTION Crop Top Mid-thigh Knee Mid-calf Maxi 12-24 mos 16-17, 23-24 16-17, 23-24 16-18, 23-25 16-18, 23-25 16-18, 23-25 16-19, 23-26 2 – 3 yrs 16-17, 23-24 16-17, 23-24 16-18, 23-25 16-18, 23-25 16-19, 23-26 16-19, 23-26 3 – 4 yrs 16-17, 23-24 16-18, 23-25 16-18, 23-25 16-19, 23-26 16-19, 23-26 16-20, 23-27 5 – 6 yrs 16-17, 23-24 16-18, 23-25 16-19, 23-26 16-19, 23-26 16-20, 23-27 16-20, 23-27 7 – 9 yrs 16-17, 23-24 16-18, 23-25 16-19, 23-26 16-20, 23-27 16-20, 23-27 16-21, 23-28 11 – 12yrs 16-17, 23-24 16-18, 23-25 16-19, 23-26 16-20, 23-27 16-21, 23-28 16-21, 23-28 Flared OPTION Crop Top Mid-thigh Knee Mid-calf Maxi 12-18 mos 5-7, 9-10, 16-17 6-7, 9-10, 16-17 5-7, 9-11, 16-18 5-7, 9-11, 16-18 5-7, 9-11, 16-18 5-7, 9-12, 16-19 18 – 24 mos 6-7, 9-10, 16-17 6-7, 9-10, 16-17 5-7, 9-11, 16-18 5-7, 9-11, 16-18 5-7, 9-11, 16-18 4-7, 9-12, 16-19 2 – 3 yrs 6-7, 9-10, 16-17 6-7, 9-10, 16-17 5-7, 9-11, 16-18 5-7, 9-11, 16-18 4-7, 9-12, 16-19 4-7, 9-12, 16-19 3 – 4 yrs 6-7, 9-10, 16-17 5-7, 9-11, 16-18 5-7, 9-11, 16-18 4-7, 9-12, 16-19 4-7, 9-12, 16-19 3-7, 9-13, 16-20 5 – 6 yrs 6-7, 9-10, 16-17 5-7, 9-11, 16-18 4-7, 9-12, 16-19 4-7, 9-12, 16-19 3-7, 9-13, 16-20 3-7, 9-13, 16-20 7 – 9 yrs 6-10, 16-17 5-11, 16-18 4-12, 16-19 3-13, 16-20 3-13, 16-20 2-14, 16-21 11 – 12yrs 6-10, 16-17 5-11, 16-18 4–12, 16-19 3-13, 16-20 2-14, 16-21 2-22 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 Charts – All pattern pieces are included, however if you prefer to cut using a cutting chart, the dimensions for the rectangular pieces (in INCHES) below:
Round neck OPTION
(Cut 1)
Width
Length
12 – 18 mos
1.5
12.3
18 – 24 mos
1.5
12.6
2 – 3 yrs
1.5
12.8
3 – 4 yrs
1.5
13.3
5 – 6 yrs
1.5
14.1
7 – 8 yrs
1.5
14.6
9 – 10 yrs
1.5
15.2
11 – 12 yrs
1.5
15.8
Cutting Checklist:
Choose the style and lengths, then cut the pieces listed here: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 will be at a right angle to your fold.
Fabric TipsTips for Sewing with Knit Fabrics
Using a serger is not a necessity to sew with knit fabrics! Here are a few tips to get the best results on a regular sewing machine:
Here is an example of some of the stitches you could use.
From left to right: Ballpoint twin-needle, narrow zigzag, stretch stitch (lightning bolt), overcasting. - + Instructions
- PATTERN MARKINGS – Transfer all pattern markings.
- SHOULDERS – Right sides together, stitch Front to Back at shoulders. Press the seam to the Back.
- SLEEVES – Mark the midpoint of the Sleeve. Aligning the Sleeve midpoint with the shoulder seam, pin Sleeve to bodice, right sides together. Stitch. Press seam toward the Sleeve. Repeat for second Sleeve.
- ROUND NECK OPTION – Wrong sides together, press the Neckband in half lengthwise. Align the short raw edges and stitch. Press seam open. Refold memory press. Quarter the Neckband and the neckline of the dress. Match quarter points. Stitch, stretching the Neckband to match the dress. Press seam down toward the bodice. OPTIONAL Topstitch.
- V-NECK OPTION – Fold Neckband in half lengthwise right sides together. Fold again widthwise, matching short edges. Pin all four layers together. Stitch. Open up and fold along seam line, wrong sides together. Press seam. Starting at the V, baste 2 inches up one side, then 2 inches up the other side. Find and mark center of back neckline on bodice and Neckband. Baste 2 inches up one side, then 2 inches up the other side. Snip into the v. Place Neckband onto neck of bodice, right sides together, matching center backs and center front to the V. Pin, stretching Neckband slightly to fit. Start at center back to center front, stitch. Turn bodice and stitch from center front to center back on other side. Press seam. OPTIONAL Topstitch.
- SIDE SEAMS – Align Front to Back at the side seam from the hem of the Sleeve all the way down to the bottom hem. Stitch. Repeat for second side seam. NOTE – For mid-calf and maxi length straight options, stitch up to side slit pattern markings.
- SLEEVE HEM – Finish raw edges of Sleeve. Fold Sleeve hem ½ inch to wrong side. Topstitch. Repeat for other Sleeve.
- HEM – STRAIGHT HEM – Finish raw edge. Fold hem ½ inch to wrong side. Press. Topstitch. SIDE SLIT – Finish raw edge on both Front and Back, stitching up and down the side slits. Fold hem ½ inch to right side at one side of side slit. Stitch. Turn hem right side out. Press. Repeat at the other side of the slit. With the dress right sides together, measure 1 ½ inches up from the top of the side slit. Stitch 2 inches down from the pin to the top. Lay dress flat, wrong side facing up. Fold the sides of the slits ⅜ inch to the wrong side. Press. Stitch from hem up to end of side split, squaring off at the top and down the other side. Repeat for other side slit. Fold the hem ½ inch to the wrong side. Press. Topstitch.
Quick Glance Cheat Sheet⅜ inch seam allowance included – Topstitching ⅛ inch – Basting ¼ inch – Hem ½ inch
Preparation –
Sewing –
0 . PreparationSeam Allowance
⅜ inch seam allowance included – Top stitching ⅛ inch – Basting ¼ inch – Hem – ½ inch
0.1Pattern Markings
Transfer all pattern markings to the fabric using a disappearing ink pen or tailors chalk.
1 . Shoulders1.1Place the Front and Back right sides together at the shoulders. Pin.
1.2Serge or stitch using a ⅜ inch seam allowance.
1.3Press the seam allowances towards the Back.
2 . Sleeves2.0This step is the same for any length option.
2.1Fold the Sleeve in half and mark the midpoint with a pin.
2.2Lay the dress flat, right side facing up.
2.3With right sides together match the pin at the midpoint with the shoulder seam and pin together.
2.4Pin the ends of the Sleeve to the ends of the armscye.
2.5Continue pinning the Sleeve to the armscye.
TIP – Use lots of pins to attach the Sleeve and bodice together.
2.6Serge or stitch using a ⅜ inch seam allowance.
2.7Press the seam allowance towards the Sleeve.
2.8Repeat steps 2.1 to 2.7 to attach the other Sleeve.
3 . Round Neck OPTION3.0If you are sewing the Round Neck OPTION, follow below. If you are sewing the V-neck OPTION, skip to step 4.
3.1Fold the Neckband in half lengthwise, with the wrong sides together and press.
3.2Open out the Neckband, and then fold it in half widthwise, right sides together. Match up the short edges and pin together.
3.3Serge or stitch using a ⅜ inch seam allowance.
3.4Press the seam allowance open if you are using a stretch stitch. Press the seam allowance to one side if you have serged. This will allow your Neckband to lay flat.
3.5Find the quarter points of the Neckband and pin.
To do this fold the Neckband in half and mark with a pin. Fold in half again and mark the quarter points with pins.Find the quarter points of the bodice, starting with the center of the Back and Front.
3.6Working from the RIGHT side of the neckline, place the Neckband around the neckline so that the raw edges meet. Align the seam of the Neckband with the center back of the neckline and pin together. Match the rest of the quarter points and pin.
3.7Continue pinning, stretching the Neckband slightly to match the neckline.
3.8Serge or stitch using a ⅜ inch seam allowance.
TIP – To prevent waviness, stretch only the Neckband and not the neckline.
TIP – It is easier to stitch with the Neckband on top.
3.9If using a serger, here are two methods to finish the thread tails.
METHOD 1 – Use a wide eye needle to thread the tails back through the stitches.
METHOD 2 – Pull the threads back over the seam and stitch a few zigzag stitches over the seam allowance, securing the tails in place.
3.10Press the seam.
3.11OPTIONAL – From the right side, topstitch around the neckline with a twin needle, coverstitch or stretch stitch.
Skip to step 5.
4 . V-neck OPTION4.0If you are sewing the V-neck OPTION, follow below.
4.1Fold Neckband in half lengthwise right sides together with matching shaped ends.
4.2Fold the Neckband again widthwise, matching short edges. Pin all four layers together.
4.3Serge or stitch using ¼ inch seam allowance.
4.4Open up the Neckband and fold along the seam line, wrong sides together. You should now see a V-shape at the center front.
4.5Press the seam flat.
4.6Starting at the V, baste 2 inches up one side, then 2 inches up the other side of the V-shape, using a ¼ inch seam allowance.
TIP – Basting is just like normal stitching except the stitches need to be long and loose so that they can be removed later, if needed. Stitch within the seam allowance, so that the basting stitches are not seen in the final garment, while keeping the stitches loose enough to pull out just in case they are visible. The purpose is to hold a piece of fabric in place until that section is properly sewn. Set the machine to a long loose stitch. Test it on a piece of fabric first to make sure that the stitches can easily be removed. Do not backstitch at either end. Leave the ends loose, with approximately 1 inch of thread tails at either end of the stitching.
4.7Find the midpoint of the Back neckline by folding it half. Pin.
Baste 2 inches up each side of the v shape of the front neckline using a ¼ inch seam allowance.
Carefully snip the point of the V-neck almost up to the stitching line taking care not to snip into the stitches.
4.8Find and mark the center back (opposite to the V) of the Neckband.
4.9Place the Neckband onto the neck of the bodice, right sides together, matching center backs and center front to the V. Pin.
Continue pinning, easing the Neckband onto the neckline.
NOTE – Stretch the Neckband slightly to fit. Do not stretch the bodice.
TIP – If you are serging, baste together using a ⅛ inch seam allowance.
4.10Start at the center back to the center front, serge or stitch using a ⅜ seam allowance.
Turn your bodice and serge / stitch from the center front to the center back on the other side.
4.11If using a serger, here are two methods to finish the thread tails.
METHOD 1 – Use a wide eye needle to thread the tails back through the stitches.
METHOD 2 – Pull the threads back over the seam and stitch a few zigzag stitches over the seam allowance, securing the tails in place.
4.12Press the seam.
4.13OPTIONAL – From the right side, topstitch around the neckline with a twin needle, coverstitch or stretch stitch.
5 . Side Seams5.1Place the Front and Back right sides together, matching the side underarm seams. Pin.
NOTE – If you are making the straight style mid-calf or maxi length options, pin up to the pattern markings for the side slits.
5.2Serge or stitch using a ⅜ inch seam allowance.
NOTE – If you are making the straight style mid-calf or maxi length options, stitch up to the pattern markings for the side slits.
5.3Repeat steps 5.1 to 5.2 for the other side.
6 . Sleeve Hem6.0This step is the same for any length option.
6.1Serge or zigzag stitch the raw edges of the Sleeve.
6.2Fold the Sleeve hem ½ inch to the wrong side. Pin.
6.3From the right side, topstitch ⅜ inch from the fold, using a medium size zigzag or a stretch stitch
TIP – Use a coverstitch or twin needle for hemming.
6.4Repeat steps 6.1 to 6.3 to the other Sleeve.
7 . Hem7.0If you are making the straight style mid-calf or maxi length options, skip to step 7.4. For a regular hem, follow steps 7.1 to 7.3.
7.1REGULAR HEM – Serge or zigzag stitch the bottom raw edge.
7.2Fold the hem ½ inch to the wrong side. Press. Pin.
7.3Topstitch ⅜ inch from the fold, using a medium size zigzag or a stretch stitch
TIP – Use coverstitch or twin needle for hemming.
Your T-shirt dress is finished!
7.4SIDE SLIT – Serge or zigzag stitch the bottom raw edges on both Front and Back pieces, stitching up and down the side slits.
7.5Fold the hem ½ inch to the right side at one side of the side slit. Pin.
7.6Serge or stitch at the side slit using a ⅜ inch seam allowance.
7.7Turn the hem right side out. Press.
Repeat steps 7.5 to 7.6 at the other side of the slit.
7.8With the dress right sides together, measure 1 ½ inches up from the top of the side slit. Pin.
7.9Stitch 2 inches down from the pin to the top of the side slit.
TIP – Backstitch at the beginning and at the end to secure the seam.
7.10Lay the dress flat, wrong side facing up. Fold the sides of the slits ⅜ inch to the wrong side. Press. Stitch from the hem up to the end of the side split, squaring off at the top and down the other side, using a ¼ inch seam allowance.
7.11Repeat steps 7.5 to 7.10 for the other side slit.
7.12Fold the Front hem ½ inch to the wrong side. Press. Repeat for Back hem.
Topstitch ⅜ inch from the fold, using a medium size zigzag or a stretch stitch.
TIP – Use coverstitch or twin needle for hemming.
Your T-shirt Dress is now finished!
- + Finishing Notes and Congratulations
Finishing Notes and Congratulations
Congratulations, your T-shirt Dress 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 #rptshirtdress.
Thank you for using a Rebecca Page pattern.
© Copyright 2022
All Rights Reserved
Sales + Licencing InformationProject OverviewT-shirt Dress
Difficulty Level = Beginner
The t-shirt dress is a quick and easy sew with two different styles to choose from; flared or straight. There are two necklines; round or v-neck, three sleeve lengths; short, three-quarter and long, and six lengths; crop, top, mid-thigh, knee, mid-calf and maxi. The straight mid-calf and maxi have a side slit. With so many options you can sew multiple looks from just one pattern.
SizingSize Range
12mo - 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
12 – 18 mos
30.0
76.0
19.0
48.0
18.5
47.0
19.7
50.0
18 – 24 mos
32.0
81.0
20.0
51.0
19.5
49.5
20.7
53.0
2 – 3 yrs
36.0
91.0
22.0
56.0
21.0
53.0
22.5
57.0
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)
Straight dress
Sleeve length
Chest
Waist
Hips
Bicep
Short
Three-quarter
Long
12 – 18 mos
19.0
18.5
19.7
5.7
3.5
7.0
11.0
18 – 24 mos
20.0
19.5
20.7
6.2
3.7
8.5
11.6
2 – 3 yrs
22.0
21.0
22.5
6.6
4.3
9.6
13.1
3 – 4 yrs
23.0
22.0
24.0
7.3
5.0
11.0
15.0
5 – 6 yrs
25.0
23.0
26.0
8.2
6.0
13.1
17.5
7 – 8 yrs
27.0
24.0
28.0
8.7
6.6
14.5
19.0
9 – 10 yrs
28.0
25.0
31.0
9.5
7.0
15.3
20.0
11 – 12 yrs
30.0
26.0
33.0
10.1
7.5
16.2
20.6
Straight dress
Center back lengths
Crop
Top
Mid-thigh
Knee
Mid-calf
Maxi
12 – 18 mos
5.2
10.7
13.1
15.7
18.2
21.0
18 – 24 mos
6.0
11.7
14.5
17.5
20.0
22.5
2 – 3 yrs
6.6
12.6
16.2
19.7
23.2
26.5
3 – 4 yrs
7.3
13.5
18.5
22.7
27.0
31.0
5 – 6 yrs
9.2
15.6
22.0
26.7
31.5
36.0
7 – 8 yrs
10.5
17.2
24.5
29.7
34.6
40.0
9 – 10 yrs
11.2
18.0
25.3
31.0
36.6
42.2
11 – 12 yrs
11.5
18.6
27.0
33.2
39.0
45.0
Flared dress
Sleeve length
Chest
Waist
Hips
Bicep
Short
Three-quarter
Long
12 – 18 mos
19.0
20.0
23.2
5.7
3.5
7.0
11.0
18 – 24 mos
20.0
21.0
24.2
6.2
3.7
8.5
11.6
2 – 3 yrs
22.0
22.5
25.7
6.6
4.3
9.6
13.1
3 – 4 yrs
23.0
23.5
27.3
7.3
5.0
11.0
15.0
5 – 6 yrs
25.0
24.5
29.3
8.2
6.0
13.1
17.5
7 – 8 yrs
27.0
25.5
31.3
8.7
6.6
14.5
19.0
9 – 10 yrs
28.0
26.5
34.3
9.5
7.0
15.3
20.0
11 – 12 yrs
30.0
27.5
36.3
10.1
7.5
16.2
20.6
Flared dress
Center back lengths
Crop
Top
Mid-thigh
Knee
Mid-calf
Maxi
12 – 18 mos
5.2
10.7
13.1
15.7
18.2
21.0
18 – 24 mos
6.0
11.7
14.5
17.5
20.0
22.5
2 – 3 yrs
6.6
12.6
16.2
19.7
23.2
26.5
3 – 4 yrs
7.3
13.5
18.5
22.7
27.0
31.0
5 – 6 yrs
9.2
15.6
22.0
26.7
31.5
36.0
7 – 8 yrs
10.5
17.2
24.5
29.7
34.6
40.0
9 – 10 yrs
11.2
18.0
25.3
31.0
36.6
42.2
11 – 12 yrs
11.5
18.6
27.0
33.2
39.0
45.0
Materials and ToolsFabric – Your fabric needs to be a stretch/knit fabric. It can be any weight; however, best results and fit will be achieved with a light or medium weight fabric such as jersey, silk satin with elastane, silk jersey with elastane, double brushed poly, rayon spandex, bamboo spandex, modal, cotton lycra, ponte, poly rayon spandex etc.
Your fabric will need to have at least 20 – 30 % stretch to get the fit as it’s designed. To check how much stretch your fabric has, take a piece of fabric, and pull along its stretch. I.e., A 2-inch piece of fabric (unstretched) should be able to be stretched to 2.4 – 2.6 inches.
The stretch recovery of your fabric is just as important as the stretch percentage. This will ensure your tee maintains its shape and fit for as long as possible and does not become baggy. To test the stretch recovery (elasticity), simply check that when you stretch your piece of fabric it returns to its original size.
A fabric with 4-way stretch (stretches in all directions) will give more drape than a 2-way stretch (only stretches in one direction).
Generally, knit/stretch fabrics are heavier than wovens. You may find you need to hem your garment slightly higher if it stretches out in length while wearing it.
Fabric Requirements 60 inches/150 cm wide (in YARDS)
Straight dress with short sleeve
Maxi
Mid-calf
Knee
Mid-thigh
Top
Crop
12 – 24 mos
0.75
0.75
0.75
0.50
0.50
0.25
2 – 3 yrs
1.00
0.75
0.75
0.75
0.50
0.25
3 – 4 yrs
1.00
1.00
0.75
0.75
0.50
0.50
5 – 6 yrs
1.25
1.00
1.00
0.75
0.50
0.50
7 – 8 yrs
1.25
1.25
1.00
0.75
0.75
0.50
9 – 10 yrs
1.25
1.25
1.00
1.00
0.75
0.50
11 – 12 yrs
1.50
1.25
1.00
1.00
0.75
0.50
Straight dress with three-quarter sleeve
Maxi
Mid-calf
Knee
Mid-thigh
Top
Crop
12 – 24 mos
0.75
0.75
0.75
0.50
0.50
0.25
2 – 3 yrs
1.00
0.75
0.75
0.75
0.50
0.25
3 – 4 yrs
1.00
1.00
0.75
0.75
0.50
0.50
5 – 6 yrs
1.25
1.00
1.00
0.75
0.50
0.50
7 – 10 yrs
1.25
1.25
1.00
1.00
0.75
0.50
11 – 12 yrs
1.50
1.25
1.25
1.00
0.75
0.50
Straight dress with long sleeve
Maxi
Mid-calf
Knee
Mid-thigh
Top
Crop
12 – 24 mos
0.75
0.75
0.75
0.50
0.50
0.25
2 – 3 yrs
1.00
0.75
0.75
0.75
0.50
0.50
3 – 4 yrs
1.00
1.00
0.75
0.75
0.50
0.50
5 – 6 yrs
1.25
1.00
1.00
0.75
0.50
0.50
7 – 10 yrs
1.25
1.25
1.00
1.00
0.75
0.50
11 – 12 yrs
1.50
1.25
1.00
1.00
0.75
0.50
* 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.Fabric Requirements 60 inches/150 cm wide (in YARDS)
Flared dress with short sleeve
Maxi
Mid-calf
Knee
Mid-thigh
Top
Crop
12 – 24 mos
0.75
0.75
0.75
0.50
0.50
0.25
2 – 3 yrs
1.00
0.75
0.75
0.75
0.50
0.25
3 – 4 yrs
1.00
1.00
0.75
0.75
0.50
0.50
5 – 6 yrs
1.25
1.00
1.00
0.75
0.50
0.50
7 – 8 yrs
1.25
1.25
1.00
0.75
0.75
0.50
9 – 10 yrs
1.25
1.25
1.00
1.00
0.75
0.50
11 – 12 yrs
1.50
1.25
1.00
1.00
0.75
0.50
Flared dress with three-quarter sleeve
Maxi
Mid-calf
Knee
Mid-thigh
Top
Crop
12 – 24 mos
0.75
0.75
0.75
0.50
0.50
0.25
2 – 3 yrs
1.00
0.75
0.75
0.75
0.50
0.25
3 – 4 yrs
1.00
1.00
0.75
0.75
0.50
0.50
5 – 6 yrs
1.25
1.00
1.00
0.75
0.50
0.50
7 – 10yrs
1.25
1.25
1.00
1.00
0.75
0.50
11 – 12 yrs
1.50
1.25
1.25
1.00
0.75
0.50
Flared dress with long sleeve
Maxi
Mid-calf
Knee
Mid-thigh
Top
Crop
12 – 24 mos
0.75
0.75
0.75
0.50
0.50
0.25
2 – 3 yrs
1.00
0.75
0.75
0.75
0.50
0.50
3 – 4 yrs
1.00
1.00
0.75
0.75
0.50
0.50
5 – 6 yrs
1.25
1.00
1.00
0.75
0.50
0.50
7 – 10 yrs
1.25
1.25
1.00
1.00
0.75
0.50
11 – 12 yrs
1.50
1.25
1.25
1.00
0.75
0.50
* 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:
- Thread to match
Tools needed are, sewing machine, pins, scissors, tape measure or ruler, disappearing ink pen or tailors chalk. Serger/overlocker is optional but not required.