30 Days of Sundresses - Rows of Ribbons

Don't you love it when you get an idea and realize that you have just the right amount of PERFECT materials and notions to make it happen?!  That was me today!!!

I wanted to do something with my ribbon stash for the 30 Days of Sundresses Series since I always seem to think "Oh wow!  That's a great deal on ribbon!  I better buy it!" every.single.time I walk into the fabric store!  When I got out all my little spools of 1/2" grosgrain I realized I also had the perfect fabric to pair with it!

 

 This fabric is "La-Dee-Da" by Westminster and was in the remnant section of Textiles - an awesome fabric store in Nashville!  In fact, when this post goes live they will be in the middle of their HUGE summer sale!  If you're in town you need to check it out! 50% everything and 75% remnants!  (don't worry.... if you don't tell my husband where I'm shopping I won't tell yours!)

I love how the fabric print has little lines that are reminiscent of ribbon or tape! I did a little "Happy! Happy! Joy! Joy!" Dance when I realized how perfect it would match!

Ok, so enough of the cute Eva Mae pictures, here's the easy-peasy tutorial on how you can create the same look!

Materials for a 18-24m:

(I've done the math for this size but you could customize any type of bodice and skirt pattern to make it work for you!  Just make sure you know how long you want your ribbons for the bodice and ties before you cut the ribbon!)  

• Bodice Pattern and fabric for the main and lining (print the pattern in 18-24m here)
• Fabric for the skirt - 44" wide by 15" long
• 15 strands of 1/2" grosgrain ribbon that are 14.5" long
• Sewing machine and notions (pins, thread, optional fabric glue)

Step 1

Print out your pattern and cut out fabric for the front and back bodice in the main fabric and lining fabric.  Transfer the markings of the pattern onto the fabric for ribbon placement.

Step 2

Place the bodice ribbon on the main front fabric and sew on to the bodice.

 

Step 3

Prepare the shoulder strap ribbons

Place them according to the placement markings and baste in place 1/8" from the top raw edge.

Step 4

Place front lining right sides together with front main.  Pin in place and stitch the top and curve as shown in the picture below.  Clip the corners and the curve and turn right side out.  *DO NOT SEW THE SIDES OR BOTTOM! (We will need to attach the back bodice in a later step.)*

Step 5

Repeat steps 1-4 with the back bodice.  Again, make sure you leave the sides and the bottom open.  Turn right side out and press all seams.

Step 6

Now we will attach the front bodice to the back bodice at the sides.  Place bodice pieces right sides together.

 Open up the right side of the front and back bodice so your lining and main fabric are right sides together as shown.

Pin and sew 1/2" seam allowance down the sides.  Trim seam to 1/4".

Step 7

Turn the bodice right sides out and turn the lining in by folding down the side. Topstitch all around the top opening of the bodice.  This will give it a professional look and help secure the ribbon inside.

 Step 8

Now let's work on the skirt!  A helpful hint!  If you can cut your skirt from one piece of fabric - (My measurements for the 2T are 44"x19" so it made it easy to cut across the width of the fabric) - I find that ironing a crease in the middle will help line up the skirt to the bottom so all the gathers are even.

Place skirt piece(s) right sides together.  Sew and finish the edges with a serger, zig zag stitch or pinking shears to prevent frayed edges.  (Or, sew the skirt with a french seam.)

Step 9

Sew two gathering rows across the top of the skirt - 1 at 1/4" and one at 1/2".  Gather the skirt to match the opening of the bottom of the bodice.

Step 10

Pin the skirt to the bottom of the bodice with right sides together.  Match the seam of the skirt to the side seam of the bodice.  If you ironed a crease you can match up that crease with the other bodice side seam.

 

 Sew with a 3/4" seam allowance and then finish the seam with a serger or zig zag stitch.  Turn bodice up and press the skirt seam up to the bodice.  I chose not to topstitch the skirt to the bodice because of the placement of the ribbon on the bodice.

Step 11

Turn the skirt bottom edge 3/4" and press.  Turn under again 3/4" and hem the bottom edge of the skirt.

You're finished!  Tie the ribbons at the shoulders!

I added my Spoonflower label to the outside back for a little extra detail! 

Thanks for reading through!  If you make a dress using the tutorial I would love to hear about it!!!  Tag me on Facebook or Instagram or e-mail me a picture!  Also, you can use the hashtag #30daysofsundresses to see what others are making this month!

 

Make sure you check out all the other awesome sundress posts and have a wonderful summer!