Easy Dress Using Smocked Fabric

SUPPLIES & TOOLS:

• Smocked Fabric - bust measurement minus 3"
• Basic Sewing Supplies
• Sewing Machine

DIRECTIONS:

1. Making the Dress:
• Measure the smocked section of the fabric to be 3" less than the bust measurement.
• The dress can be made smaller later if a tighter fit is desired.
• Cut the fabric starting with the smocked section and then continue down through the skirt.
• Match the cut ends right sides together and sew a seam.
• This will be the center back of the dress.
• Finish the cut edge with a zig zag stitch or a serger to reduce fraying.
• Cut the skirt to 1" longer than the desired length. Turn the edge in 1/2" twice and stitch it in place.


2. Making the Straps:
• With the excess fabric, cut four pieces that are 3 1/4" wide and 24" long. The straps can be made shorter later if desired.
• Fold, right sides together, matching the long edges. Sew the long edge of each strap piece.
• Secure a safety pin to the inside of a strap. Pull the safety pin through the tube to turn the strap right side out. Press.
• Fold the short edges into the inside of the tube and press with iron. Sew the short edges closed.
• Try on your dress and pin your straps where you would like them.
• Sew the straps in place.

JOANN HACKS:

• Instead of making fabric straps, use ribbon or other trim to make the straps for the dress. Cut ribbon ends at a diagonal to reduce fraying or apply a product like Fray Check to keep the edges clean. Sew ribbon or other trim onto the dress where desired.