Button Down Dress

Big button-down into fun summer dress!

Posted by plumsong .

About

This project shouldn't take a learned seamstress very long at all, but if you're a beginner like me it might take you longer.

Because I also took pictures and planned my tutorial while working on it (and I'm slow), it took me 8 hours 20 minutes...

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You Will Need (6 things)

  • Button Down Shirt
  • Sheet (or fabric for lining the top)
  • Sewing Machine
  • Sewing Pins
  • Scissors
  • Elastic

Steps (8 steps, 180 minutes)

  1. 1

    Get a button-down shirt that is large enough to encircle your under-bust where that red line is.
    (unless you want it shorter and cut it down farther).

  2. 2

    Cut off the sleeves at the seam.
    (Save for a later step!)

  3. 3

    Now cut off the collar (front and back) a little above the first button.

  4. 4

    Next turn the main piece inside out and try it on.
    You will want to pin the sleeve holes so that it fits your hips and isn't lumpy, then sew a straight stitch!
    (mostly just fit it to your body and sew it up)

  5. 5

    Turn inside out and this is what it should look like!

  6. 6

    Take each of your sleeves and cut off the cuff and at the bottom seam ( black line)

  7. 7

    Use the sleeves and your lining fabric to make the top.
    Tutorial for top: http://forum.threadbanger.com/showthread.php?t=11888

    Then sew it on to the bottom of the dress. I suggest also topstitching over the bottom part because of the fabric.

  8. 8

    Wait for a sunny day or vacation and wear it!