Button Ruffle Dress Or Top

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  Step 1

  Cut out 4 pieces for the bodice. I used a shirt the size I wanted for a pattern for the width, neckline and arm holes. 2 of the pieces can be a matching solid color because they are used as the lining.

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  Step 2

  Cut 2 of the pieces in half they will be the front.

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  Step 3

  Sew the 2 back pieces of the bodice right sides together leaving the bottom open and turn it right side out and press with an iron.

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  Step 4

  Do the same for the front pieces of the bodice.

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  Step 5

  Cut a rectangle that is 2 inches longer than the back bodice piece on both sides and the desired length. This one is not very long because it is intended as a top. Finish of the raw edges using a serger or zig zag stitch.

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  Step 6

  Cut strips for the ruffles that are 3" by 44". I used 6 strips because it is not that long. If you are making a dress you will need more. Serge the bottom of the strips or hem each one.

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  Step 7

  Turn the strips into ruffles and you can add tulle behind each strip if you want. I cut my tulle 3 1/2" by 44". You can make the ruffle with a serger or sewing machine. On my serger I set the differential feed to 2.0 and use the highest length and width with the needles tension both set at 6. On a sewing machine, use a straight stitch and set the length and tension on the highest setting. Make sure to leave extra thread before and after. You may need to stretch the ruffle out some. You should do one strip first and if it ruffles too much and the strip now is way too short adjust the tension. I also went ahead and finished off the raw edges of the short sides.

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  Step 8

  Now it is time to attach the ruffles. Depending on your length and number of ruffles you will have to do some math to figure out how far apart to space them. Just make sure the bottom of the ruffle covers the top of the previous one. Because this dress has buttons going down the middle you can attach the ruffle in a straight line by sewing it directly on top of your rectangle. If you were making a basic ruffled skirt you would have to make a tube with your rectangle first then make small tubes (basically circles) with each ruffle and then attach. To make a tube with a rectangle just serge right sides together or sew with a straight stitch and go back over it with a zig zag to finish the raw edges.

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  Step 9

  You may have some ruffles that are a little too long. Just bunch it up while you're sewing to make it shorter. Also, you may have some ruffles that are too short. Just stretch them out to fit.

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  Step 10

  About half way through I turn it around and start sewing from the top.

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  Step 11

  A view from the back. As you can see my stitches aren't perfectly straight :)

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  Step 12

  After you have attached the last (top) ruffle if you have a little extra fabric on top just run it through the serger to match the top ruffle or cut it off and finish the raw edge with a zig zag stitch.

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  Step 13

  Back to the bodice. If you used a different fabric for the lining make sure to put the right sides together and sew it together at the top and the side attaching both front pieces to the back.

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  Step 14

  At this point you basically have a vest and you should finish off the raw edges along the bottom.

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  Step 15

  To attach the bodice to the skirt put right sides together and sew just the first half of the front of the bodice to the skirt.

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  Step 16

  Before you continue sewing, pin the second half of the bodice the end of the skirt piece

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  Step 17

  By doing the step above you will have more of the skirt than the bodice. Attach it by adding a few pleats to make it a little fuller in the back.

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  Step 18

  After attaching the 2 pieces together check all the way around the seam to make sure the stitching isn't showing. If it is go back and make sure to sew on the left side of the previous stitch.

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  Step 19

  Measure the length of the front of your dress and cut 2 rectangles that is an inch longer and 8 inches wide. Finishes all the edges.

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  Step 20

  Fold and press the short sides of each rectangle. Then fold the rectangle in half and press the crease.

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  Step 21

  Unfold the rectangles and fold both edges to the center crease and press.

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  Step 22

  Put the edges of the dress inside the pieces you just pressed and pin it in place.

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  Step 23

  Sew the button casing closed on both sides. I started on the inside of the short side and just turned the fabric while the needle was down to do it all at once.

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  Step 24

  Add buttons and buttonholes evenly spaced and you're done.

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  Step 25

  This pattern can be worn as a top or a dress. You can even make a matching pair of pants to go with it. Happy Sewing!

Comments

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Anna H. · Kassel, Hesse, DE · 243 projects 19th December 2012

At first glance I thought it was a bag! Looks super cute, and to be honest.. I'll make it. As a bag xD

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