I need someone who knows a little about basic dress patterns / sewing.

[alabasterangel]

Ok. I have some stupid questions.

I've got a great machine. I can make curtains, pe bags, cushion covers, tie backs etc but I've never attempted clothes. I don't want to create masterpieces, but I do struggle to get simple cotton tabard a line type dresses for my very very tall 6 year old and I'm going to have a go at making one. I've looked at examples and instructions online endlessly and it doesn't faze me, I get what I've got to do....

But..... I don't have a pattern. I can see free basic download patterns ( for things like pillowcase type dresses) which are spot on for my first go, but how do I get them printed? Surely they are way bigger to print than my home printer a4 can deal with? And the patterns you buy in the shops for this type of dress only seem to go up to about age 5 and I want more like 6, 7, 8?

Can anyone share wisdom, please?

I think they print off in sections on normal paper and you stick them together. Then you can trace it on to white baking parchment (cheaper than tracing paper). I assume that's how it works as I've never printed one before!

You could also make up your own pattern if you can work out the general shape of the dress. You can use a top which fits her well to draw out the neckline/arm holes then measure to the length you want. It would be quite easy if you're only looking to do a simple dress.

I have found eBay and also Etsy good for patterns so that's worth a look, and Pinterest has links to loads of free patterns too.

www.etsy.com/uk/listing/108283793/a-line-dress-pattern-for-girls

Like this!!

You can either print them and stick them together or take them to a print shop and they'll print them on one sheet. There's usually one near universities and colleges if that helps?

You'd be able to make that very easily! Does dd have a vest top of something with a similar neckline you can trace from? Trace it with a good seam allowance and add an extra few cm to the back to account for the tabs which will overlap to the front with the button hole (if that's make sense! Couldn't work out how to word it).

Measure from the neckline down to your desired length on your dd and literally just draw an A line shape down from the bodice. It's really easy and I'm sure you'll be able to work it out if you've done other bits of sewing before.

Most online patterns are laid out so you can print them on a bunch of sheets of A4 and stick them together, jigsaw fashion, into one big piece. There are things that can go wrong with the scaling, though, so do give that some thought. I think they probably have a scale indicator, which, once printed, you can validate against a ruler.

I usually buy paper patterns from jaycotts... They have a decent range. Make sure you have a look under the size options in case the older girls stuff is just in the next size range up. Alternatively, look for paper patterns by smaller manufacturers. There's a great Dutch (I think) company called Onion, who design really lovely simple kids' stuff. And keep your eyes peeled for Burda magazine, which frequently includes patterns for children's clothes.

With burda magazine, you need to get some big sheets of tissue paper, or other paper you can trace the pattern pieces onto. I recommend that for other patterns too, otherwise you cut up the printed pieces and can't use the different sizes/lengths another time. I'd also recommend you get yourself a reference book on sewing/dressmaking techniques. I have a cheapo DK one with step-by-step photos and diagrams for things like darts and pockets, which can be really useful as a back-up to the pattern instructions.

www.jaycotts.co.uk/products/nl6504#.VDpbFye9KSM

Thank you all. Stupidly I didn't think of tracing an existing dress - so obvious - thank you. I'll also have a look at jaycotts. Maybe for the first attempt I'll buy a pattern!! I might try a pillowcase type thing but make it a bit shorter to be worn over a tee and leggings, like a top....

Oh that jaycotts pattern is perfect!! Ordering now, thank you!!

Oh, fab! I'm sure you'll enjoy it

Done it!!! Thank you for all the help. I traced a dress she has and just went for it. Easier than I imagined and about 2 hours. Fully lined for substance! Hope she likes it.,..

Oh it's so cute! Well done. You can make her hundreds of them in different colours now

Should have done it years ago. I made her a little bag too. I can see this getting quite addictive....

God, you're fast out of the traps! Well done!

It was my day off work and it was burning a hole in my brain

Oh, that's lovely!