Take the Dollhouse Designs IRL Dress pattern a step further using this pattern hack that will show you how to create a sleeveless, collarless, dress with a lettuce hem. Your doll will love wearing this cute new dress to all of her summer shindigs!
You will need the IRL Dress pattern to get started. No additional supplies are needed to create this look, although a “stretch” sewing needle can often be helpful when sewing with knits. Small scissors are also helpful with trimming at the hem.
Pattern Pieces 4 and 5 are omitted in this Pattern Hack View.
Sleeveless Option & Round Neckline Instructions
Step 1:
Follow pattern instructions for View A, Steps 1 through 7. This will also work well for View B.
Serge or zigzag around both armscyes (arm holes) and neck opening.
Fold finished seam allowances to inside. Stitch armscyes and neckline, as shown.
Lightly mist with water and press with a medium iron setting.
Step 2:
Align bodice front & back at sides, Right Sides Together (RST).
Stitch, backstitching at beginning and end.
Serge or zigzag and trim seam allowance.
Lettuce-Edge Hem Instructions
Achieving this wavy/curly edge hem treatment with a sewing machine is very simple.
A stretch sewing machine needle is very helpful for this step, but not necessary.
It is created by stretching the fabric as you sew a zigzag stitch.
Step 1:
Follow View A, Steps 17 through 19 to attach skirt to dress.
Fold under 3/8” at raw skirt edge. Mist with water and Press at fold to create a guideline to follow.
Using a scrap of your dress fabric, make a few test samples of this stitch technique described below to find the best machine settings. Adjust the stitch length and zigzag width to find the best combination for your fabric. Write the settings down for your own reference. This will prevent any damage to your dress fabric.
Test first. Using a narrow zigzag and shortened stitch length, make the first 3 or 4 stitches as normal. It is very important to leave the needle in the Down position when repositioning your fabric as it feeds through the machine.
Begin to stretch the fabric, pulling it from behind the needle and especially as it passes under the needle. Continue zigzagging and stretching, trying to keep an even amount of tension. The fabric will naturally create a very pretty lettuce-edge hem.
Step 2:
After stitching, use a small pair of sharp scissors to very carefully trim the excess fabric from the hem allowance. Trim just above stitching, taking care not to cut into the dress fabric.
Hem is complete.
Your new dress is complete! Your doll is all set for her summer party!
(Fabric used was a Timeless Treasures galaxy print jersey knit.)
Renee and the Pixie Faire Team
9 Comments
Leave a comment
Bonnie
September 21, 2018
Very clever and love the dress thanks for sharing