Using a folded elastic at the envelope neckline, this dress is easy to get on and off baby's head. Perfect for new moms who are still trying to figure out how to dress their baby quickly and easily.
Print the pattern out of paper, tape it together as instructed. Cut around black lines to create the dress pattern. Cut two pieces of dress fabric, both at the fold of the fabric.
Fold one side of the dress in half, right sides together, at the fold line. Pin along the top neckline at the fold line.
Open the dress and create an inverted pleat in the center. To create the inverted pleat, place the pleat line, pin in the center, and open the back pleat of the dress so it is centered and flat on both sides. Pin either edge of the back to the dress and remove the fold line. Secure with a foundation stitch along the top edge of the fold, 1/8" away from the edge.
Cut a piece of the foldover elastic for the neckline that is one inch shorter than the actual width of the neckline. Pin the center of the neckline to the center of the dress (at the fold) and pin each edge of the foldover elastic to the side edges of the neckline. This is simply to keep the elastic in place.
Starting at one edge of the elastic, sew the bottom edge of the elastic to the wrong side of the neckline with a zigzag or stretch stitch on a 1/8" seam allowance. Gently tug on the elastic as you go, so that the elastic remains the same. size as the neckline.Remove the pins when you get to them while sewing.
Now you should have something like this.
Fold over the edge of the elastic to the right side of the neckline, covering your raw edge neckline. Pin your “fixed snap” areas and then sew with a zigzag or stretch stitch. Once again, stretch the elastic gently as you sew, so it's the same width as the neckline.
Now you have a beautiful and comfortable neckline. Repeat the steps for the other dress pattern piece.
Lay one dress pattern piece on top of the other, so that the right sides are facing up. Match up the armholes so that the neckline of each dress meets the "X" on the pattern piece. Pin in place and then attach with a basting stitch.
Cut a piece of folded elastic that is one inch smaller than the armhole and sew it to the fabric as you did with the first piece.
Fold the dress on both sides, matching the side seams. Pin and sew the side seams. Finish the seam with a serger or zigzag stitch.
Turn the hem under 1/4" to the wrong side and press. Turn again 1/4" and press, pin and sew.
And you're done. Now you have an adorable baby dress that all moms will love. Pair it with some homemade baby sprouts for the perfect baby shower gift.
