The Queen’s Gambit DIY Pinafore

7 Materials

$15

1 Day

Medium

The Queen’s Gambit is one of the most-watched series of the year! I must admit, I only watched it because it had become so popular but once I started I couldn’t help but binge. One of my favorite elements of the show is the costumes! I wanted every piece for myself. I decided that I had to have Beth’s pinafore as part of my wardrobe. Sew along with me as I recreate this stunning piece!

1950s dress

Tools and materials:

Fabric
Pattern paper
Measuring tape
Pins
Marker
Scissors
Sewing machine

1950s clothing

Choose the right fabric

To recreate this beautiful pinafore, I went out and looked for a fabric that looked just like the one in the show. I found this material and bought 3 meters of it which would be more than enough for this sewing project.

Make the skirt

Make a circle skirt

The first step to recreating Beth’s pinafore was the circle skirt. I folded the fabric and started drawing along the radius at the corner.

Measure the skirt length

I then measured and did the same for the length of the circle skirt.

Cut the skirt fabric

I then went shear and cut along both curves that I had drawn on the fabric.

Sew the circle skirt

After cutting, I was so happy with how the circle skirt looked and I couldn’t wait to continue working on the piece.

1950s style dress

Create a bodice pattern

I was trying to figure out how to go about making the bodice for this stunning pinafore when I remembered that I had a pattern for a vest that would work perfectly.

Pin to a mannequin

I started by pinning the pattern pieces onto my mannequin.

1950s dress pattern

I then placed the pieces on the wrong side of the fabric and traced around them.

Cut the fabric

Cut the bodice pieces

I carefully cut out all the pieces I would need for the bodice.

Pin the pieces together

Sew the bodice

I then started pinning the bodice together. I made sure to pin all the pieces, right sides together.

Make a 1950s dress

I was so pleased with the progress I had made. Before sewing, I tried the bodice on my mannequin and on myself to make sure that it would fit.

Sew the bodice pieces together

I moved on to sewing and I made sure to leave some of the side seam open so that I could attach a zipper later.

Sew a 1950s dress

After sewing the bodice, I realized that my pattern didn’t match up on the different pieces. I’m not sure if there is a trick to it or if it comes with experience but it is definitely something I want to try and fix for my next project.

Press the seams

Finish the bodice

Next, I pressed all the seams in the bodice to get a more professional finish.

Hem the raw edges

I debated what to do with the finishing for the bodice. I decided I was a little bit too lazy to line the raw edges and because I used a fabric that hardly frays, I simply hemmed the raw edges.

How to sew a 1950s dress

Sew the pinafore

I sewed the bodice and skirt together and I was so happy with how the pinafore was looking. I decided to raise the waistline at the back a little bit and it definitely helped give the pinafore a more fitted look.

Add a zipper

Finish the pinafore

Lastly, I added in the zipper and hemmed the bottom of the skirt to give it a really nice, neat finish.

How to make a 1950s dress

I am obsessed with my The Queen’s Gambit inspired pinafore! Let me know what you think about this sewing DIY project in the comments!