How to Sew a Skater Dress With Long Sleeves Out of an Old Bedsheet
Today, I’m going to show you how to sew a skater dress that is perfect for springtime! You don’t even need a zipper for this skater dress. Just some cotton fabric will do. I actually used an old bedsheet for this DIY skater dress. So, let’s get started.
Tools and materials:
- Bodice and sleeve pattern
- Pocket pattern
- Fabric
- Paper
- Marker
- Measuring tape
- Sewing machine
- Scissors
- Ruler
- Matching thread
- Pins
1. Make the bodice pattern
Use or make a basic bodice and sleeve pattern. Then, cut out the pattern onto your fabric. Be sure to cut out the front, back, and sleeves (front and back pieces should be cut on fold).
Then, pin and sew the bust darts as instructed on the pattern.
2. Make the circle skirt pattern
To make the skirt pattern, measure the width of the front and back bodice and take ¼ of that measurement to make your circle skirt. You’ll need to use this circle skirt calculator to get the circumference.
You can make the length as long or as short as you wish; mine was 50cm (19.68 inches).
Draw the pattern onto your fabric.
You should have two half-circle pieces to work with.
3. Make the pockets
Now, cut out the pocket pattern pieces. You’ll need four pieces.
Place one piece 5cm (1.96 inches) from the top. Pin and sew each side the same.
Now, topstitch the pockets.
4. Sew the skater dress
Pin and sew the front bodice to the skirt’s half piece.
Attach the other half of the skirt to the back bodice.
Pin the shoulder seams of both front and back pieces and sew to secure. Ensure your fabric is wrong sides out.
5. Attach facing
Cut facing from your excess fabric, ensuring it’s the same measurement as your DIY skater dress's back and front neckline.
Pin both pieces together and sew at the short ends. Then, zigzag stitch the raw edges.
Pin the facing to the wrong side of the neckline, making sure the seams align. Then, sew to secure.
Cut tiny snips around the seam allowance.
Topstitch the facing, making sure the seam allowance from underneath faces outward.
6. Attach the sleeves
Pin the sleeves to the armholes, starting at the center. Sew to secure and repeat on the other slide.
7. Make the tie straps and belt
Moving onto the belt, cut out two strips of fabric measuring 10cm (3.93 inches) x 100cm (39.37 inches). Fold the strips in half and sew along the edge. Then, turn them right sides out.
This is what you should have.
8. Sew the sides
Pin the armhole and sleeve inseams.
Before pinning the side seams, insert one strap on each side and pin (the strap should be inside). The straps should be located by the waistline’s seam.
Remember to align the pockets, too!
Then, sew the sides in place. This is the result!
9. Hem the DIY skater dress
Woohoo! We’re almost done sewing the dress. Now, what’s left is to hem the bottom. Do this by folding the fabric over twice, pinning, and then sewing.
Don’t forget to hem the cuffs too.
How to sew a skater dress
Isn’t this DIY skater dress just gorgeous? I hope you enjoyed this tutorial on how to make your own skater dress. It’s pretty straightforward to follow and also allows for a wonderful upcycle, too!
Let me know your thoughts in the comments below.
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Fantastic use of an old sheet! So creative!
Nice job! You look cute in it! ❤