The Queen’s Gambit DIY Pinafore

Loepsie
by Loepsie
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!

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! 

Suggested materials:
  • Fabric
  • Pattern paper
  • Measuring tape
See all materials

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