Summer here in Idaho is hot, hot, hot. To the point that some days it feels like we are melting. We do everything we can to stay cool. We swim in the pool, eat popsicles with our popsicle holders and wear all the cool clothes we can find.

Most years it is easy to find clothes for my kids to wear. But sometimes I just want something a little more dressy or a bit more summer themed. That is why I love this girls summer dress pattern.

Keep that little one cool all summer long with this free girls sundress pattern for sizes 6 month to 12 years.

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It was inspired as a 4th of July dress for my daughter. I had some very cute fabric and wanted it her to have a patriotic dress that was cool enough for the hot fourth of July weather.

It morphed into this sweet and fun sundress. She loved it. I loved it and now you will love it.

It is the perfect outfit for hot weather. With double straps that pull over the shoulders and tie in a bow and a gathered skirt for more fullness and fun.

Add a top underneath for more coverage during cooler weather and pair the tunic with your favorite leggings or shorts.

A great pattern for adventurous beginner. Includes step-by-step instructions, full color photos, and full size pattern pieces. Comes with pattern pieces for sizes 3 month, 6 month, 12-24 month, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 10, and 12.

Want the entire Girls Firecracker Sundress Pattern and full step by step photo tutorial and none of the hassle? Grab it for $3.97 in our Etsy Shop. No need to access the internet each time you want to make your own.

Free Girls Sundress Pattern

Materials Needed

Girls Sundress Sewing Pattern - grab for free at the end of the post
1-1.5 yards Main Fabric: cotton, cotton blends, flannel, linen, quilting cottons, or voile.
1/4 yard Contrasting Fabric for Bodice Sides
1/4 yard Fabric for Shoulder Ties (or you can use bias tape or ribbon)
1/4 yard Lining Fabric
Thread

Step 1

Take your 4 shoulder ties. With RST, fold them in half lengthwise. Stitch down the long edge of the shoulder ties at 1/4" and down one of the short edges.

Weave the short sewn side through the tie until you turn it right side out. You may want to use some type of turning tool. Repeat with remaining ties. Press well.

Optional Bias Tape: Instead of making ties, you can use bias tape. However, you will want to stitch all the way down the open edge of the bias tape.

Optional ribbons: When using ribbons make sure to finish the edges of your ribbons so they don't fray. Using a match to melt the ends is usually the fastest and easiest method.

Step 2

With Right Sides Together (RST), place side pieces on the center front/back piece. Stitch sides to center front. Repeat with back pieces.

Step 3

Press raw edges towards the side seams so that the bodice front and back lay flat. If you wish to topstitch, you can do this now

Step 4

Place ties on the bodice front piece. Start by pinning one of the ties over the center of the seam where the side /piece meets the center front piece.

Pin the next tie 1/2" away from the first tie. Repeat with opposite side. Baste the bottom edge of all 4 ties to the bodice front at about 1/4". DO NOT STITCH THE TIES DOWN ANYWHERE ELSE. Your ties will be hanging, but we will fix this later.

Step 5

With RST, place the bodice front and bodice back together. Stitch down the side seam. Repeat with lining. Press the side seams flat and open.

Step 6

Place the bodice top over the lining with RST and pin in place matching side seams and corners. Make sure that your ties are hanging out of the bottom of the top.

Stitch around the top of the bodice and the armholes. Trim your corners and clip around the curved edges on both the front and back.

Step 7

Turn bodice right side out. Push out the corners and press. Topstitch around the entire bodice front and back about 1/8" from the edge.

Step 8

Open the bodice and press the bottom edge of the lining towards the wrong side 3/8".

Step 9

On the bodice back, use your pattern piece to help you mark where the buttonhole goes on each side. Your buttonholes should be at least 3/4" but no bigger then 1" wide. Stitch buttonholes.

If you are using a smaller ribbon, you'll want a smaller buttonhole. (Refer to your machine manual on how to properly sew a buttonhole.) Carefully cut open your buttonholes.

Step 10

With RST, place your skirt pieces together. Stitch down your side seams. Press seams flat and open. Finish edges with a zig-zag or pinking shears.

On bottom edge, press your hem up 1/4" and then fold another 1/2" all the way around the skirt. Stitch the hem right along the top edge of the folded hem.

Optional: Topstitch the side seams

Step 11

On the top edge of the skirt, place gathering stitches.

Step 12

Place skirt up next to the bodice. Pull gathering stitches so that the skirt is the same length as the bodice top.

Step 13

Place the skirt inside the bodice top, with RST, matching raw edges. The lining should be pulled down so not to be stitched. Match the side seams of the bodice to the side seams of the skirt.

Pin bodice and skirt together. Carefully pull gathering stitches so that the bodice and skirt match up perfectly. Stitch around the main bodice and skirt.

Step 14

Press the raw edge of the skirt towards the bodice. Carefully fold the lining of the bodice down so that the folded edge of the lining covers the raw edge of the skirt. Pin.

Step 15

Topstitch around the entire bodice lining or you can handstitch the lining to the skirt. Make sure your ties are out of the way so you don't sew them down.

Step 13

Turn your bodice right side out, pin the ties to the bodice. Stitch the ties to the bodice starting at the skirt and stitching towards the top edge of the bodice. Making sure to backstitch at the beginning and end. Repeat with all the ties.

Step 14

Pull your shoulder ties through your buttonholes. Tie them together in a bow.

Want the free Girls Sundress Sewing Pattern? Simply click the button below.

Free Girls Sundress Pattern

Free Girls Sundress Pattern

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