Patterns, Techniques, Articles, Blogs, and other resources to learn how to sew
Gingercake from ginia18 shows how to make a little girl’s nightgown out of a vintage pillowcase. So pretty!! The downloadable pattern is for a size 4T, but you could adapt it for a larger or smaller girl if needed. Get the free pattern.
[photo from Gingercake]
I’m always tempted by the pretty velvets at the fabric store. So much texture! And the way the fibers catch the light! But sewing on velvet is trickier than you’d think. That nap that lends beautiful texture also likes to slip and crawl. That nap can also spell disaster if you cut a piece the wrong direction. That isn’t to say you shouldn’t use buy that velvet and sew it into something gorgeous, you just need to go into your velvet sewing project prepared. And Melissa at Melly Sews has a post that takes you step by step through sewing on velvet.
Velvet is such a luscious fabric, especially for winter sewing projects. Of course there are velvet Christmas sewing projects – stockings, tree skirts, santa hats – but velvet is beautiful for all winter. Think of all the gorgeous velvet dresses, evening bags, hair accessories, even pillows and other home décor that you see all winter long.
Melly Sews’ post gives you the tips and tricks you need to know in order for your velvet sewing project to end up a success. There are types of projects better suited for velvets, and kinds of projects to avoid. She describes the different types of velvet available. And she also tells the best way to lay out and cut your pattern pieces from velvet fabric. Her tutorial also covers marking, pressing, and of course sewing that beautiful fabric. There’s also a video included in case that’s your preferred method for learning.
Head over to Melly Sews to learn how to sew on velvet fabric.
And if you want to learn more about that lovely blue velvet dress shown, she has a post that tells more about it including 2 ways to style it depending on if you want to be more dressy or more casual.
[photo credit: Melly Sews]
Thank you so much for this pattern! I just made 2 for my daughters and I can hardly wait until they wake up tomorrow morning to see their new nighties. I love the classic, girlish design. Many thanks and God bless!
I altered the pattern for some fleece fabric and it turned out beautifully! My printer wasn’t working, so I traced the pieces right off the computer screen. Instead of gathers, I put in some pleats at the front. Nice quick pattern, simple and effective. Thank you so much!
I need this pattern to add to the regular pillowcase dress to teach to our classes for our church. We make these little dresses for charity and the nighties would be fantastic.
Thank you so much for sharing.
I just finished this pattern and it turned out AMAZING! I am an absolute novice to sewing. I have hemmed a shirt and pants before, that’s about it. Very easy directions and pattern. Thank you so much! I will be making a ton of these for my little loves!!!!
Made my first nightie tonight for my granddaughter! I am so proud of myself. I hope to make another one for her sister tomorrow. Thank you for sharing this pattern.