Bubble Dress Tutorial

Let's get started on the bubble dress!!

The first thing you need to do is measure your child's chest width. Leave some extra room because you don't need a zipper or button for this so you want to be able to get it over her shoulders. Cut a piece of fabric that desired length and 4 1/2 inches wide.

Next measure the strap length you want and cut that length by 4 1/2 inches wide. Here's what you should have.

Now we are going to iron our pieces. Fold the chest piece over and press it with your iron. Do the same with the back straps.

Now sew only the back straps along the seam then turn right side out. Then what I like to do is iron it flat with the seam in the middle. That way when you attach the straps you don't see a seam on the side. It's particular, I know :) So iron flat as shown.

Next you want to close end opening of the back straps because we are going to attach them to the inside of the chest strap. You don't have to do this part, but you won't get any fraying if you do. I serge mine, but you can do yours however you want. After you do that lay them out on the inside of the chest strap where you want it to go, and pin in place. Then top stitch it in place.

Now put that piece on your child and figure out where you want the back straps to lie, pin on the inside of the chest strap, and stitch in place.
At this point the top of the dress will be done. What I like to do is do a stitch all the way across the front of the chest strap for decorative purposes and I do the same along the back straps.
Now for the skirt!! Now that you have your chest measurement already, double it in length for the dress portion because we are going to gather it. Make it whatever length you desire.
Now it's time for ruffling (you all know it's my favorite thing :) ) Ruffle the top of your fabric skirt (for instructions, click here), then pin it to the chest strap as shown. Then sew it in place.

Here's how it will look now.

We're almost done! Now sew the back closed as shown. Make sure that you leave spare room so you cans lip it over your child's head easily.

Now for the bubbling! Fold over the hem, however wide your elastic is, and sew closed, leaving an opening to get the elastic through.

Get your elastic and pull it through.

Sew the elastic together, then sew the hem closed.

Here's how it turned out!

Running to mommy...


The bubble sisters.

Dancing on the porch...

Now running away from mommy...

Bye Bye!

Let me know if you have any questions. And because of all the positive response, I'll be doing a smocked terry dress tutorial- coming soon!

The winner of the ruffle skirt giveaway is Jessica who said,
"Oh yea!! So cute- thanks for the give away. My little baby is not even one yet...but I'd get it that size so that she could wear it when she's a bit bigger (and walking!! ). How cute would it be to see a toddling, little, unsteady baby in that skirt!?"

Thank you SO much for all you who entered. I promise I'll do another one!

Emmy just edited this photo and I had to add it. Isn't it beautiufl? http://emmybelding.tumblr.com