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The Dream is Free, The Hustle Sold Separately

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Easy Wrap-Around Toddler Blouse (or Dress!)

June 11, 2014 by Bethany Sy

I get pretty intimidated to do any type of sewing tutorials, because I know so many of you readers are amazing and seasoned seamstresses. I just have to remind myself that there are others out there that are even more intimidated and inexperienced than I… so if I can give them a confidence boost and a simple project to try? I’m gonna do it!

Wrap-around Toddler Blouse (or dress!) Tutorial.... PERFECT sewing project for 'beginners', or anyone that likes cute things {Sawdust and Embryos}

While I’m proud to be an American, I don’t love decorating my home in ‘americana’ décor. It just isn’t my taste. But since the girls were born so close to the 4th of July, it’s always fun to dress them up all patriotic-like around this time of year. Which made for perfect timing to participate in The Ultimate Red, White and Blue Blogger Collaboration… so fun!

Print

So here’s my contribution to the patriotic inspiration!

My niece Kendall was wearing the CUTEST little handmade wrap-around shirt (a hand-me-down) last summer while we were camping. It looked simple enough for me to replicate, so my sis-in-law let me borrow it to trace! Here’s the shape.

Tutorial for sewing a super simple wrap-around toddler dress {Sawdust and Embryos}

UPDATE! I figured out how to make a pattern PDF! Here’s the dress pattern and the blouse pattern. Included are sizes 2t up to 5/6!

I traced around with a sharpie, giving myself a little bit of clearance for the seam. Then I cut it out with my fabric scissors.

Toddler wrap-around dress {Sawdust and Embryos}

Instructions for sewing a simple wrap-around dress or shirt for toddlers {Sawdust and Embryos}

I did the same onto a white cotton fabric as a liner… which was actually an old white bedsheet.

Then I laid the two facing each other and pinned the edges, and  sewed about a half-inch from the edge.

se

Wrap-around Dress {Sawdust and Embryos}

I left a 2” opening so that I could pull it through and make it right-side-out. Is it just me, or does this look like a chevron Batman symbol?

Wrap-around dress or skirt for toddler {Sawdust and Embryos}

Just criss-cross the two long pieces in back! Simplest design ever. I wish I had thought of it myself!

Wrap-Around Toddler Blouse Tutorial {Sawdust and Embryos}

We used this tutorial to add button holes and buttons. The buttons are just from my vast collection. I lucked out and found 4 that matched! Aren’t my girls just the best little models? Okay OKAY… I bribed them.

Simple wrap-around toddler shirt (or dress!) tutorial {Sawdust and Embryos}

DIY Simple Wrap-around Toddler Blouse (or dress!) {Sawdust and Embryos}

Navy/white star fabric  from (here).

I’m pretty proud of myself for pulling this off. It doesn’t hurt that these are wildly easier than they look. If you’re new to sewing or intimidated like myself, I hope this little tutorial gives you the confidence to try this for that ‘little one’ in your life! If you’re an experienced seamstress, thanks for cringing your way through my entire tutorial! Any tips or suggestions that I may have missed?

Sawdust & Embryos

Suuuper simple wrap-around dress tutorial... so cute for toddlers! {Sawdust and Embryos}

Be sure to check out all these other Patriotic Tutorials from tons of amazingly creative bloggers! Can you spy mine?

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About Bethany Sy

Nick and Bethany Sy are the creative free-spirits behind DIY/Lifestyle blog, Reality Daydream. They recently purchased a historic mansion and have been documenting the ups and downs of renovation and making this home their own... all while sharing tips and tutorials along the way! When they found themselves in the trenches of infertility, they started a journey that would prove to be their most important DIY project ever, and have 3 beautiful girls to show for it. <3

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Comments

  1. 30

    Adrienne B says

    April 3, 2017 at 7:51 pm

    I was wondering about how much fabric you used for each?

    Reply
  2. 31

    Janet Pfeifer says

    July 5, 2016 at 8:58 pm

    When I printed the pdf from this pin it prints smaller than it should. YOu guessed it…my granddaughters have great little matching doll clothes for their outfits! Back to the store now that I have the correct size pattern. I’m not upset–just search for the updated pin with more tutorials..that one works!

    Reply
  3. 32

    Renee Condon says

    February 7, 2015 at 6:31 pm

    I am also wondering if you can give me more details on the pattern. I really want to make one for my 3 year old but since I am a novice sewer I need as much help has possible.

    Reply
  4. 33

    Rachel says

    February 5, 2015 at 3:35 pm

    Can you give a few more details on the dimensions of the pattern? How thick is the top and bottom of the strap? And how much of a drop for the neck (front)?

    Reply
    • 34

      Beth @ Sawdust and Embryos says

      February 6, 2015 at 10:22 am

      I’m sorry this is so confusing. I wish I knew how to make a pattern! I’m going to send you a personal email Rachel.

      Reply
      • 35

        Abena Baiden Bailey says

        May 28, 2015 at 6:13 am

        How about just tracing around one half of the wraparound you made?

        Reply
        • 36

          Bethany @ Sawdust and Embryos says

          May 30, 2015 at 7:08 am

          That’s actually what I did… folded the fabric in half and traced before cutting. Is that what you’re talking about? I actually just made two more yesterday! My girls love them, and they’re so easy to make!

          Reply
  5. 37

    Joni says

    January 23, 2015 at 7:12 pm

    I made this today, no matter how much i cut it or pin it, it is too low cut, you should REALLY post the pattern you used!!!!

    Reply
    • 38

      Beth @ Sawdust and Embryos says

      January 27, 2015 at 7:00 am

      I’m so sorry Joni! I don’t know how to make a pattern PDF, so this was the best I could to. It’s so strange that it’s too low cut.

      Reply
  6. 39

    Candy says

    July 10, 2014 at 11:39 am

    So cute! How much length would you add for a dress from this pattern ?
    I’m itching to make one of these for my 2 Yr old grand daughter. With a diaper cover/bloomers this is a perfect hot summer day outfit!

    Reply
  7. 40

    Kenz @ Interiors By Kenz says

    July 1, 2014 at 8:38 am

    I am addicted to children’s apparel. This is the best thing I’ve seen. Better break out the old sewing machine!

    Reply
  8. 41

    Jackson says

    June 24, 2014 at 6:39 am

    These are awesome. You know what would be more awesome? What about all that extra fabric? Can you make headbands or little flowers things or belts or something? Sorry, my sewing IQ is zero, otherwise I might suggest something useful,

    Ooh, what about a little matching purse. Just add a clip top and string….

    Reply
  9. 42

    Swan says

    June 13, 2014 at 9:36 am

    Fabulous! Makes me want to try it too!

    Reply
  10. 43

    Audrey says

    June 12, 2014 at 10:02 am

    We included your adorable wrap around blouse in our round up of projects to make with Red, White & Blue fabric! (http://skirtfixation.com/2014/06/red-white-and-blue-roundup/)

    Reply
  11. 44

    Renee says

    June 11, 2014 at 1:02 pm

    Those are so darn cute! I am going to make one of these for my granddaughter, Rowan, for next year. Besides being so darn easy, they are perfect for summer! Thanks for showing us your excellent sewing abilities! Good luck tomorrow – been praying for you all!

    Reply
  12. 45

    Ashley @ Cherished Bliss says

    June 11, 2014 at 11:31 am

    These are seriously adorable!! Pinning!

    Reply
  13. 46

    Megan says

    June 11, 2014 at 10:25 am

    I just wanted to wish you good luck tomorrow… and know that I am thinking about you. Just so you know – it is a lucky day – my best friend’s son was born one year ago tomorrow. She was not able to get pregnant on her own, had no eggs, and couldn’t even carry a baby due to no lining in her uterus. But an egg donor, her husbands sperm, and a surrogate later she was able to have a baby! I know that your story will be just as successful. Although as a mom of 2 year old twins myself, I must admit I am in awe of your bravery to do it again 🙂

    Reply
    • 47

      Bethany @ Sawdust and Embryos says

      June 11, 2014 at 11:41 am

      Megan, you’re sooooo sweet! 🙂 I’m glad tomorrow is a lucky day… I could use all the good ‘fertile’ vibes I can get! I can’t believe it’s already here. Time flies.

      Reply
  14. 48

    Capturing Joy with Kristen duke says

    June 11, 2014 at 9:47 am

    I knew this was you from the double blondes!! Cute!

    Reply
  15. 49

    Betsy says

    June 11, 2014 at 8:21 am

    My mom used to make the exact tops for me, almost 50 yrs ago!! Love your blog, cant believe how big your girls are getting!

    Reply
    • 50

      Bethany @ Sawdust and Embryos says

      June 11, 2014 at 11:39 am

      Don’t you love how some things stay classic forever?!

      Reply
  16. 51

    Angela says

    June 11, 2014 at 8:15 am

    A little sewing tip (my mom is a seamstress) if you put the pins going vertically, not horizontally, you can sew right over them!

    With that said, those are adorable!!!!!

    Reply
    • 52

      Bethany @ Sawdust and Embryos says

      June 11, 2014 at 11:03 am

      Ummmmm… that’s GENIUS. Implementing it for my next sewing project for sure!

      Reply
  17. 53

    Pamela says

    June 11, 2014 at 8:14 am

    Love the patriotic theme. My suggestion would be to use a complimentary fabric instead of the white llner. Then the top would be reversible. Of course, one white bedsheet on hand is worth two fabulous fabrics in the store. Also, that stitch all the way around the perimeter of the original top helps keep the edges crisp (especially after washing).

    Reply
    • 54

      Bethany @ Sawdust and Embryos says

      June 11, 2014 at 11:39 am

      Love the idea of using a complementary fabric so it could be reversible! I think I’ll be making lots of these, so I’m definitely going to do that next time! What do you mean about stitching all the way around ‘the original top’? I should leave my opening somewhere else? Is that what you’re saying?

      Reply
      • 55

        Meagan Dobbs says

        June 11, 2014 at 1:56 pm

        I think the “original top” she’s referring to is Kendall’s. I think she is saying that it might help it stay “fresh edged” after washing if you sew around the entire perimeter as a final step. That said… these are absolutely adorable and made me so excited to try and make one… that for a few seconds I forgot I only had boys. :D.

        Reply
      • 56

        Randomcreativity says

        June 12, 2014 at 8:53 am

        I think she means topstitching. After you turn it inside out and iron it flat, you sew 1/8″-1/4″ away from the edge, all the way around the perimeter. It holds the fabric in place and makes it lay flat, which gives it a more finished look, and helps it keep its clean edge and shape through the wash.
        Your girls are so cute! I wonder if an adult version of this shirt would work?
        This is the first topstitching tutorial that google found: http://www.themotherhuddle.com/topstitching-101-the-what-and-how-of-a-topstitch/ 🙂

        Reply
        • 57

          Pamela says

          June 12, 2014 at 1:22 pm

          Topstitching (on Kendall’s top) is exactly what I meant, thank you. Adult version? Yes, if you can figure out how to do bust darts. I think you might have to incorporate side seams. Could work as a cute maternity top??? Best wishes.

          Reply

Trackbacks

  1. Easy Wrap-around Pinafore Dress or Blouse - Sawdust and Embryos says:
    July 13, 2015 at 8:11 am

    […] somehow, miraculously, this post I wrote last year demonstrating how to make a wrap blouse (or dress) has been wildly […]

    Reply
  2. Red, White &/Or Blue Roundup! - Skirt Fixation says:
    June 12, 2014 at 4:00 am

    […] Beth has a tutorial for this fantastic blouse or dress over at Sawdust and Embryos. […]

    Reply

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We are Nick and Bethany! Welcome to our blog, Reality Daydream where we share our DIY adventures!
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