One Pattern, Three Dresses, Part 1

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It is time for the Triple Flip girls to get new dresses. I am going to show you how to use the basic small doll dress pattern from Beginning Hand Sewing for Dolls Part 6 to make three very different dresses.

I reduced the size on my copier and just used the paper patterns to cut out the dresses. Since I used silk, I didn’t use tape to hold the patterns in place. I just held them in place while I cut. You can use pins if it helps.

Supergirl picked out the fabrics and wanted to see the finished dresses the next day.  I thought she knew me better than that.

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The first dress will be made out of lavender silk dupioni. Since it is a bit iridescent, it doesn’t photograph true to its color.  I used both of the pattern pieces and cut them from folded fabric.  However, the back piece was not cut on the fold. I cut a straight line, then placed the pattern piece about 3/16″ away to create a back seam. I will be adding back detail in the next step.

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For the next dress, made from pink silk dupioni, I am only using the back piece.  I cut the front of the dress out of the back pattern piece, placing it on the fold so that the front will not have an opening.

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For the back, I cut it 3/16″ away from a cut line, just like the lavender dress.

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The third dress, cut from pale pink silk tissue taffeta, was cut just like the pink dupioni dress, but was shortened to allow for a skirt. I just folded up the pattern, then cut on the fold line.  This will make a drop waist dress with a back seam.

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I also cut a 2″ x 8″ rectangle for the skirt. I’m not sure if I am going to pleat or gather it, so I cut extra.

Next, I’ll cut matching linings for all three dresses.

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If you have followed my Tutorials, you’ve seen my favorite cutting board many times.  It is my favorite because of it’s compact size and because it swivels.  I cut with a rotary cutter and the swivel allows me to turn the board for the best cutting angle without moving the fabric.

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It is 12″ square and has circle and angle markings. It is the Olfa, RM-12S and is available on Amazon.

Fabric Tips:

  • Every time you handle a piece of fabric from your stash, refold it differently.  If you keep folding it the same way, the creases will get worn or faded.
  • Store your fabrics away from dust and away from sunlight.
  • If your fabric is slippery, it is better to cut each piece separately and not try to cut a double layer.

If you are anything like me, you aren’t a fabric hoarder. I collect fabric because I love it, just like my dolls.

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