Girls dress, tunic or top sewing pattern -- Shelley Dress or Top

The Shelley Dress & Top has multiple style options and includes a baby knickers pattern. This pattern is suitable for all seasons as a dress or top. The dress is an A-line shape with tucking as a feature on the front and short or long sleeves with decorative machine top stitching as an option. There are many options for the dress: short sleeve, long sleeve, lace trim, embroidery top stitching, plain top stitching, dress, tunic or blouse length or any combination of these features. Dress it up with lovely trims or make it plain and simple. The step by step tutorial shows how to make all options.

SIZES: 00, 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8 --- to fit girls and toddlers 3-6 months to 8 years. INTERNATIONAL SIZING --- size relates to age e.g. 2 = 2 year old child. A size chart in inches and centimeters is included. Always check the size chart before you start.

EXPERIENCE: Intermediate. There is a zip but no buttonholes. You need only plain sewing skills to make the dress, accuracy and neatness are essential.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: For the fancy top stitching you will need a sewing machine that has some auto programmed embroidery stitches. Most machines have at least a small selection of fancy stitches. Alternately you can make the dress with plain stitching.

FABRIC: Most suitable are light to medium weight fabrics e.g. poplin, lawn, homespun, linen and similar fabrics. For a winter dress wool fabrics like fine gaberdine or crepe can be used. Choose prints that will allow the embroidery to stand out or you can make the dress in a plain fabric. Not suitable for bulky fabrics.

FABRIC REQUIRED: Amount required depends on the pattern variation. All fabric lengths and trim details are given in the sewing tutorial. As well as fabric you may need glossy machine embroidery thread in a complimentary colour plus a range of trims. Trims and embroidery are optional.