Memorial Day has almost arrived and so has the heat here in the south. All the cute little sundresses now make their warm-weather debut. If there is a sweet little lady in your life, have I got a summer idea for you! My youngest daughter and I came up with a simple pillowcase dress to supply a Ugandan orphanage with clothing. You can see more about her story here. Once things took a turn in our country, we transitioned to making masks for local first responders. Thankfully, that chapter is coming to an end!
Making a Simple Summer Dress
Besides being extremely simple to sew, they are remarkably inexpensive. Choose a pillowcase in any color and design. Your options are limitless. We found a few vintage pillowcases for an adorable retro look. I hope you enjoy making these dresses as much as I enjoy sharing them with you. Keep reading for the easy step-by-step instructions including pictures.
Here are the supplies needed for 2 summer pillowcase dresses. We saved the pouch the pillowcases come in for an adorable matching side pouch. I will share the instructions for the pouch in another post.
. 2 pack of Standard/ Queen Pillowcases
. 1 spool of all-purpose thread
. 3 yards extra wide double fold bias tape
. 3 yards of 1/4 inch wide elastic
Turn the pillowcase inside out. You will keep it inside out until completion.
Be sure to pull the corners out nice and square.
If there is a seam on the closed end of the pillowcase (as pictured here) cut a line along the seam to open the end.
If there is no seam at the closed end, use a square to line up the edges. Draw a line as close to the edge as possible. Cut along the line to open the end.
After cutting your line, your pillowcase will be open at both ends. Fold it in half long-ways.
Make marks about 4 inches down and 2 inches in at the top right corner of folded fabric.
The small plate trick. 
Line a small round plate or lid between the marks and outline with a pencil. This creates a nice smooth curve for the armholes.
Cut the curved line through all four layers of folded fabric.
Unfold the case and “viola” 2 sleeve holes. Keep the cut-out pieces for pockets or a side pouch. (Side pouch tutorial in a future post.)
Fold the top down about 1/2 inch in front and press.
Fold-down another 1/2 and press. This creates your sewing guide for the neck hole casing. Repeat this process on the other side of the pillowcase top.
Edgestitch to create the casing. This is basically a tube you will pull elastic through.
Every machine is different…but we use a modified zig-zag stitch with a width of 2 and a length of 12. This forms an excellent tight hold with the ability to bend and stretch.
Cut two 6-inch lengths of the 1/4 inch elastic. Be sure not to stretch it as you measure and cut. You will have plenty of elastic left over for other pillowcase dresses!
Attach a safety pin to one end of the elastic and slide it through the casing. Attach a safety pin through the elastic and casing on the other end so it doesn’t slide out.
Slide a strip of elastic through the casing causing it to gather. Repeat on the other side.
Remove the safety pins. Sew elastic at both edges to seal it to the casing. Repeat on the other side.
Cut two 36-inch lengths of bias tape for armholes. Keep leftover bias tape for the side pouch. (Side pouch tutorial in future.)
Fold a strip of bias in half to find the center. Pin the center to the center of the armhole.
Sandwich bias tape around armholes making sure the slightly wider side is underneath (inside dress). Stitch to attach the entire length of the armhole leaving extra bias tape at the top to tie the dress at the shoulders. Repeat these steps using a bias strip for the other armhole.
Turn the pillowcase dress right-side out and check for any missed stitches.
Tie the shoulder straps and you’re all done!
As each pillowcase dress is completed, inspect the stitches for strength and hold. Then steam them and try them on for a final inspection.
This dress should bring a smile to any girl’s face!
If We Can Do It, You Can Do It!
If you like making inexpensive and no-cost items for your family, be sure to bookmark this blog for many more ideas. Also, be my guest at the Sawdust and Cornbread YouTube Channel. Until next time, keep that creativity flowing. Believe you can, then you will!
~Lora Lea
