Making 20 Dresses for Charity

For the past month, I have been busy sewing dresses for charity – 20 dresses to be exact.  Find out how this all started in Part One – Sewing for Charity. 

I finally finished the 20 dresses and they all turned out so cute, it is hard to choose a favorite.  And I had loads of fun decorating them to make each one unique.

In Part 4 of this series, not only do you get to see the dresses, I am including “How-to’s” on decorating the dresses along with the things I learned while making these beauties.

To make these dresses, I used the instructions from Part 3 and that fabulous fabric from Connecting Threads.  I so happy how each of them turned out. The final result: 5 size large, 8 size small and 7 medium.

Tips for sewing 20 dresses for charity

First, I knew I couldn’t sew 20 dresses at a time, assembly line style because I was sure I would lose track of the pieces – which went where.  Plus I was also limited by the size of my sewing room.  My first tip would be to make 3-4 dresses at a time.

Three dresses will take you approximately 2 hours to sew.  If you are making your own straps rather than using bias tape this will add a bit.  Plus add some time if  you decide to decorate the dress (see below for suggestions)

Things I learned

1. Put the white selvages together together when sewing the bands on.  It is easier to follow the white strip when BOTH white selvages are on top. 

2. The iron is your best friend.  Pressing keeps everything neat and straight.  Remember to PRESS any seams or hems– not iron.  Ironing back and forth can stretch your fabric.

3. If you have an iron like mine, that automatically shuts itself off, turn your iron back on when starting the last sewing piece so there is no waiting.  You can also use this time for a bathroom break or to get a snack. 

4. Sew your band hem on the right side.  Your lines will definitely be much straighter.

5. It is easier to press the hem (including the band hem) before sewing the side seams.  You can then open the pressing, sew the side seam, then press only a few inches of the hem you opened.  I found the hem lies flatter this way and you don’t have to straddle the dress around your ironing board.

6. Tip to remember from Part 3.  If you are not using a band, cut the dress longer, then hem under ½ inch then ½ inch again.

 7. Sew your hem AFTER your side seam.  Yes, I had to use the seam ripper on this one!!

8. When cutting your armholes, cut both at the same time.  Anytime you want two pieces the same, cut them together.

9. Buy a bias tape maker!!  (on my Christmas list kids!!) The ties took me quite a long time to make but are worth it to have the fabric match. 

Decorating 20 dresses for charity

There are many ways to decorate these dresses.   Check out our Pinterest Board for ideas!!   This is a group board so if you want to join, send me an email.

I found that the longer size large dresses, in particular, needed a little dressing up as they looked rather plain.

Applique adds a special touch.  If you are not sure how, see the post “Learn to Applique”.

You could also add lace or ribbon.  It can be sandwiched between seams of the body and the band, on a pocket, near the bottom, down the middle or at the top by the elastic casing. NOTE: Add to top casing BEFORE inserting elastic.

HOW TO SEW A RUFFLE

Another alternative is to add a ruffle.  To make the ruffle in the yellow dress,  follow this easy tutorial

STEP 1 – Cut 2 – 5 inch strips x WOF and sew them together end to end.

STEP 2 – Sew two rows of gathering stitches along one length of fabric.  To sew a gathering stitch use the longest stitch setting on our machine.  One row of stitches should be 1/4 inch from the edge and the other 3/8 inch from the edge. 

STEP 3 – To help evenly space the ruffle,  fold the fabric in half and mark both the ruffle and the dress in the middle, then fold in half again and mark again.

If you are “sandwiching” the ruffle between two fabrics pin or baste all three together.

STEP 5 – Sew ½ inch from edge.  Remember to set your stitch length back to normal !!  Remove basting.

STEP 7 – Sew Side seam, then double hem the ruffle.  (Fold under ½ inch, then fold again ½ inch)

STEP 2 – Finish dress as usual

For more on ruffles see our post “Ruffles for Two” where you can learn how to add ruffle sleeves to any sleeveless dress.

HOW TO SEW A POCKET

I also added pockets on a few of the larger dresses.  I thought the older girls may need them and they added a pretty touch.  Here’s how to add a pocket to your dress:

STEP 1 – Cut 2 pieces of fabric 1 inch longer and 1 inch wider than your desired pocket size.  For a pocket 5 inch x 5 inch you will cut your fabric 6 x 6.

STEP 2 – With right sides together sew all around the pocket leaving an opening approximately 1-2 inches long for turning.  NOTE:  If you are adding ribbon or lace, add to one of the pocket pieces before sewing them together.

STEP 4 – Top stitch the top of the pocket.

STEP 6-  Edgestitch around the sides and bottom of the pocket closing the opening.  For extra strength sew a small square at the top of the pocket

TO CURVE CORNERS

Use something round (like a CD) to mark the curve.  Cut, then sew as in Step 2.  Clip the curve before turning the pocket right side out.  HINT:  Do not leaving your opening for turning close to the curve. 

SECRETS REVEALED

OK. I will reveal my favorite – the PURPLE DRESS  And, I have to confess, that I only got 18 dresses out of the fabric I bought because I forgot to account for the straps. So I made two from my stash.  I absolutely loved this little purple dress and I have a ton of this fabric.  I bought it as backing for a quilt until my daughter changed the color of her bedroom.  Think I will use it to make more next summer!!  Stay tuned.

Pillowcase dresses are so simple and easy to make.  Sewing these dresses for charity was an inexpensive way for me to contribute to a worthy cause.  These would be a great idea for Teachers, Church Groups, Girl Guides or any organization looking for a “Learn to Sew” project.  I hope you enjoy making them as much as I did.  If you want to see more up close pictures of the dresses, follow me on Instagram or check out the Pillowcase Dresses Board on Pinterest.

I would love to see the dresses you made. Tag them on Instagram to #nanasewsforcharity @whatsnanamaking2019.

I also appreciate your questions and comments and don’t forget to share!!

UP NEXT –  Sewing For The Boys!!  Before I ship these off, I also have 10 pairs of shorts to make.  Watch for PART 5.