Pillowcase dress a good beginner project for young sewer
Dear Julia: My daughter has watched me sew for years, and she recently started showing interest in wanting to learn. I’ve taught her the basics, and now we’re ready for her first project. She wants to make a dress, but I’m not sure if she’s ready. What do you think? — Sarah C.
Hi Sarah: I say go for it! As long as the pattern is simple and she has your guidance, I think she can handle it. I suggest a pillowcase dress. This is the first item of clothing that I had my own daughter sew.
A pillowcase dress is about as simple as it gets. You even can find instructions for making one that uses an actual pillowcase. But I would have your daughter start from scratch so that she is practicing more of the steps in constructing a garment.
Like Vicki, I also like to support independent businesses and artists. I found this downloadable pattern for a pillowcase dress from Whimsy Couture. It’s called “Mommy & Me Pillowcase Top-Dress Pattern Bundle,” and you can find it on Whimsy Couture’s Etsy shop at www.etsy.com/shop/whimsycouture. It gives you the option to make a dress or a top, and it comes in both adult and children sizes.
To make it easier for your daughter, have her make the simpler version with the standard hem instead of the ruffle, and use store-bought ribbon for the strap instead of constructing one. Once she is successful with this version, then have her move on to the one with the ruffled hem.
Dear Julia: I always use a basic seam when sewing. What are some of the other types of seams? — Jennifer H.
Hi Jennifer: The basic plain seam is the easiest way to join two pieces of fabric together. But there are many other more complicated seams that you can use. Here are just a few:
A French seam gives a professional finish to your garment. It encases the raw edges on the inside of the garment, making it a great option for sheer garments, where the seam will be visible.
A flat-fell seam also hides the raw edges, but on the outside of the garment. It’s what you typically see on jeans. After stitching a plain seam, the raw edges are tucked under on the outside of the garment and sewn flat in a second line of stitching, creating a sturdy join. Both types of seams give your garment a professional finish.
If those two techniques sound too complicated, an easier way to get the feel of a store-bought garment is to sew a serged seam. It’s quick and easy, and like the French and flat-fell seams, it prevents your seams from raveling.