Drawstring Jumper Dress- No Pattern Req'd (16977 Views)

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  Step 1 of 17

  I am a Burda size 38, or a 6 ready-to-wear. This is an easy fit and should work for sizes 34-42, but you may add or subtract a 1/4" (6mm) on each side seam if you want to change the size.

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  Step 2 of 17

  I was inspired by an old picture of myself wearing a dress my mother made for me in the same style. (I was CUTE!)

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  Step 3 of 17

  You will need the following:

  2 yards (1.82 meters) of 60" (152 cm) wide fabric (Recommended fabrics: jersey, knits, light weight cottons, gauze) Optional- Cord for straps, otherwise follow instructions here for making your own straps.

  Ruler

  Scissors

  Pins

  Small Safety Pin

  All measurements for the body of the dress include a 5/8" (1.5 cm) seam allowance. The straps have a ¼" (6 mm) seam allowance.

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  Step 4 of 17

  Cut your fabric into two separate pieces, both 1 yard (91.5 cm) in length. Fold in the middle.

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  Step 5 of 17

  The front and back of this dress are the same. You can lay both layers and cut everything at once, or if your fabric is slippery, you can cut each piece separately.

  Mark the 4 points illustrated above.

  A- 11" (28 cm) in from fold at top (neckline)

  C- 34" (86.2 cm) down fold (center front/center back)

  C to D- 8" (20cm)

  D to B- 22" (55.5 cm) (hem)

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  Step 6 of 17

  Using a fabric marker or pins, connect point B to C with a curved line. This will be the hem. Connect B to A with a straight line- this will be the side seam.

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  Step 7 of 17

  Cut out the shape.

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  Step 8 of 17

  You will have two pieces that look like this when unfolded.

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  Step 9 of 17

  Lay the front onto the back, with right sides facing. Pin the side seams in place, leaving 7" (18 c) from the top open. This section will become the armhole.

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  Step 10 of 17

  Sew!

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  Step 11 of 17

  Press the side seams flat. Fold and press the armhole seam allowances inwards and sew along the edge to create the armhole.

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  Step 12 of 17

  This is the finished armhole.

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  Step 13 of 17

  Serge or zigzag the top front and back of dress. To create the strap casing, fold the top inwards 3/4" (1.8 cm) and sew along the edge. Do this for both the front and back.

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  Step 14 of 17

  To make your own drawstring straps from a jersey or stretch fabric, cut two strips of fabric along the grain, 45" (114 cm) in length and 1 ¼" (3 cm) in width. If your fabric does not stretch, cut these straps on the bias. Fold and sew at a ¼". Turn inside out with a safety pin using this technique.

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  Step 15 of 17

  Pull straps through the casing- 1 strap through the front and the other through the back.

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  Step 16 of 17

  Finally, hem the skirt to a length you desire. Shirr casing along the drawstring straps and tie knots. Try on the dress and adjust the straps to a length that is good for you.

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  Step 17 of 17

  Yay! Just like that, you've got a new, comfortable, and cute jumper to frolick in! Post your creations (and maybe some baby pictures, too!)