I have two version of this strapless dress that is so cute with either a straight skirt or a gathered skirt made from lace (or any fabric–just add hem allowance as lace has a finished edge):
Instructions for saving and printing jpg or pdf files are here.
Download pdf file of Sun Dress Pattern pdf
Directions for Sewing the Blue Dress with Straight Skirt
Cut out all three pieces in fabric of your choice, should be fairly light weight. Mine is made of cotton chambray, a fabric commonly used in shirts.
- Mark and sew the darts
- Sew the bodice to the skirt with waist edges together
- Add a piece of 1/4″ ribbon to the waist edge at this time if you want the same look as in my photograph. Tack the ribbon at the back edges.
- Hem the lower edge by hand or machine
- Turn back one edge of the center back and stitch down by hand or machine
- Add snaps at three places along the back edge (or apply small velcro patches)
Barbie is ready to go in a comfortable blue cotton shirting dress.
Directions for Sewing the Sundress with Gathered Lace Skirt
- Mark and sew the darts on the bodice
- For the skirt cut a piece of lace that is 4″ wide and about 12″ long. OR cut a piece of lightweight fabric about the same size.
- Make two rows of long machine stitching to gather the waist edge. Tie one end of your stitching rows and gather up until you have the same distance between the gathering as the bottom edge of the bodice.
- Sew the bodice to the skirt with waist edges together adjusting your gathering so that it is even.
- Hem the lower edge by hand or machine if you are using fabric and not lace.
- Turn back one edge of the center back and stitch down by hand or machine
- Add snaps at three places along the back edge (or apply small velcro patches)
Barbie is ready to go in a comfortable cotton sun dress with a lace skirt. Very cute!