This post is a collection of lots of free tutorials to sew kids’ dresses gathered from all over the internet. Some of them are good, some very very good. You be the judge.
I love sewing dresses for my girls. There are so many sewing inspirations all around to make your sewing effortless.
I have compiled a list of some excellent tutorials and patterns that some very creative good souls have shared for all of us – moms who want to stitch their kids’ dresses on their own.
Have fun going through them.
You may want to check out the post on ‘Measurements for sewing children’s clothes‘ with a ready reckoner BODY MEASUREMENT CHART.
And this post for some Simple frock design ideas: tips for cutting and sewing kids frocks
Dresses and Frock sewing patterns for little girls
You need to follow some rules when sewing for perfect results – checkout the 15 dressmaking tips and tricks here
List of the patterns and tutorials
Please note that by selecting the title, you will be taken to the relevant website.
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Valentine’s Frock, Gathered Neckline Dress Tutorial
This beautiful vibrant scarlet red color gathered neckline dress is the perfect one to start my list with- the drafting of the dress pattern to your girl’s size is explained nicely and your girl will love you for taking the effort to draft and stitch this one for her.
Simple Gathered dress for girls
This tutorial is from this site itself – to self draft and sew a very easy gathered frock with a button placket on the back and lining inside.
Piped Wrap Dress
This dress is a perfect one to test your creative sewing capacities; This tutorial comes with clear instructions to draft the pattern and sew; The striped fabric used is the highlight of this dress, so be sure to find a similar one in your favourite color.
The piping done in a contrast colour adds to the beauty of the dress.
Little Grey dress
A very classy and elegant looking dress for your princess with sewing instructions. It is perfect for winter wear.
Braided Little girl’s dress
This dress is just Wow. It is by mesewcrazy.com ; check out the photos here and the tutorial
The Baby Doll dress
This tutorial by weekend designer can be used to make a baby doll dress for a little girl as well and it will look beautiful if stitched in chiffon.
The only drawback is that you need a lot of cloth for stitching this dress as the whole thing is 3 layers . Worn with leggings it is a very chic dress.
Martha Stewart re-purposed dress pattern
Very easy to stitch pattern, the dress is made from an old men’s shirt.
Toddler dress with peter pan collar
The photo tutorial for sewing this adorable dress makes it all look ‘sew’ easy.
Guinevere’s Gown
This brilliant and easy tutorial shows you how to make this King Arthur gown and is perfect for any costume party. You will definitely be making it many times over after the first time
Easy wrap around pinafore dress
Such a cute dress and that too with printable patterns here at realitydaydream
4 Season Crossover Top
Very aptly named 4 season by the author at prettyprudent this can be worn any time by your baby; printable patterns for a size 3 T , but you can adapt it to your requirement with some alterations
Summer time jumper dress pattern
Jumpers are very comfortable dresses to wear in the summer and hence very popular.
There is no need for you to buy an expensive one from the shop. Go ahead and check out this sewing tutorial at bloomsnbugs.blospot.in; method to make the dress in different size is also given.
Flutter sleeve peasant top
This is a tutorial for a top but you can alter it into a dress and it will look beautiful. The tutorial is here at scatteredthoughtsofacraftymom.com.
Super simple fancy Dress
Repurposed from a lace skirt, this looks awesome. Go over to nacyscourture.blogspot.in for instructions
Rainbow dress
A totally worth it dress stitching instructions from my favourite blogger madebyrae.
Faux peter pan collar dress
Very good looking dress, you can make this for your daughter to wear for any formal function, and I guarantee she will look gorgeous, and You will be proud that you made her so. Find the instructions at mellysews.com
Toddler Peasant Dress Pattern
This is a tutorial for a very easy peasant dress
Super simple girls sundress
As the name says it, this one is a delightful simple sundress you can make again and again in different fabrics to build your little ones summer wardrobe.
Vivienne Toddler Jumper
The instructions to make this toddler jumper can be found at Burdastyle
Easy wrap Tunic
This is so cool and casual, ideal tunic for summer ; Very easy to follow pictorial instructions, this is a must make and easy sew.
Japanese dress pattern
This is a very simple dress but looks so cute and elegant as all the Japanese patterns do; Made by the blogger at sewinlove.com.au the pattern can be printed ; Also check out the instructions here
Collar dress
A very simple collar dress by Blooms and Bugs and your little kids will look very classy in this .
Easy tutu skirt
Pink is a favorite among girls (young of course) and which little girl wouldn’t love their mama to make this easiest tutu with just some elastic and tulle fabric in pink.
No sew mermaid costume
This a very stunning tutorial for an easy no sew costume for the next party for your little one ; check it out at bloomsnbugs.
Twirly Tshirt dress pattern and tutorial
A very gorgeous dress in a very gorgeous printed fabric – get the tutorial and pattern and go and sew it for your precious one.
Long sleeve dress from knit fabric
This tutorial with printable pattern in different sizes makes a dress suited for the winter ; to be made in knit,with clear instructions.
Caroline Dress
This tutorial is from one of my favourite sewists craftinessisnotoptional.com and your kids will love you if you make this dress for her dress .
Pleating fabric for smocking without a pleater
Such a useful tutorial when sewing a girls dress ; learn it from the expert creationsbymitchie.blogspot.in
Overall for girls
Lier of Ikatbag is my all-time favorite blogger and her patterns are so creative and easy to follow; this is a must-read blog for all things, kids, not only dresses; checkout the overalls for girls and the basic pattern here
A line Pullover dress
A very easy to sew dress in Knit from scatteredthoughtsofacraftymom.com (love the name and I totally empathise); Patterns for different sizes are available.
Overall Pants with Pocket
This site is in a different language but the tutorial is explained well with photos and the way she drafts the pockets is very funny. well worth a look if you use the translate option in google chrome.
Liberty Dress
This gorgeous dress tutorial is a must try ; check it out at andreasnotebook.com
Katy Dress
This dress by craftinessisnotoptional.com is a very elegant-looking winter dress to be sewn in knit fabric. the tutorial makes it very easy to sew; this is a must-dress in your child’s winter wardrobe.
A simple to sew Pillow case dress tutorial
This little dress is so simple to sew but looks so good ; actually the author has sewn this for a special occasion so it has double layers but if you need to make a simpler one with some ruffles you can look at the tutorial from the same blog
A simple dress for 6-9 month old girl
Though this tutorial is in a different language I had to add this to the list for its simplicity and cuteness. If you use google translate and the self explanatory diagrams by the author, you will be able to execute this pattern very well.
Itty bitty baby dress pattern
This one is a winner; I have made this for my younger daughter myself, and it turned out really good. This pattern is available as pdf for you to print. Use the prettiest cotton in your collection to sew this.
This is a tutorial inspired by another tutorial for a peasant dress for adults as well as a dress from Gap. The model who is cute as a button adds to the beauty of the dress.
onesie to dress tutorial
It’s difficult to imagine that this beautiful dress was once an onsie. The author repurposed a not-fitting-anymore-onesie to this very easy to construct but beautiful dress.
Sweet as berry little girl dress
This dress has some pretty ruffles in the sleeves and in the front of the bodice. The directions to sew are very clear and detailed so don’t worry about the ruffles even if you are a beginner.
This one is a winner from the sequins in the bodice to the full skirt. The gorgeous dress is just the right one for you to sew for a function or just like that.
Comfy knit dress tutorial
This dress is as comfy as it is named; your child can easily put it on and go about her play business.
There are two versions to this easy to wear and easy to sew dress: a flouncy, twirly 2 tier skirt and another one with a less full single-tier skirt with side seam pockets.
Tinker bell costume
Every girl wants to be tinker bell. So the next best thing you can offer is a costume.
A Dutch baby dress pattern
This simple to sew pattern and tutorial comes with patterns in different sizes. The different fabric /colour options the author has sewn are so beautiful you will surely want to sew this even if your baby has outgrown this pattern. I know I want to make this. Let me see which of my cousins’s baby deserves this treat.
Aline dress
Jingle bell dress
This fantastic dress can be sewn by you if you have basic sewing skills. Though there is no pattern as such, the author has given sewing directions and the picture of the finished dress in dupioni silk(re-purposed from an old bridesmaid dress) is so gorgeous you will want to sew it.
Sweet crochet + sew Dress
If you don’t know to crochet you will want to learn looking at this utterly adorable dress.
A T shirt wrap dress
A tshirt repurposed to a very pretty dress – you can use a tank top or any other top to make this dress and it will look equally good.
A sweet tartan crossover dress tutorial
This dress looks so stunning with the contrasting colours of the fabric; When you make this dress, I suggest you choose the same.
A shirred dress- must sew
Shirring is a very exciting technique and when combined with a dress it is indeed magic. I always make a facing to cover the shirred inside as my girl complains about it irritating her skin.
If the shirred dress is worn outside a tee, this doesnot matter. This dress works perfect inside the denim jacket.
Such a casual and cool frock for your daughter, this can be made in knit; there is a printable pattern also with the tutorial.
The party dress free pattern
Little girls look so good in frocks, especially if they are made in printed fabric with a hint of pink.
Summer picnic dress
Another must sew summer dress with ruffles.
Vintage Heirloom dress for toddlers
This dress is made of a vintage fabric and the scalloped collar in a contrasting fabric makes it look truly special.
Out to sea dress
Peep hem Dress
A big girl dress
Infant peasant dress
This simplest of baby dresses is a perfect learning project for a beginner- no snaps or buttons. The ease of an elastic neckline will also make this dress a favourite for your baby. Make this in soft plain cotton with some embroidery thrown in.
Love in Paris Dress
Inspired by a movie of the same name this drop waisted dress is very elegant looking and dressy. Printable patterns for a size 3T is available.
Shabby Apple knock off dress
This cute little dress has a circle skirt ;This would look as good on bigger girls as well. So many options to mix and match. A light pink bodice with a turquoise colored skirt would look so good. I have a beautiful turquoise cotton cloth in my stash.
A very easy to sew nightgown in my favourite colour; you can sew it up very fast and even re-purpose old blankets as the author has done.
Cinderalla Costume
This dress is a dream come true for a complete princess. This beautifully detailed costume comes with some very simple sewing steps like velcro fasteners ; Go ahead and start this.
Play date dress
A perfect casual dress – Sew this dress in printed fabrics with contrast piping for a very playful look.
Side bow sweater
This is an upcycled adult sweater project embellished with a bow with tutorial. A sweater which looks prettier than any dress, who would have thought.
Pinafore dress
This tutorial by ikat bag is so nicely explained, it will be a breeze for you to draft the pattern and sew it for the next outing.
Simple ballet dress for girls
Queen Elsa dress
With some charmeuse fabric and tulle, magic has been sewn up here. Beads, snowflake buttons, all add to the charm of this dress.
Elsa Dress
This is a dream like Elsa dress suitable for summer parties. A Very lucky birthday girl indeed, who got this dress.
Let’s fly a kite dress
Patchwork shorts and appliqued tee tutorial
This is so cool; Turn an ordinary tee into a cool outfit by doing applique and making matching shorts. Your daughter is sure to stand out as the best dressed in the playground.
Ruffle collar tshirt refashion
This is one refashion you can easily do and turn an ordinary tshirt into a dressy top. You just have to buy 2 tshirts in your favourite colour and commit to an hour of sewing.
Giraffe Jumper
Reversible Baby dress pattern
This dress is perfect for a small baby ; it is reversible with applique work on one side as well.
Bustle Back Dress Pattern
Perfect for summer , make this dress in your favorite printed cotton cloth for a summer frock.
J crew Knock off Dress
This one is a beauty and your daughter will be the center of attraction. Made by Suzanne from Winter winterwonderingswhatnot.blogspot.ca
By no means is this a definite list of free dress patterns for kids. I will keep adding to this list of awesome tutorials and patterns for little girls dresses. I hope you did not end up flustered like me, as to which one to start with first.
If you like to embellish the dress you have sewn Check out the posts on the 10 types of fabric trims , DIY ribbon trims, rhinestone embellishments, Creative embellishment with bead embroidery stitching, bead tassels, Handcrafted Beadwork Flowers, you can use and these 10 cute embroidery motifs for kid’s clothes.
Related posts : Sew a pleated frock for 6-12 month old girl ; Checkout the pattern and tutorial to sew other dresses- sew a flare dress with bell sleeves. or this simple dress sewing pattern with square neck
and flared skirt or the easy to make sundress pattern
Happy sewing
Thank you for all your effort in putting this post together! While I appreciate the time it must have taken you, I have to say that my frustration right now is pretty high! Not your fault at all, but I was wondering if you tried any of these patterns, in particular the romper dress by blooms and bugs? I’m an experienced sewer, and I’ve never come across instructions that were as misleading and frankly, wrong. Sewing is hard enough with good instructions, but this is beyond the pale.
Case in point, she tells you to cut a piece for the skirt that is 36” wide x 12” long and sew the 12” raw edges together, thereby giving you an 18” wide skirt on one side, not including seam allowance. The top band is 22” long, and since the skirt is meant to be gathered and attached to that, you can see where the problem lies. Even without gathers the skirt isn’t wide enough. So I wasted somewhat pricey fabric. And that’s just the beginning. She doesn’t tell you how long to make the shoulder straps, only that it depends on the person, but this is for an 18 month old.
It’s a very old post and it looks like she’s no longer in business on Etsy and there’s really no legitimate way to contact her, so I’m respectfully suggesting you may want to consider removing this dress from your line up. Unless of course you have a solution to my dilemma, in which case I look forward to hearing from you.
I am sorry about your bad experience. I guess, it is always a good idea to make a muslin first.
I really appreciate your efforts and I will be waiting for your further post
thank you once again.
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“Hmm it looks like your blog ate my first comment (it was super long)
so I guess I’ll just sum it up what I submitted and say,
I’m thoroughly enjoying your blog. I too am an aspiring blog blogger but I’m
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Hi medison,
Happy to know you enjoyed the blog. I just write – that is my tip. Consistency in writing lots of posts and good photos (I have to improve) are important. Best wishes.
very nice dresses but i’m looking for new born baby dresses thank you xx
Great to find a site with classic girls’ dresses. Little girls are beautiful and the clothes should allow that beauty to shine through, not obscure it with unnecessary and silly adornments.
Thank so much
Please can you draft a pattern for ‘off the shoulder’ bodice for a 5 years old girl. Have a good day.
thank you so much
Looking for the kids pattern for wrap around shorts and top or some called them diaper shorts.
I would like to know the 6 years old night dress cutting pattern.
Kindly provide me, please.
Regards,
Dolly
Hi Dolly
Perhaps you can draft a pattern from this one – https://sewguide.com/diy-nighty-dress-pattern/
The armhole measurements will have to be as per the child’s measurement – you can look at this post-https://sewguide.com/sewing-for-children/
for approximate measurements for kids
Love this
Me too 🙂
I see that this page has some good and easy to sew dresses – my nieces are the right age ; I think I shall take up sewing again after a long time
Good list – sad that my girls are grown up for these dresses