Quite a few years ago, I sewed up a cute little dress for miss E to wear at her first birthday (see here). It has been in my head ever since then to create an actual pattern for it so I could sew more for my girls and share with you all. I had fun creating The August Dress pattern, named after miss E’s birth month, and I find it to be simple and cute. I really like how there is no need for button holes, zippers, or other closures since the hand sewn buttons hold the front in place but are far over enough that there is plenty of room to get it on in the neck area.
I, of course, experimented with all the sizes. I did not do a ton of testing as this is a freebie pattern, so you may find you want to tweek some things. Miss J is wearing the size 8/9 in the above photo. I didn’t have enough of the horse fabric to make a dress, so hers is shorter for a shirt option.
Miss E is wearing the 5/6 in her dress here. The bottom is the full length and she has room to grow in it. Below, my sweet friend got her cute grand baby to try out the 2/3. This was my first draft and it was a little wide at the the shoulders and a little too far down, so I adjusted. I did make another one with the adjustments, but I haven’t heard on the fit yet. Hopefully it’s all good 🙂
Size Chart:
- Size 2/3: chest measurement 20″-21″
- Size 4/5: chest measurement 22″-23″
- Size 6/7: chest measurement 24″-25″
- Size 8/9: chest measurement 26″-27.5″
Supply list:
- The August Dress Pattern PDF printed out (*tip: Do not print when opened in “preview.” Open in a program like Adobe Acrobat Reader for the most accurate printing.)
- 1/2 yard for top main fabric (or less for each piece if you use different fabrics)
- 1/2 yard for lining
- For bottom: 1/2 yd for size 2/3, 1 yd for size 4/5, 1.5 yds. for size 6/7, and 2 yds. for size 8/9 (* of course you can make it shorter and make this a top. That would use less fabric if you choose to do this.)
- Scissors
- Pins
- Iron
- 2 Safety Pins (optional)
- Buttons of Choice
- Sewing Machine and notions/thread needed
- Needle and Thread for hand sewing
- Measuring Tape
*All seams are 1/4″ unless otherwise noted.
*Always back stitch at beginning and end of sewing unless otherwise stated.
Once you have printed out the pattern, lay it down in order to see where to connect the pieces. It goes in order starting at page one at top left and going across and finishes with page 9 at the bottom right. Then cut out and tape together.
Cut out the following using the pattern and measuring tape:
- Lining: Cut 1 back, 1 front left, and 1 front right
- Outer Top: Cut 1 back, 1 front left, and 1 front right
- Bottom Skirt: Cut 2 of the appropriate size- 14.5″ x 22″ for size 2/3; 17″ x 24″ for size 4/5; 19″ x 26″ for size 6/7; 21″ x 30″ for size 8/9
Start by sewing the top outer pieces first. Place the back piece down right side facing up. Take the front left piece and match up on the shoulders, right sides facing. Sew together at shoulder.
Take the outer front right piece and line up on the other side, right sides facing. Sew together at the shoulder. Iron open the seams.
Next, sew the lining together. This will be similar to the outer, but the sides are sewn on opposite. Place the back lining piece down, right side facing up. Then take the lining right side and match up at the shoulder, right sides facing. Sew together.
Take the lining left side and match up the shoulder to the back piece, right sides facing. Sew together. Open the seams and iron flat.
The the outer top down, right side facing up.
Place the lining on top, wrong side facing up. Match the shoulder seams and edges together. Pin in place. Sew together on each arm hole and around the front sides and neck.
Once sewn, you will want to make notches on the curved seams so it lays flat once turned right side out. I simply use my pinking shears (scissors with zig zag cutting sides) and trim all the edges close to the seam. This eases the fabric on all the curves.
Another little thing to do is clip the edges on the top sides of the front pieces. It takes away some of the bulk from this area for when turned right side out.
Turn right side out and iron flat. *Tip: I use the eraser end of a pencil to push all the seams out for a cleaner finish.
Now it’s time to sew the sides together. Open the side seams of the left back side and left front side. Match up at the seams, right sides together, and pin in place. Sew together.
Again, it helps to cut a little notch at that middle seam to reduce the fabric bulk at that point.
Turn right side out and iron. Repeat these steps for the right sides as well.
This is also your last chance to sew a tag in place so the back stitching is hidden. You can do this earlier of course, but I usually forget until this step 😉 haha
Place the top down and fold over the front pieces so the side seams are on the sides and the longer side goes over the shorter side. Use a safety pin to keep the front pieces together.
Sew the bottom skirt next. Place the two bottom pieces right sides together. Sew together down the shorter sides. To have a cleaner edge, you can go over it with a zig zag stitch or use a serger.
Iron the side seams and then iron the bottom up about 1/4″.
Fold up the bottom about another 1/4″ again and iron. Sew around the edge.
Now sew a wide stitch around the top of the skirt leaving a long tail at the beginning and end. This means no back stitching at this part. (My machine goes up to a 5 so I use that size stitch). I usually do a line from one seam to another then start another one on the other side. This helps make it easier to ruffle. Pull on the back threads to ruffle each side until it is the same width as the top piece.
Make sure the bottom is wrong side out and the top is right side out. Place the skirt over the top and match up skirt side seams to the top side seams.
Spread out the gathers so they are evened out around and pin in place. Then sew together.
Finish off the raw edge with a zig zag stitch or a serger. Turn right side out and prepare to sew buttons in place.
For the buttons, be creative! Use different colors, different sizes, same colors, same sizes…. have fun 🙂 Depending on the size will depend on how many you want to add. You can sew them on as you like, but I want to share real quick how I sew them on. I don’t want them falling off, especially when it’s for a younger child, so I really go overboard with this part. I start by threading the needle and knotting the two ends together.
I pull the needle through the two front pieces at where I want the first button.
Then I pull it back through and make a knot again on the end knot that is on the top.
Then I sew the button on by going through the holes and the front fabrics a bunch of times to make sure it’s strong. Then I pull the thread through from the bottom and make a knot around the button (like above) a ton of times for extra strength.
Next, I cut the thread and make a few knots this way with the two ends. Then I trim the extra thread off.
I sew the rest on the same way.
The buttons keep the top together but allows for room to have it fit over the child’s head when placing it on. It’s a nice way to create a dress or top with no button holes, zippers, or other sort of closures. Nice, huh?
She is wearing the 4/5 here.
I love this dress because you can create so many different looks. You can use the same colors or use a variety of fabrics. Use fancy buttons or more whimsical ones. I think it would be even lovely with piping around the top edges too. Make it your own and have fun. I hope you enjoy The August Dress Pattern. Please share your creations on the happy together by jess facebook page or on other social media by tagging me and #happytogetherbyjess Happy sewing! -jess
dawn - mi rincón de mariposas says
September 2, 2016 at 2:43 pmI love it! Thanks for creating and sharing the pattern!
Jessica says
September 3, 2016 at 1:22 pmYou are welcome 🙂
Karen C says
September 10, 2016 at 2:45 pmVery cute, thanks for sharing.
Jessica says
September 10, 2016 at 8:23 pmThank you 🙂 And you are welcome. -jess
Nola says
June 23, 2019 at 4:27 pmI love this pattern so much and have made so many tops and dresses for my granddaughter. I just wish it came in a smaller size for her baby sister!!
Jessica says
July 1, 2019 at 2:38 pmOh yay! I’m so glad you are enjoying it 🙂 I bet you could draft a smaller size very easily on your own 😉 It would be super cute.
Karin says
September 13, 2016 at 7:46 amThank you for this beautiful pattern and your helpful tutorial. I want to sew it for the godson of my daughter. 🙂
Greetings from Germany
Karin
Danke für dieses wunderschöne Schnittmuster und Ihre hilfreiche Anleitung dazu. Ich will es für das Patenkind meiner Tochter nähen. 🙂
Herzliche Grüße aus Deutschland
Karin
Jessica says
September 13, 2016 at 6:41 pmYou are very welcome 🙂 I’m sure she will love it! -jess
Christie says
September 14, 2016 at 11:24 amLove this, will be on my list to make next. Also love the button-sewing tips, mine always seem to come off. Thanks a bunch!
Jessica says
September 19, 2016 at 5:58 pmYay! You are very welcome 🙂 -jess
Thu says
September 23, 2016 at 1:24 amLike
Debby W. says
September 25, 2016 at 4:32 pmThank you for this pattern! It is adorable!
Jessica says
October 12, 2016 at 10:15 pmYou are very welcome 🙂
Cate says
October 11, 2016 at 9:18 pmThis look so adorable! I’m sure a great deal of time and work went into creating this pattern. It is so incredibly generous of you to share it with all of us — thank you! Will be sure to tag you in photos of creations! Thanks again!
Jessica says
October 12, 2016 at 10:14 pmThank you 🙂 I’m so glad you like it and can use it. Happy sewing! -jess
Hannah says
October 23, 2016 at 12:16 amThank you for this!! Am going to make one for my friend’s toddler’s 2nd birthday. Will share a pic when done!! 🙂
Susan says
October 25, 2016 at 2:24 pmThank you so much for your kindness! Particularly in multiple sizes so both granddaughters can get one; maybe with the same fabrics in different places. I have my mother’s (and of course mine since I caught her bug) button collection, and the fact that I don’t have to use the same buttons on the closure is great!!!!
Kim says
January 28, 2017 at 3:10 pmThis is soooo cute! Thank you so much! I have two questions. 1. Where did you get your adorable labels? I’ve been looking for labels for a long time for when I make clothes for my daughter that have sizes in them, but with no luck on finding anything cute. 2. What is the name of that green and yellow flowered/foliage fabric? It is so pretty and my daughter loves anything green.
Jessica says
February 17, 2017 at 11:40 amThank you 🙂 I actually made the labels myself for a quick fix (you can see about those here: http://www.happytogetherbyjess.com/fabric-label-diy/ ). The fabric is from Tula Pink’s Eden in Wildflower Sapphire. It is a very pretty fabric indeed.
Ginni Kruger says
February 11, 2017 at 9:02 pmMy 6 y/o granddaughter loves the pattern but really wants sleeves in it. Any suggestions are welcome.
Proud Nana of 3.5
Jessica says
February 17, 2017 at 11:31 amI had one person add flutter sleeves to theirs and it looks really cute! That would be a simple fix. You can find the pics she shared on my facebook page in the comments section of where I shared this post. But, if you want a more fitted sleeve, you could find a dress pattern with sleeves and then recreate the front over lapped look by altering the pattern. Then it would all fit together nicely. I hope you are able to find a method that works for you 🙂 -jess
Maria says
April 7, 2017 at 4:07 pmThank you for the pattern. I just love the simple style. Its going to be great to use up some wovens I’ve been hoarding that my daughter is just about outgrowing.
Jessica says
April 24, 2017 at 4:50 pmYou are welcome 🙂 Happy sewing! -jess
Karenzha says
April 21, 2017 at 9:01 amHi Jess,
Do I have to add 1.4″ to the pattern for my seam or the pattern already icludes the seam allowance?
I’m still learning to sew and this dress is so adorable! Thank you so much!
Jessica says
April 24, 2017 at 4:46 pmHi 🙂 The seam allowance is already added in so need to worry about adding that in. I hope that you have much success with sewing! -jess
cleo says
May 4, 2017 at 9:30 amI love this project, thanks for sharing this tutorial <3
Jessica says
May 21, 2017 at 6:52 pmYou are welcome 🙂 Enjoy! -jess
ClaireBlue says
May 31, 2017 at 1:18 amThis is so darling! I love the unusual bodice detail. Thanks for going to the trouble of creating a FREE pattern to share. That’s really kind of you.
Jessica says
May 31, 2017 at 2:08 pmThank you and you are very welcome! Enjoy 🙂
Franzisca says
June 22, 2017 at 6:37 amHi Jess,
Thank you very much for this really cute patten! I’m usually a little bit skeptical towards freebooks, as I guess that there is a lot of work behind creating a sewing pattern, which should be honored.
But I’m really happy with your august dress pattern (including your beautiful pictures and helpful instructions) and I would have paid for it for sure! Thanks a lot for sharing it!
Jessica says
August 28, 2017 at 10:58 amYou are so welcome 🙂 I’m so happy that you have had success with this pattern. Happy sewing! -jess
Lucie says
June 26, 2017 at 4:20 amGreat pattern, very cute!
My realisation : http://laissonsluciefer.e-monsite.com/blog/couture/robe-chasuble-boutonnee.html
Thanks!!
Jessica says
August 28, 2017 at 11:01 amThank you for sharing your creation 🙂 It is just lovely! I’m so happy you were able to use the pattern. Happy sewing! -jess
Amber says
October 14, 2017 at 3:43 pmI can’t thank you enough for this pattern! I just made one using Halloween material and I added a ruffle on the bottom. I love it so much! I also added Kam snaps rather than the buttons to help with getting on and off.
Jessica says
November 1, 2017 at 4:50 pmYou are welcome 🙂 Great idea!
Maranda says
December 2, 2017 at 1:21 amExcellent tutorial! I made the dress for my niece. Being a beginner I was able to complete this with no issues. Thanks.
Jessica says
December 16, 2017 at 7:47 pmI’m so glad you had success with it! Thank you for sharing 🙂 -jess
Brittany says
February 16, 2018 at 7:49 pmHis looks so cute and straightforward to make! What kind of fabric have Our used?
Jessica says
March 19, 2018 at 6:19 pmIt truly is 🙂 I have used many types of cotton fabrics (from apparel to quilting cottons) as well as fancier fabrics. You could use knits as well. Happy sewing!
Cari says
February 16, 2018 at 8:13 pmThanks, I found it to be very cute on my daughter. I think it is a good base for mixing different fabrics and using up odds and ends.
Jessica says
March 19, 2018 at 6:18 pmYou are very welcome 🙂 I’m so glad you were able to use it.
Alice Migliorin says
March 30, 2018 at 4:41 amLindo!
Obrigada por compartilhar!
Thanks.
Aless says
April 15, 2018 at 12:43 amYou’ve done a beautiful job of this dress pattern,Jessica. Your fabric choices are inspired! Although I ‘only’ have a baby grandson at the moment, I’m hoping for a grand daughter one day!! Well done !!
Jessica says
April 22, 2018 at 6:02 pmThank you so much! Your kind words make my day 🙂 I hope you get to bless a little girl with a dress made with this pattern one day!
Patrizia says
April 19, 2018 at 2:37 amBellissimo tutorial, grazie!!! Buona giornata
Brenda says
May 24, 2018 at 1:49 pmLove the pattern . So so cute. Used sized 2/3. Couldn’t get but one arm through the dress. Very disappointed. Made adjustments… Hope it works. Dress is darling.
Darlene says
August 29, 2018 at 11:03 amI have made a ton of dresses by this pattern. It’s very addictive to mix and match the fabrics! I’m up to Size 4/5 for my granddaughter and she’s getting a baby sister. Sure wish I could figure out how to reduce this pattern to make lil sis matching dresses! ❤️❤️❤️
ann BAUGHMAN says
September 19, 2018 at 2:40 pmCute dress pattern. A little problem in putting together the pages.
One thought, though, a concern about the buttons. In sending these dresses to various countries, replacing the buttons might not be available. So will have to solve that somehow.
Janet Jensen says
November 1, 2018 at 7:47 amI printed the pattern….How do I enlarge the pattern so that it works in “real life?” This is the first time I’ve ever downloaded a pattern so I’m not sure where to go from here.
Thanks,
Janet
Jessica says
November 9, 2018 at 1:49 pmGood news is it’s already the right size you need 🙂 If you line the pages up like shown in the picture, you will see how the different pages fit together. Then you cut them out and tape together so it will be the actual pieces you need.
Janet Jensen says
November 9, 2018 at 5:45 pmThanks! I’ve cut it out. Will send a photo when it’s done.
Brenda Sheaffer says
January 18, 2019 at 7:04 amI just came across your adorable little dress pattern. All of the ones you have created from it are super cute. I cant wait to make some! My big project this year is to make dresses for charity. (Hoping for a great-granddaughter to make dresses for someday). What little girl wouldnt love one like these sweet dresses? Thank you so much for sharing your pattern!!
Jessica says
May 5, 2019 at 6:15 pmYou are welcome 🙂 I’m so glad you like it!
Diane says
May 2, 2019 at 11:25 amThanks for the dress pattern and the tutorial was very clear. I cut the size 2/3 for my niece who is 19 months. I just tried the top on her and it is way too small. I’m not sure if I can salvage it. I don’t know what went wrong as I went back and laid the template over the pieces to confirm I didn’t cut it wrong.
Jessica says
May 5, 2019 at 6:24 pmYou are welcome 🙂 Okay, so let’s try and figure this out together lol. First off, if the straps are a good fit, you can always add some fabric to the sides to increase the width. You could use the same material or a different one for an even more whimsical pattern. I’m going to make a list of some trouble shooting options. Things you might have already done, but in case someone else is in the same boat and reading this it might benefit them.
1. Was the 1″ marker on the printed pattern equal to 1″? If not, it might have printed too small.
2. The chest measurement given for the sizes should be smaller than the width of the top bodice. You can measure that to see if the pattern might have printed wrong.
3. Was her measurements equal for that size? I know sometimes kids at younger ages can be in larger sizes as even though they are easier to fit than adults, there are still many body types that might just take a different size. I always try to base my kids patterns to match clothing sizes from places like Target and Old Navy as many people are familiar with that sizing, but I’m not a professional (just self taught) and can be off sometimes 🙂
4. I also call for a smaller seam when sewing. Patterns from a store usually call for a wider seam, so could you have possibly just done that from being used to sewing a wider seam that this pattern? (I just prefer smaller, so that’s how I make mine).
Please feel free to email me at jessfediw@gmail.com with pictures of it and such if none of these pertain and maybe I can visually see if something is off with the pattern. I really hope it’s able to work out for you. If it doesn’t work out for some reason, you could find a simple dress pattern from the store and use that to create it in this style for a better sizing if you are up for that 🙂