Striped seersucker is a light, crinkled cotton that keeps a child cool in summer. This walk-through shows how a girl’s dress was put together, with piping, a gathered sleeve, pockets and a hidden zipper.

Allow for shrinkage

Woven striped seersucker shrinks by about 5 to 6% in ironing and washing, so pre-wash it and allow extra size when you cut.

Piped collar

Make a small baby collar and close it with piping so the raw edge is hidden.

Armholes and sleeves

You can finish the armhole with a separate binding or with a narrow rolled hem made with a rolled-hem foot.

If you gather the top of the sleeve, it will look softer and cooler, and the arm will move more comfortably without being squeezed.

Because the sleeves are partly finished, draw the piping around to close the remaining seams so that they close evenly.

After attaching the piping, fold it to the inside and stitch over it so the seam does not show on the outside. Only a pressed seam should be visible on the outside.

Pockets

For optional pockets, turn the pocket bag and sew an extra seam so the seam is not visible, as in trouser pockets or a denim jacket. On a children’s dress it is not necessary to make the pocket that rough. A neat, fine overlock finish looks very nice.

Overlocking both layers with a single stitch also doubles the fabric where it is needed.

Hidden zipper

Use a concealed (invisible) zipper at the back. Its length must allow the dress to pass comfortably over the child’s shoulders, at least 35 to 45 cm.

Install the hidden zipper carefully so the zipper colour does not show on the outside. Choose a zipper in the same tone as the fabric.

Cover the top of the zipper under the neck lining or with a thin facing so it does not irritate the child’s neck.

Hem and belt

Fold the hem according to the allowance you cut, so that it is even all the way round.

Finish with a belt that closes at the side seam.