Little Birdie Nightgown Tutorial

It's been quite a while since I posted a clothing tutorial. I think it shows. I forgot to take a couple of pictures but hopefully I can explain well enough to make up for it.

I wanted to make Cailey and Colin new pajamas for the new homeschool year 'cause everyone knows homeschoolers only wear pajamas or denim jumpers. ;)

Today I'll post the tutorial for Cailey's nightgown and next Wednesday (at the latest) I'll post the tutorial for Colin's pajamas. 

WHAT I USED -

Just over 2 yards of flannel (for the skirt part)

Just under 1/2 yard of minky dot for the bodice (would also work well with fleece or a heavier knit)

The bodice is NOT lined. I added a neck facing and finished the arms with a zigzag stitch. I also did a zigzag stitch for the bottom of the nightgown instead of a traditional hem. I like the way it turned out and it was something different to do.

STEP 1 -

I took an older pattern that I made for Cailey and adjusted it for her growth. It's an easy thing to make using one of your child's shirts. Just trace around it on some blank paper. 

It's an empire waist, so keep that in mind.

STEP 2 -

Cut 2 bodice pieces.

STEP 3 -

Cut the bottom of the nightgown. I just cut 2 pieces for length. I wanted to work with the full width of 2 pieces. Remember, I left off a traditional hem so the length I cut was only 1/2" off of the finished piece.

STEP 4 - 

Cut the facing.

I folded a piece of the minky dot and used the neckline of one of the bodice pieces as my guide. You want to make it just a smidge smaller due to losing 1/4" when you sew the shoulders together. 

STEP 5 -

Right sides together, sew the shoulder seams. 

STEP 6 -

Right sides together, pin the facing to the neckline and sew all around the inside.

DO NOT PRESS MINKY DOT! You'll lose the dots! LOL

STEP 7 -

Fold the facing inside the bodice and pin. Top stitch all along the neckline. 

STEP 8 -

Run a gathering stitch across the tops of your skirt pieces. Leave them in 2 pieces. It's MUCH easier to attach gathers that way, or at least I think so! ;)

STEP 9 -

Right sides together, pin the tops of the skirt pieces to the bottom pieces of the bodice. Sew the seam.

Now, top stitch across the bottom of the bodice pieces or stitch in the ditch.

STEP 10 - 

Pin up the sides and sew the side seam. 

STEP 11 -

Run a small zigzag stitch across the bottom of the nightgown.

STEP 12 -

Run a small zigzag stitch across the arm holes.

If you are dealing with a small sized nightgown, you might want to do that before sewing the side seams. 

Technically you don't HAVE to finish minky dot, knit or fleece. None of them will unravel like wovens. BUT it can look nicer if you do. I go back and forth depending on the project. 

Now you're all done!!!

I'll be posting the tutorial for Colin's chevron knit pajamas soon! :D

Let me know what you think! If you have any questions, don't hesitate to ask! 

HAVE FUN SEWING!!!!