How to Make an Ombre Dyed Children's Dress

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Discover how to create an ombre dyed children’s dress by upcycling an old adult’s t-shirt. Utilise an existing dress from your child’s wardrobe to create a simple pattern and learn the techniques to create an ombre dye effect using tie-dye, water and a wide brush.

Ideal for beginner sewers, this is the perfect way to update your little one’s wardrobe in a budget-friendly and sustainable way!

Before using the dye, be sure to wear gloves and protect your work surfaces.

Project and instructions by Hobbycraft Artisan Becky Wallace from Rock Paper Vinyl.

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Singer Simple 3223 Sewing Machine

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Is $ 231.00 , was $ 259.00

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Self-Healing Cutting Mat A1

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Sew Easy Rotary Cutter 45mm

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Clover Water Soluble White Pencil

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Hemline Gold Fabric Quilting Clips 30 Pack

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Tulip Blue One-Step Tie Dye Kit

Is $ 4.49

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Definitions:

“Right-side of fabric” – when instructions mention the “right-side” of the fabric, they’re talking about the printed or pretty surface of the fabric. You usually sew things with the “right-sides” together so that the stitching remains on the inside or “wrong-side” of the finished garment.

Step 1

Turn the t-shirt wrong side out and then lay the dress over the top, making sure to match up the shoulder seams and the neckline on both. Using your pencil, draw around the armholes and down the side of the dress leaving a ¼ inch gap. At the bottom of the dress, leave a 2-inch gap and draw around the hem. Using the rotary cutter, cut around the lines carefully keeping the fabric on the front and back in position.

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Step 2

Using your fabric clips and keeping right sides of the fabric together, fasten down the side of the dress, leaving out the arm holes. On your sewing machine, using a zigzag or “stretch” stitch sew from the armpit to the hem using a ¼ inch seam allowance. Repeat on the other side.

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Step 3

Fold over the bottom hem 1 inch, and then again, another inch, clipping into place as you go. Using a straight stitch on your sewing machine, hem all of the layers in place ½ an inch from the bottom edge. You may find it handy to use a magnetic seam guide to keep a straight line. Sew a second seam a ¼ inch further up parallel to the first row of stitching.

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Step 4

Cut the hem off the original t-shirt sleeves. Trim off the little seam so that you end up with a straight, ready hemmed band. Fold the bands in half, right sides together and clip the short ends. Sew in place. Mark the quarter points of your bands using clips.

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Step 5

Turn the dress right side out. With right sides together, clip the seam of the band to the armpit seam on the dress. Find the quarter points on the arm hole and gently stretch the armband matching the quarter points, clipping as you go. Sew the arm band to the arm hole using a zigzag or “stretch” stitch, gently stretching the armband as you go and keeping the quarter points together.

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Step 6

Wash your dress on a quick wash, using a small amount of detergent but no softener. Using gloves and protecting your work surfaces follow the instructions on the packet of the Tulip one-step tie-dye. Apply the dye to the top of the dress only (depending on how far down you want the ombre to go). Using your paintbrush dipped in water, gently brush the dye down the dress using downward strokes. Remember, to create the ombre effect you will need to change the water several times to dilute the dye as you work your way down. Once you’ve achieved your desired effect, roll the dress up in clingfilm, keeping the non-dyed ends away from the dyed ends. Leave for at least 8 hours and follow the instructions on the dye packet for washing out the dye. Once completely dry, your little one will be able to show off their ombre dyed dress to all their friends!

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