Gemma Hope's little dress pattern

I scoured the internet for the pattern that was used to make the little gown that was gifted to Gemma in at the Hospital. Since I was unable to find the exact pattern I recreated the pattern myself.

Gemma Hope's Dress Pattern (click)

Download and print pattern pieces. Make sure to print it as Actual Size and not Fit to Page or the pattern will be to small. The center panel will measure 11-1/2" long if it is printed in the proper size.

1) Wash and dry fabric of your choice. Using light cotton or flannel fabric in neutral colors. Lay out pattern pieces, pin and cut fabric. You can use a second color for the center panel if you like. 

2) Use a 1/4" seam allowance throughout. Take both back pieces and fold over once and iron along the long straight edge and sew.

3) Sew ribbon or lace to the front right and left panels. Sew the ribbon just a little to the inside of the 1/4" seam allowance. You don't want the stitching to show on the front side after attaching the center panel. I used my blind hem stitch presser foot to get even distance along the edge. (Ribbon is not use for a little boys gown. You could also leave the ribbon off and embellish the front with a bow or cute buttons.) 

4) Pin and sew the center panel to the right and left front. Right sides together.

5) Trim all seems. I don't use a zigzag to finish the seem. You want to reduce the bulk as much as possible. Creating a soft dress the lays smooth and will not dominate the appearance of a small and fragile baby.

6) Sew lace to the cuff of the sleeve. Making sure to not stretch the lace. It can cause the fabric to pucker.

7) Right sides together sew sleeves to front panels.

8) Right sides together sew sleeves to back panels.

 

9) Pin and sew side seams and sleeves together and trim seam allowance.

10) Trim up the bottom hem if needed and attach lace.

11) Cut a piece of small ribbing about 1" x 7". Fold in half and pin to right side of neck line. 

12) Sew about an 1/8" seam along neck line. Sewing a deeper seam may cause the sleeves to pucker under the seam. Trim and clean up the seam a little bit. Iron it for a nice flat front. Then you can attach lace to the neck line if you like. I attached lace to the neck line of my little gowns to hide an uneven seam. Make sure it is small soft lace if you do. Back is left open.

13) Run a lint roller over the front a back of the dress. To remove and dog or cat hair if needed. (maybe  that's just me)

You should have a very cute little gown that will be treasured forever.

Give it a hug and a kiss. It is now ready to donate.