👗 DIY Shirred Top and Skirt for 1-Year-Old Baby Girl

Sure! Here’s a detailed guide on how to make a shirred top and skirt set for a 1-year-old baby girl, including cutting and stitching instructions.

👗 DIY Shirred Top and Skirt for 1-Year-Old Baby Girl

📏 Standard Measurements (1-Year-Old Girl)

Note: Always double-check actual measurements for a better fit.

🧵 MATERIALS NEEDED

• 1 yard of soft cotton fabric (lightweight or voile is ideal)

• ¼ inch elastic (for waistband)

• Elastic thread (for shirring)

• Matching sewing thread

• Scissors, measuring tape, chalk

• Sewing machine (with shirring capability)

• Iron

PART 1: SHIRRED TOP

✂️ CUTTING THE TOP

1. Fabric Dimensions (Cut 1 piece):

   • Width: Chest x 1.5 → 19 x 1.5 = 28.5 inches

   • Length: 8–9 inches + 1.5 inches (for hemming) = 10.5 inches

2. Optional: Cut 2 strips for straps (1.5″ x 10″ each)

🧵 STITCHING THE SHIRRED TOP

1. Prepare Shirring Thread:

• Wind elastic thread by hand on the bobbin (not too tight).

• Use regular thread on top.

2. Hem the Top and Bottom:

• Fold bottom and top edge twice (¼ inch then ¼ inch), press and stitch.

3. Shirring Rows:

• Start ½ inch from the top.

• Sew horizontal lines with elastic bobbin thread.

• Space rows ⅜ to ½ inch apart.

• Sew 6–10 rows depending on desired stretch.

4. Join Back Seam:

• Fold right sides together.

• Sew the vertical back seam with ½ inch seam allowance.

• Overlock or zigzag to finish.

5. Add Straps (Optional):

• Fold and sew strap pieces.

• Turn right side out and attach front and back evenly.

PART 2: SIMPLE GATHERED SKIRT

✂️ CUTTING THE SKIRT

1. Skirt Panel (Cut 1 piece):

   • Width: Waist x 2.5 → 18 x 2.5 = 45 inches

   • Length: Desired length + waistband fold + bottom hem = 9 + 1.5 + 1 = 11.5 inches

2. Waistband Casing:

   • No separate casing needed — will fold over the top of skirt to create it.

🧵 STITCHING THE SKIRT

1. Side Seam:

• Join the short ends (right sides together), ½ inch seam allowance.

• Overlock or zigzag the edge.

2. Create Elastic Casing:

• Fold top edge ¼ inch, press.

• Fold again ¾ inch, stitch close to the edge leaving 1.5-inch gap to insert elastic.

3. Insert Waist Elastic:

• Cut ½ inch elastic = Baby’s waist (18″) minus 1 inch = 17 inches

• Use safety pin to insert, overlap ends by 1 inch, sew securely.

• Close casing gap.

4. Hem the Skirt:

• Fold bottom edge ¼ inch twice, press and stitch.

👧 Finishing Touches

• Add decorative lace, bows, or tiny ruffles if desired.

• Iron seams gently for a neat finish.

• Optional: Top and skirt can be coordinated with a contrast fabric for straps or trim.

📌 TIPS:

• Test shirring on scrap fabric before stitching on the top.

• Always backstitch at beginning and end of each shirring row.

• Pre-wash fabric to prevent shrinking.

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