Hello everybody! This week's tutorial is a super awesome, super easy pattern hack to one of our favorite Liberty Jane patterns.
By this point, you've probably heard of (or maybe even made) the LJC Peplum Top. It's a great little pattern that features a zipper closure in the back -- so you get to learn a new skill or two, while making a super cute top!
But this little top can easily be made into an adorable dress, as well. It's super easy to do -- since the peplum is cut from a rectangle, all you have to do is cut a slightly larger rectangle, and then continue on as before.
(Click on the image, or the link above, to view this pattern on Pixie Faire...)
**GIVEAWAY UPDATE: We have a winner! It's Anna, who said her favorite skirt length is "knee length, because it is modest yet stylish". Good choice Anna! We'll be in touch with you via email soon :)
1. Take the Peplum pattern piece, and some extra copy paper. Tape paper to the bottom and front edge of the Peplum pattern.
2. Draw a line 1/2" away from Center Front, to make a new Center Front. This will add a bit of fullness to the new skirt.
3. Draw a new hemline, 2" below the original hemline, intersecting with the new center front line.
Basically, you just lengthened the peplum 2" to become skirt length, and added an inch of width too (that extra inch helps the skirt fit smoothly around the doll's hips). *Note - These are the specific measurements used to make the dress pictured. If you want to make a longer skirt, simply add a few more inches. If you want a fuller skirt you can add more to the width of the ruffle and just gather it to fit the waistband.
4. Extend the center back to meet the new hemilne and transfer all pattern markings if desired (FOLD, notches, and seam allowance lines) Cut out your modified pattern piece.
5. Follow all the same directions that are in the pattern to sew up your awesome new dress -- the only difference is that the hem of the peplum won't cover the bottom of the zipper (like the instructions tell you to do in step 27). One of our amazing seamstresses came up with this couture technique to cover the raw edge of the zipper tape with a tiny fabric scrap and some steam a seam! You can do something like this or simply cut the end at a point and apply a bit of fray check to keep it from fraying.
Congratulations! You've just hacked a pattern successfully!
Want to win this adorable little dress? Great! We'd love to send it to one lucky winner!
To enter, just leave a comment below answering this question:
Which skirt length do you like to dress your dolls in? Why?
We'll pick a winner on Monday, July 20th, and get in touch with the winner via email.
Thanks everyone for entering, and have fun with this!
For Pixie Faire,
Cinnamon
I tend to like either floor length or knee length, depending on the dress style.
I like them just above the knee.
I like to dress my dolls in dresses and skirts that end right above the knee and that end right at the middle of the thigh, because it’s so more in trend and style.
I like the dresses just above the knee for daytime wear, longer if for evening or party wear.
This dress is adorable.
i like right before the knees
I like lengths from just below the knee to ankle length. I think the longer lengths are classy and more feminine.
Usually I like dress length to be at the knee area…a little above or below depending on style and fabric. TIA of contest.
Dress my dolls? My dolls spend most of the time undressed. I crochet clothes for the dolls and then give them away. Most of the skirts I make end up ankle length because that is what looks best with my yarn and pattern.
That being said, I don’t have anything against shorter skirts. It really depends on what looks best for that particular outfit. Since I try to never show my own knees (they are pretty ugly), it is fun to dress my dolls in something that I wouldn’t wear.
I like my skirts below the knee, it is always in style!
I like my skirts below the knee, it is always in style!
My choice of skirt length depends on fabric and what occasion she will be wearing the skirt/dress. Grace likes the shorter version for her Sage and Grace, I prefer a little longer (just below knees) for my Caitlyn. To each her own. Grace lovessewing the clothes with her Granny
I would love to enter! I like my dolls’ skirts to go just below the knee, sometimes a little longer. :) Thanks for the giveaway!
~Christian Homeschooler
I like the dresses to be just above the knee on dolls. Such a cute dress!
I like uneven cut skirts; short in the front, long in the back! A while back I “Hacked” the Woomera dress pattern to make just a skirt ;) Thanks for yet another awesome tutorial!
I personally prefer the length to be just above the knee. Maybe I’m old fashioned (or just plain old) but I prefer that length.
I prefer the shorter dress. The fabric should be dressier for the longer version.
Long style, more elegant. I like evening wear
I like to make the length an inch or so above the knee. It looks trendy that way without being too mini.
Dress is so sweet…
Just above the knee is most attractive.
Thanks…
Cute little summer dress
I like “above the knee” for every day. Worn with bare legs, tights, leggings, etc. A more versatile length for all occasion.
Beautiful little dress! I usually make the dresses to just above the knee. This one is kicky fresh for summer:)
I love how thoroughly you explain how to make the Peplum Top into a dress. The instructions on this like on all of your patterns are so easy to follow. I’ve just started making my granddaughters wardrobe for her 10th birthday and I’m loving using the Pixie Faire patterns because of their accuracy in fit and the easy to understand directions. I’d make the dress a little above the knee using certain fabrics and make it a longer dress if the fabric looked right for a longer length! So my favorite would be any length!
I like the dresses to be a little above the knee. Unless they have leggings.
like the tutorial. many of the comments about the length, but the tutorial will allow whatever length preferred by just adding to the pattern. Good sewing to everyone!
It definitely depends on the style of the dress as some are cuter short, but I don’t like them to be any shorter than a little above the knee—about 1/2" above the top of an AG doll’s knee “knob”. Bums should not be in danger of showing when bending over. These dolls are supposed to be turning 10 years old—though kids have played dress up and grown up forever with mom’s clothes—so some fantasy outfits are always fun.
I feel the same about human fashion. I know I’m just an “old fogie” but every day I see WAY too much bare chest and bums hanging out top and bottom! Why encourage girls from a very young age, especially when playing with their 18" girl type dolls to think it’s a good thing to show extensive “top and bottom” in public? Barbie takes charge of that area, but at least she’s an adult age doll. If girls didn’t grow up thinking it’s ok, maybe eventually designs would change. In certain decades such as the 30’s – 50’s girls dresses were very short, but it was due to reasons like fabric shortages, Depression poverty and saving every inch of what was available even from feed sacks or cutting good parts out of used clothing.
Sorry—one of my major peeves!
My daughter is into shorter skirts right now for herself and her dolls. I think this dress is adorable and will be making one today.
I like to dress my doll in about knee length, either just above or below is fine too. I think I like that length because it looks best on her.
I like tea length skirts best (at or just below the knee). It’s a classic length that never goes out of style, and looks both cute and classy for all occasions.
this pattern is on my wish list……must get it . just above the knee is the cutest on the doll. Little kids like it best also.
My granddaughter and I both like just above the knee. For kids and dolls it’s cuter.
I like the shorter lengths and pair the tops up with long or short pants depending on the season.
I like to dress my dolls in skirts that are below the knees. (The dolls legs are so short that anything above the knees is almost a miniskirt!) I can’t say I’ve actually made any doll skirts that are above the dolls knees, as skirt doll patterns tend to be knee-length or lower, as it doesn’t look quite like a skirt. But, in the Peplum Dress, you really pulled the look off! It’s a terrific dress- it looks like something that would be sold at AG!
This has been one of my favorite patterns. The sweetheart necklline is so feminine! I have been thinking about adding a long skirtt under the pepulum to create a tiered skirt and making it out of material leftover from one of my daughter’s formal dresses to create a “party/formal” dress. For dayime wear, I prefer a knee-length skirt. My granddaughter would love it if I won this litle dress!!
What an adorable dress! I like for our doll dresses to be no shorter than just above the knee. I make certain that the clothes our dolls wear is something that we approve our girls to wear… no daisy dukes, mini skirts or plunging necklines. :o) I want to keep my girls young at heart but age appropriate for as long as possible. Their standard for dress shines through even in their play!!
just above the knee keep it fun but classy too! cant wait to make this!
Just above the knee and full length for a special occasion. I did make the peplum top into a dress and liked the look. It was not as pretty as the one you are displaying though! The girls found it fit their dolls too tightly and was too hard to do up so the dress has been banished to the bottom of the wardrobe box!
I think that the shorter lengths in skirts are darling, But, with my fabric stash I prefer to make the longer skirts for the old fashion outfits and of course the very dressy.
I like just a bit above the knee for a more youthful look.
Generally just above the knee. I think it’s cute and is a good role model for the young girls…
This dress I can’t wait to make ankle length in some fun glittery fabric as a formal dress!
I like the dress just above the knee. For the summer you can make it in a nice print and show off those nice sandals, shoes or sneakers and for the fall / winter you can make it in a solid material put on some fancy tights with a nice print or pattern and a pair of stylish boots. in my opinion the footwear completes the outfit so that’s why I would keep the dress at a length where we can see those shoes. Isn’t that the reason us ladies have so many pairs.
Personally, knee length is my favorite. The outfit is really cute and would look good in any length. Beautiful design. Thank you
Usually I like the dresses just a bit above the knee.
I like just above the knee unless it’s a special occasion dress and then the length would depend on the style.
I like the dress to fall just below the knee on my dolls. It gives a sophisticated look. I love this little dress and the brightness of the fabric. I’d love to win this to dress up my grand daughter’s dolls in. Thanks for providing the chance to win and also for the free pattern. You guys are awesome.
I like my dolls skirts to go about an inch above their knee, because I think that is the cutest length!
To put a doll in a dress, I like to see the length above the knee. These dolls have such a youthful look, and I think the shorter length is more suited to the perceived age.
I like knee-length skirts for dolls.
Thank you for the dress tutorial. I like my doll’s skirts the same length that I wear mine, just above the knee! Works for summer and winter with tights.
I like the length of of a dress to be bye the knees.
I like to dress my dolls in dresses just above the knee. They are cute in any length, but I like this length best.
This is an adorable dress. For my modern girls, I like the dresses to be above the knee.
Like any decent wardrobe, skirts should come in a variety of lengths! That being said, I like skirts that are a little, just a little, above the knee for my AG.
The length of dress kind of depends on the occasion. My favorite dresses hit mid shin, not too long, but still summery enough to show of cute sandals.
Usually for spring, fall, and winter I would say just above the knee but since it’s summer I would say a maxi length dress. I love maxi dresses especially in the summer they look so cute with flats and flip flops and it would look really nice on the dolls.
I love full length skirts! They look sophisticated, pretty, dressy, and can become casual when worn with a tank top or t-shirt.
It depends on the style and the fabric.
I like to dress my dolls in knee-length or full length dresses. A little shorter is cool too, but the length you get in between knee and full length is not very flattering in my opinion.
Make them knee length & Maxi. These dolls are young & I want to make their clothes an example of age appropriate dressing too. Love idea of adapting patterns to fit dress lenths. Thanks for chance to win your give-a-way too! :)
I ten to vary the lengths — whatever pattern I am following seems to determine the hem length. If I have to have the judgment call, it will be knee length. Very cut outfit.
My Choice would be, just below the knee for a sophisticated look, more for evening attire.
It depends on he outing. Knee length for most day activities but long for evening attire.
My dolls are of the 1030’3 and 1940’s era so I want their clothes to reflect the time. Just a touch over the knee works!
I like below the knee or mid calf. My Kit and Samantha both live in the past and enjoy fashions of their day.
I make my dresses in various lengths depending on style of dress and the make up of the dolls as I make for a variety of antique and newer dolls some of their legs are cloth of various degrees so make dress appropriate length for coverage there as well. Love patterns that can be adapted to each situation.
I always make dresses or skirts knee length or longer to encourage my granddaughters to dress modestly.
I like just above the knee or ankle length. Seems age appropriate for the AG.
At top of knee for current fashions; just below knew, calf, or ankle for historical replicas.
I like variety, so to be able to change a pattern is wonderful. Thanks for the tutorial!
I like dress length just above the knee, cute but still modest, what better way to teach our girls and still have some fashion!
I like to make dresses with various lengths- depending on the use – short for the beach, long for evening dinners, mid-length for fun afternoons! The fabric alwo plays a part as to the look and the draping you want.
I made an evening gown from purple satin and a knitted purple sequenced shawl. The little girl loved it! Nice pattern!
If I am making re enactment style then they are about midcalf for young girls other wisejust below the knee as they look more mature.
I like to dress my dolls in just above the knee length dresses.
My preference for young girl dolls look very pretty with skirt length just above the knees.
just above the knee is good for the girls.
I like the just at the knee length. It makes it easy to add or subtract length to get the look you want.
I like them just above the knee. I think it looks very nice tha t way.And I already have made the peplum top into a dress really like it. thank you very much for the awesome patterns.
Def knee length…just looks more comfy :D
I love dressing my dolls in just above knee length, but I like making the long gowns, too. I love the tweak on this pattern – I can’t wait to start making some!
Although the styles are short, I prefer knee length or longer. I believe in dressing my dolls the same I would want my girls to dress- with some modesty.
Tunic length with leggings.
For a true dress, I like just above the knee, but if I know I’m pairing it with leggings or capris, I like it shorter.
Tunic length to wear with tights or leggings!
I perfer knee length or a bit above knee length. I think they look great in any outfit.
I make doll skirt and dress lengths knee-length or longer as this is the way we encourage our daughters to dress.
We can have the best of both worlds with this on! I’d make the skirt full length. Sew 4 small snaps on underside of hem and corresponding on waist. When you want it short, snap it up. I did this on a Hawaiian moo moo for myself and it worked great! I had 2 dresses in one.
I like most lengths. The length of a particular dress depends on my mood and what fabric I am using. Whatever strikes my fancy at the time.
I prefer knee length for modern fashions and historically appropriate length for patterns based on specific historical eras.
I like my dolls in the knee length dresses for modern wear. They are young girls and I’m trying to keep them out of the minis for a while. LOL. Ah, something in my life that I can control.
For this particular dress I’d like knee length or a little shorter because I think it would look cute with leggings or jeans.
My preference is just above the knee.
I love this dress/print !
Unless party dresses or old fashioned I like mini or knee length.
I like different lengths depending on the style. For dressier dresses I like knee length and for cute sassy dresses I like shorter, mid thigh length and sometimes like for a denim skirt a mini skirt length. So a variety is good.
I like the look of the knee length dresses.
I prefer knee length or just below. Not only do I think this looks better fashion wise, it also is a great length to easily alter the pattern for a longer or shorter style.
I like to make a dress to the knee unless it is a special kind of skirt or dress which requires a certain called for length as a mini, maxi or skater outfit. I just love making the clothes and like all the lengths.
This question is not as easy to answer as it may seem. As a Christian, trying to instill modest values into young girls, I would have to say, just above the knee. However, there is also the versatility of the shorter length to consider. Mid thigh is wonderful when used as a sweet top paired with shorts, leggings, a skirt, but then, of course, it is no longr a dress. :-) So, to strictly answer the question, I would have to say, just above the knee.
Janice
July 17, 2015
I like them just above the knee.