How to Make a Peplum Dress

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 :)

Here's how to make the dress: 

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!

Giveaway time!

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

 


100 Comments

Delores Rocha
Delores Rocha

July 17, 2015

I like about an inch above the knee. It is very stylish.

Joanne
Joanne

July 17, 2015

Great pattern to learn the basics of pattern adjustment and modification to your doll’s specific measurements i,e. length.. .

Sheila
Sheila

July 17, 2015

I prefer below the knee but not floor length

Sandy
Sandy

July 17, 2015

I think this style lends itself to above the knee. Very cute dress.

Lesley from NE
Lesley from NE

July 17, 2015

I prefer a mid to short length dress. Easy on, easy off for girls who are younger. Longer dresses are sometimes harder to get on and store.

Milyna
Milyna

July 17, 2015

I like it just riggght above the knee, because then i can use it as a short dress, A cute top, I can pair it with a libby jane jeans, or shorts!

Sandra
Sandra

July 17, 2015

I Love this longer length, and this fabric is so striking and perfect.

Florence
Florence

July 17, 2015

I make clothes for my granddaughter and asked me to make her a dress, not a long top so she prefers mid calf length for her dresses and skirts. This is a beautiful pattern and very easy to make. Thanks.

Nicole
Nicole

July 17, 2015

I like just above the knee or longer. I think the mini skirts are a bit to short for my daughter’s doll.

Maargaret
Maargaret

July 17, 2015

Have made a several from this pattern. I made one just above the knee to which I added a ruffle to the bottom – a cute look.

Sue
Sue

July 17, 2015

I like a dress a little bit above the knees.

Anna
Anna

July 17, 2015

Knee length because that it is modest yet stylish.

Nancy
Nancy

July 17, 2015

I like knee length for every day and a longer length if the skirt is made of a softer, flowing fabric. I think the length of the skirt depends on the occasion.

Natalina
Natalina

July 17, 2015

I like both lengths, I will make cute little summer dresses at knee length and extend the length to a tea length for a more formal look. I love this pattern. You can do so much with it to change the look of the top to dress by just adding a few inches.

BARB
BARB

July 17, 2015

We like right above the knee, it is very cute like that.

Lindsay
Lindsay

July 17, 2015

It totally depends on the style, but a maxi length would be fun to try for this dress!

Jackie G
Jackie G

July 17, 2015

Above the knee for this adorable dress!

Fortune Vilcko
Fortune Vilcko

July 17, 2015

Knee length

Deb W
Deb W

July 17, 2015

I prefer at the knee length because that is what my granddaughter chose.

Ann Schroeder
Ann Schroeder

July 17, 2015

Mini or knee length looks the best to me. It makes them look young.

Marian
Marian

July 17, 2015

This dress would look good at multiple lengths. The length featured would be my preference for a modern style. Since peplum skirts and dresses have popped up throughout the history of costume other lengths give us a feel for different periods or else different usages. The late 1950s early 1960s would have seen this dress at mid-knee length. It also could be lengthened further for the 1970s maxi-dress. I think I would like to see this in an elegant evening length either tea-length(at mid-calf) or else full length.

Cathy
Cathy

July 17, 2015

Summer outfits, above the knee and winter outfits, below.

Letitia
Letitia

July 17, 2015

I like knee length. It looks stylish and a perfect length for the AG dolls.

Dori
Dori

July 17, 2015

I like them just at the knee top—though it really depends on the style/theme of the dress. It depends on the whims of the child I’m sewing for too.

Mary
Mary

July 17, 2015

My preference is just above the knee. Thank you for offering this giveaway!

Thelma Lockhart
Thelma Lockhart

July 17, 2015

I love the dress just above the knee. It looks more stylish.

Ginger Harris
Ginger Harris

July 17, 2015

I like just above the knee for full skirts and at knee for straight skirts. This is the length I encourage my granddaughter to wear her skirts. Mini with tights or leggings works too.

Thresea
Thresea

July 17, 2015

knee length

Tiffany
Tiffany

July 17, 2015

I think knee length would be best. I try to make clothes for my daughter’s doll that are similar in modesty to what I want her to wear.

Irene B
Irene B

July 17, 2015

For every day dresses I like the knee length best.

Kathleen
Kathleen

July 17, 2015

Full length for the historical dolls, and all lengths for the others.

Donna C
Donna C

July 17, 2015

I would say knee-ish length…either just above, right at, or just below the knee. But who doesn’t like a fancy schmancy ball gown now and then?

Maricruz
Maricruz

July 17, 2015

Me gusta incluso para mi. Prefiero por encima de la rodilla, es más airoso y juvenil.Este patrón da mucho juego se pueden hacer infinitas modificaciones.Gracias

Gayle S
Gayle S

July 17, 2015

Most of the dresses I make are mini or mid thigh length. I think it is a fresh, modern look that is very cute on my granddaughters dolls.

dorrie
dorrie

July 17, 2015

The length that looks best depends on the style, but in general, for everyday dresses for our doll I prefer right around the knee.

Rhonda
Rhonda

July 17, 2015

I like just around the knee the best. With the doll and in life. That looks best with a sweater, vest or alone, too. I thought I was going to be the one with the old-fashioned taste but I am not the only one who likes this length. Thank you for your generosity. There is a lot going on at Liberty Jane’s.

Mary Portalski
Mary Portalski

July 17, 2015

i am only now starting my adventure into creating doll clothes. I have a granddaughter age 6, which explains this new hobby.

Joyce
Joyce

July 17, 2015

Love to make the long length fancy dresses, but for cute cotton outfits knee length works great and the girls love whatever is new and exciting. Not a great fan of the real short skirts.

Colleen Murphy
Colleen Murphy

July 17, 2015

I make the dresses at or just below the knee, like I used to wear in the 50s

Arlene
Arlene

July 17, 2015

I prefer the knee length for day and full length for evening.

Robin Clemons
Robin Clemons

July 16, 2015

I’m always looking for new ways to change the look of a standard pattern. I’ve made floor length for the Marine Ball in November, ankle length for the Halloween Costume party, knee length for that special business meeting and above the knee (but not quite mini-skirt) for a quick trip to the Mall with my girlfriends. However, I do believe I enjoyed making the floor length ball gown the most.

Rena
Rena

July 16, 2015

The length of the doll dresses I make depends on what style I’m going for. For a historical dress I like ankle length or a little above. For a fifties style dress (my fave!) I go just so it hits the knee. Then i add a petticoat for extra fullness. It really just depends on style I make. But my favorite length would have to be the fifties party dress.

Barb
Barb

July 16, 2015

I like them a little above the knee to mini length. Love the idea of lengthening the peplum top

Kelly
Kelly

July 16, 2015

I like a wide variety of lengths. I often experiment with swapping out different skirt lengths with different bodices and sleeve styles. I rarely repeat the same exact look with one pattern. I let each piece of fabric determine the skirt length.

Annette
Annette

July 16, 2015

I like just below the knee to mid shin length. This is the length my daughter wears and I like to make doll dresses/skirts to match.

Barbara Lipovics
Barbara Lipovics

July 16, 2015

I prefer short dresses because they look so young and fresh, just like the dolls!

Colleen
Colleen

July 16, 2015

Just below the knee!

DorrieBelle
DorrieBelle

July 16, 2015

l like a little ‘tea length’, skirts that hit about mid-shin. It’s modest and feminine, and very classic looking, no matter how full or narrow the skirt, or what fabric is used.
Ashley A.
Ashley A.

July 16, 2015

Which skirt length do you like to dress your dolls in? Why?

I like the “just above the knee” length. I feel this makes skirts look cute and very feminine. Mini skirts are just too short, and if you go too long then the skirt looks old fashioned. Just above the knee is ladylike and adorable. :)

Elaine Hollander
Elaine Hollander

July 16, 2015

Thanks for the tutorial. I like the dresses to land around the knee, that way you can show off all of the doll’s pretty shoes.

Linda DeGrasse
Linda DeGrasse

July 16, 2015

I don’t have a favorite. It depends on the pattern, the fabric and what embellishments or accessories I want to use. It’s wonderful to be able to adjust patterns for different lengths.

Jeanne
Jeanne

July 16, 2015

I’m not sure how to answer this. My doll is not dressed. I can’t locate the dress she came with so right now she’s in her undies. I don’t have any other clothes for her but if I did I would probably dress her in knee length because that’s what I like to wear.

Linda
Linda

July 16, 2015

I prefer the dresses to be at the knee or below, because I don’t want their underclothes showing.

Loretta
Loretta

July 16, 2015

Love this pattern. Have made several outfits with this pattern. I think the knee length dress looks the best, but have made it shorter several times. When I make it shorter, I also make a pair of knee length pants with a matching ruffle to go along with it. Very cute. Thanks

Evelyne
Evelyne

July 16, 2015

It’s a pretty fitted top. I think the fitted style looks best to me as a dress.

Sue
Sue

July 16, 2015

The skirt length I like my dolls dressed in is below the knee or on the ground! This way when they sit down their under wear doesn’t show.

Teresa
Teresa

July 16, 2015

For me it depends on the season & of course the material being used!!!! I personally like denim while my mother likes cotton; for summer/hot days, I like mini’s but not to short, above the knee; while for winter I like tea length, below the knee, with leggings. We’re both sew for my niece (her great grand daughter) & it will usually be something of a combination piece. Depends on what we have & what babygirl wants.

Ali
Ali

July 16, 2015

It really depends on the dress and look I am going for. For something fun like the this dress I like 4" length, mid thigh. For something more formal, just above the knee.

I love the versatility of the patterns. I don’t have the peplum pattern but now it’s on my wish list!
Thanks for sharing!!

Marci
Marci

July 16, 2015

I love tea length dresses, so ‘my girls’ generally wear that.

Emma
Emma

July 16, 2015

I like to dress my dolls with skirts and dresses that fall over the knee and on the knee because it gives the clothes a more modern look and I love dresses that I would want to enlarge and wear!

Christine
Christine

July 16, 2015

I like this tutorial on altering the pattern. I’ve often wanted to change a pattern, but don’t quite know how to go about it. You can make this dress any length you want by simply adjusting to the pattern. By changing the fabric or adding tights and turtlenecks, it is good to go in any season.

Kaitlyn L
Kaitlyn L

July 16, 2015

I feel like the shorter length is ideal for the current weather. However, as summer fades out and fall rolls in, i would love to sew a turtleneck-type top to go underneath the longer length, as well as some cute leggings! It all depends on the season to me.

Gay
Gay

July 16, 2015

I like their skirts and dresses above the knee. I think the dolls are young and look cuter with the shorter lengths

Sabrina
Sabrina

July 16, 2015

Above the knee is just so cute especially for summer! Thanks for the chance to win this beautiful outfit.

Tina
Tina

July 15, 2015

Depends on the pattern and the season. Above the knee for flirty little summer dresses, and below the knee in cooler weather with tights or leggings.

jj
jj

July 15, 2015

For me, it depends on the pattern and look. I sew for a precious 5 year old. The modern dresses and skirts have been just above the knee. The party dresses have been tea or ballet length. Princess costumes have been full length ball gowns.

Cindy M
Cindy M

July 15, 2015

I really like them at or just above the knee. I usually make them according to the pattern but once or twice have needed to lengthen a dress so that her who who wasn’t hanging out..lol

Debra Williams
Debra Williams

July 15, 2015

I like all different lengths. Depends on the fabric that you choose.

Jasmine A.
Jasmine A.

July 15, 2015

My dolls wear mostly ankle or tea length skirts and dresses…

Kat
Kat

July 15, 2015

Knee length or longer so I can skip the tights!

Rita C.
Rita C.

July 15, 2015

I like to create doll dresses that are above the knee so the dress doesn’t seem boxy or dowdy. The exception to this is when I create a ball gown; then the gown is floor length. I love the Peplum Top. I can hardly wait to sew a Peplum dress! Covering the zipper tape with a bit of fabric was terribly ingenious. Kudos to the amazing seamstress who figured a way to solve that problem. I never did until now! Thank her for me!!!!!

Connie
Connie

July 15, 2015

i prefer just above the knee and floor length skirts /dress. ;)

Kathleen
Kathleen

July 15, 2015

To me the length of the skirt depends on the fabric chosen for the project: a bold print or rich texture might need a little more length to show off the design, but small dots make for cute short skirts. I enjoy imagining how doll clothes will look sewn in the wide variety of fabrics available today.

Marge R (mer)
Marge R (mer)

July 15, 2015

I prefer to dress my dolls in a length just above the knee, but it really depends on the type of dress I’m making. LOVE the idea of using steam-a-seam and fabric to enclose the zipper end and think I’ll be using that from now on, as it’s so much nicer a finish than just fray check!

Margaret Haffner
Margaret Haffner

July 15, 2015

Depends on the pattern….mostly knee length or a little longer.

Sophie T
Sophie T

July 15, 2015

I like the skirt lenght just above the knee. They are young and have pretty legs, so they can wear it well!

Donna Thompson
Donna Thompson

July 15, 2015

I prefer just above the knee. They look sweet just like they are and great with tights. I can dress them up with accessories and shoes or dress them down with flip flops or sandals. I love my 18" dolls and Pixie Faire makes dressing them fun and affordable.

Amy
Amy

July 15, 2015

I like long dresses (like the medieval dress pattern) because they are more modest and when they bend over or sit you can’t see there underwear. :)

Karen
Karen

July 15, 2015

I like a skirt that ends just above the knee.

MJ
MJ

July 15, 2015

Mini with tights!!! That’s the young way!!

Pat
Pat

July 15, 2015

I think tea length is very pretty,

Alice
Alice

July 15, 2015

I like skirts to come to just above the knee. I sew for my daughter, and that’s where she tends to like to wear her own skirts.

Lea Ann R
Lea Ann R

July 15, 2015

I prefer to make skirts mid-length, just above the knee so the girls can show off their cute little knees but still be modest! ;-D

Julie Koppleberger
Julie Koppleberger

July 15, 2015

I prefer tea length dresses and skirts on my American Girl dolls. I do use other lengths as well though. Kind of depends on the dress and the look I’m looking for. It is really nice to have a variety. :)

Peggy
Peggy

July 15, 2015

Just above the knee please. after all I am a young girl!

MeMe Fraser
MeMe Fraser

July 15, 2015

I like just below the knee. If it’s a mini shirt, I like to put tights under it. It’s just the way I prefer them. Even when I make a dress for my granddaughter, I make it just below her knee. I think it looks classy.

Sun
Sun

July 15, 2015

I usually make my skirts and dresses just above the dolls knee. That the way my precious granddaughter like her friend to look.

Pat
Pat

July 15, 2015

I let the pattern decide how long to make my dresses. I often add or subtract length based on pattern. I tend to make modern dresses a little shorter and older styles a little longer. But always remember these dolls are girls not teenagers or college students and I like to dress them appropriately as there owners are young girls as well.

Kathi
Kathi

July 15, 2015

I like to put my dolls in a dress midway between the thigh and knee. I think it can be funky or cute this way.

Rachel Koppleberger
Rachel Koppleberger

July 15, 2015

For me it depends on the dress. For the most part though, I like just under the knee or an inch or so under the knee. I’m not sure why, I just do.

Laura
Laura

July 15, 2015

I love the floor length since I sew for my niece and she is into everything princess. :D

Melinda
Melinda

July 15, 2015

AG dolls look best, in my opinion, in dresses or skirts that are mini length or knee length. These are also the easiest to sew as well.

Kathy Osterby
Kathy Osterby

July 15, 2015

I like the skirt to come just to or slightly below the knees . I think that length is more becoming to the age of the doll. If mini I like leggings or tights under it. I must be my old fashioned age that wants more modesty. (73)

Cynthia
Cynthia

July 15, 2015

I also prefer just above the knee for the dresses for the 18" doll.

Claire
Claire

July 15, 2015

I like to dress my dolls in either mini length or knee length if I want it to have a more vintage vibe.

Diana D
Diana D

July 15, 2015

I usually make my dolls skirt length just above the knee.

Donna
Donna

July 15, 2015

I usually make my dresses just above the need or a little shorter. It seems a bit more modern and I can easily put a pair of leggings with them if I want.

Robin
Robin

July 15, 2015

I tend to make the dresses mini-length like the girls wear, though I really enjoy the historic patterns and the Victorian girl’s length of mid-calf with pantalettes / stockings peeping out!

Linda B
Linda B

July 15, 2015

I typically make skirts and dresses mini length as that is how my granddaughters prefer them. They give a final look of modern young girls. Every doll has pretty panties or bike shorts under just like my granddaughters. Love the peplum top (I’ve made 3 so far ) so now I am on my way to upgrade the pattern to dresses. Such a fun look!

Jennifer
Jennifer

July 15, 2015

Typically I too like mid-length just above the knee but lately we have been favoring skater skirts (think it has to do with the summer heat!) so I’m going with a shorter, skater skirt length vote. Thanks! :)

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