DIY: The 4 Squares Nightgown
With only 4 pieces of stretchy fabric, you can make this cute and comfortable nightgown for your little girl. It's easy! I give credit to my Mother-In-Law for coming up with these adorable nightgowns.
*Measurements for my 6 yr. old:
Front and Back Pieces Around widest area (hip/bum) = 22" 2" = 24" Desired length from collar bone down = 20" 1" = 21"
So I need to cut 2 rectangle pieces 24" wide x 21" long
Sleeves Around widest part of arm = 6", Double that number = 12" Desired length from base of neck down the arm (to the elbow) = 11" 1" = 12"
I need to cut two squares 12" wide x 12" long
Elastic I used .5" wide elastic. Measure loosely around the base of the neck and then add 1" for seam allowance. For my 3 yr. old and 6 yr. old I used the same measurement of 15".
Cut pieces
Lay out the back piece right side up. On the upper right hand corner, lay the sleeve exactly on top of that corner (right sides together). Pin in place approximately half or three fourths of the way down, depending on how much space your child's arm needs. I recommend pinning 3/4 of the way down in most cases.
Pin the outer edges of the front piece to the sleeve it's laying on (the same way you pinned the sleeve to the back piece). Be careful to only pin together the two layers of fabric - it can be tricky since there are four layers there. If you pinned 3/4 of the way down on the back piece, make sure to pin 3/4 of the way down on the front piece.
When you open the folded sleeve, it will look like this below.
Sew down the sleeves where your pins are. Start at the top and stop where you placed the bottom pin.
Sew the sides closed. This is one straight stitch from the bottom of the dress to the end of the sleeve. You can do a zig-zag stitch too if you would like. I always sew at the edge of my presser foot.
Finish the edges however you want. I chose to add lace. You could leave it as is, hem it, serge it, or do whatever you want.
-Steph
