I ordered some soft and fuzzy sweatshirt fabric from Sew Baby a few weeks ago and the cold front that came through this weekend was just the motivation I needed to put it to good use.
First start with a piece of fabric that is the circumference of your child’s chest x 4″. Also I used the unfinished rolled edge of the fabric so I wouldn’t have to hem it. To cover up the little holes on the unfinished edge I sewed two rows of zig zag stitches, I also did this with a darker pink thread so it’d be a bit decorative too.
Sew the short ends of the piece together (right sides together) so you have a tube.
Before you sew up the sides and make it into a tube hem the bottom.
Now take your top tube and turn it inside out, slide it onto the skirt tube (which is still right side out) and pin them together along the top, sew them together. (note: you’re only sewing two layers together, if you do all 4 you’re gonna have a tough time stuffing you’re kid into it)
Now it’s time for the pockets. Cut out 2 rectangle that are 4″ x 5″, cut so that the rolled unfinished edge of the fabric is at the top of the pockets. Sew your decorative two zig zag rows along this edge just like when we made the top. Pin your pockets to the skirt with the edge of 3 of the sides tucked under. Stitch pockets onto skirt.
Last we need to make us some straps! Cut two strips of fabric that are the length you need for your child. Mine were 13″. The width is 1 and 3/4″. Fold over the sides and hem the long edges. 
Position the straps on your dress and pin into place. It’s best at this point to try the dress on your child and then mark where the straps need to go. I attached my straps so they’d cross in the back. Sew buttons to the other end of the straps and make buttonholes on dress accordingly. I suck at buttonholes.
That’s it!
I’ll show you how I made her pants tomorrow, they’re made from grown up leggings and literally take 3 steps, SO EASY! Luuuuv it!
Cute! I've been looking for some DIY baby dress ideas, so this is one I'm putting on my to-do list! I also suck at buttonholes (and too lazy to go through the manual to figure out how to do all the different ones my machine does).
This is fabulous!
This is really cute – just a question though – do you mean start witha piece of fabric that is your child's chest circumference PLUS 4"? (you said x 4"). Thanks Natasha!
Wow, you did a great job with it. and your cute little girl looks great in it.