I really like the simplicity of block four. I’m a comfort dresser so the a-line dress holds appeal for me. Are you ready to cut into some more girly fabric?
Before constructing block four, take a few minutes to read the introduction to the series where you will find helpful information. You may also want to read through the instructions for previous blocks since one tutorial builds upon another.
Download the following PDF files from BOX in the right margin: 10_A-Line Dress Applique and 11_Pointed Collar Applique.
Roughly cut out the printed applique pieces and adhere them to card stock. Now cut them out true-to-shape. These will serve as your templates.
Take the A-Line Dress (10) and Pointed Collar (11) templates and outline them onto double-sided fusible web. Peel away the paper backing, stick the shapes on the back of your fabrics, and cut them out with short-nosed craft scissors.
From a pastel cotton fabric, cut a 7 ½-inch background square. (Kona cotton is a good choice.) Starch and press the square and adhere a light tear-away stabilizer to the back.
Mark the center of your square background block. Measure the height of the applique and place a piece of tape at the top and bottom placement points. This insures that the applique will be centered correctly.
To mark the vertical lines where the ric rac will be placed on the dress, fold the dress applique in half. Fold again about half way and finger press a crease. I’ve included a picture of the backing paper so that you can see where the lines fall.
Now position the A-Line dress on the background square. Cut two 3 ¾” lengths of thin ric rac trim. Apply a few dabs of fabric glue or basting glue to the back of the trim to help keep it in place as you place it along the outer fold lines. Tuck the bottom ends under the dress hemline.
Cut two 1 ¼” sections from 3/8” wide white satin ribbon. Fold in half and finger press. Place one folded tab on each side of the lower dress by carefully lifting the edge of the applique and tucking the raw edges of the tab underneath. Finger press the area to re-adhere the fusible.
Place the collar in position.
Following the package instructions, press the applique pieces in place. Always use a pressing cloth for this step.
Set up your sewing machine with thread that matches your ric rac and collar. Using a straight stitch, begin at the hemline and sew the ric rac down. When you reach the collar, travel along the edge of the point until you come to the second length of ric rac. Sew down to the hemline.
With a self-threading needles, take the thread tails to the back and knot them. Trim off excess thread.
With a blanket stitch set at 2.3mm length and 2.0mm width, sew around the raw edges of the collar.
Change the thread in your machine to a color that matches your dress. Now blanket stitch around the raw edges of the dress. If you don’t have blanket stitch, use a zig zag stitch to secure the edges.
Gently remove the backing stabilizer.
Block four is complete! Save your templates so that you can mix-and-match more paper doll outfits in the future.
Check back soon for block five.
Blessings,
Nancy
Nancy, these little dresses are so cute! Makes me want a grandaughter. Can’t wait to see the finished quilt!! Teresa