GAB Studio

One of my first makes ever was the Indie Pattern Pinafore Dress and I have to say, what a great and gratifying first make!

While there is no lining and definitely could have more deatiled instructions, it is a very gratifying first make with very few notions and steps needed. The notioins needed are simply 2 buttons and a zipper. On a related note, this really made me realize how much more i need to work on zippers and putting them into my project LOL.

Everything is an easy straight stitch and then there are 2 button holes that you need to create. I would recommend practicing those on a separate piece of fabric as well before doing the button holes on the strap. Also a quick tip – if you’re using a seam ripper to open up the button hole, put a pin across the top edge of the button hole stitching so that you definitely do not go through the stitching and rip the fabric… Don’t be like me and learn this the hard way… Thanks to the girl on TikTok that I saw do this!!!! You’re a life saver!!!

(BTW – almost all machines come with both a button holes foot AND a button foot, which you probably have shifted around in your sewing box a million times and never used, but it plastic and is half clear and half blue)

All around, I think this is a GREAT first project that will not only be nice and easy, but has enough challenge to really give a sense of accomplishment upon finishing the last stitch or the last detail on the notions. It is also customizable in terms of length and does not need to be full length. It would also be very easy to make the from piece larger or to even line the dress. It is far from perfect but a great place to start! Even better if you can thrift a large piece of fabric (a sheet works great! thats what I used!) and keep it sustainable!