How to Sew A Circle Dress

inside: Learn how to cut and sew a circle dress with this sewing tutorial. Sew a doll dress, girl dress or bigger girl shirt with this circle dress sewing tutorial.

I saw an ad on facebook for a circle dress made with rainbow fabric. I dreamed about making one like it for months and I can finally show my version. This circle dress turned out just like the picture and better that I imagined. PLUS… the rainbow knit is adorable!

Circle Dress Pattern

Not only did this dress turn out just as I wanted, we found the perfect location for photos on our spring break trip. These umbrellas matched the dress perfectly.

This dress is a full circle so it’s just the perfect twirly dress. Rose twirled so much the dress went high, so it’s a great dress to wear shorties under. Get the free shorties pattern here.

The tutorial below includes dimensions for a dress, shirt and doll version! Rose had so much fun matching here doll. She was trying to get the doll to hold her skirt just like Rose was, it didn’t work out as she hoped {haha}

I had just enough fabric from the two yards for the long dress and the doll dress. I’m sure this dress is going to get a ton of wear this summer as we move into warmer months.

How to cut a circle dress

I’m going to give you a written tutorial here, but there is a full video walk through also in this post. You may have to disable your ad blocker to see the video if you are having trouble.

Circle dress supplies:

• 2 yards of fabric. This tutorial should work with knit or woven fabric.
  • I used this rainbow bullet knit here from Sincerly Rylee. I want to try a light woven next.
• 1/2″ Double Fold Bias tape. Buy it here. 1/4″ for doll version.
• Measuring tape.
• Sharp Scissors
• fabric marker

Again, I’m going to walk you trough cutting and sewing a circle dress here, but I would highly recommend watching the video to see this in action.

Below is a scrap from the full two yards, but it show how to do the double fold. Fold the fabric in half, then in half again, just like you are making a circle skirt. The corner with only folds {no raw edges} is the center.

This chart is your guide for cutting all the options and I’ll walk you through so you know what these number mean.

Start by cutting the main circle. This photo shows the doll length, the video shows the dress. From that double fold corner, measure and mark the length. Here I marked 9″ all around the quarter circle. Then cut with your sharp scissors. You are not going to hem the knit version, so make your cuts clean. If you are using woven fabric you will have to do a narrow hem to finish.

Now cut the neck. For the dress mark 2″ from the corner. Place several dots, then join them to create a quarter circle. On the side of the neck mark that has the TWO FOLDS {NOT the single fold showing} mark the arm opening. For the dress go down 3″ from the edge of the neck marking, then mark 1/2″ in the middle. Create a curved semi-circle from these markings. Cut these two circles then open up. The neck should be in the middle. Cut the front neckline 1/2″ deeper. The tiny doll neck is below.

How to sew a circle dress

Now it’s time for a bit of sewing… Its actually very easy! This is a simple sewing tutorial with just a couple of straight stitched. Grab your double fold 1/2″ bias tape {1/4″ for the doll version} I didn’t have 1/2″ so I sewed two strips of 1/4″ together to create wider bias tape.

Turn the dress so the arm openings are up. Pin or click the bias tape along both arm openings. The fabric should be fully sandwiched between the bias tape. You do not need any overhang on the edges. Trim the edges. Sew along the edge to secure to the fabric. Use a straight stitch or zig zag to sew. {the video shows this} Repeat with the other arm.

The method for the neck is almost the same, but leave a 10″ strap for the dress and shirt versions. For the doll you just need a couple inches. Clip and sew. When you sew, also sew down the strap to sew the bias tape to itself. Tie knots on the ends of the straps to control any fraying.

You can now tie knots or bows for the shoulder. Enjoy your fun doll or girl dresses.

I put a tag on the back of the dress and I love the neckline. Not too long but perfect for summer. Enjoy! Make sure to share photos in our Facebook group!