How do I Make a Simple Pioneer Dress?

Choose your fabric. Cotton or cotton blends in small floral prints or gingham checks work best. Depending on your height and size, you will need from three to six yards of fabric. Wash and dry the fabric according to the care instructions.

Take a measurement from the top of the shoulder to the ankle. Add an inch for seam allowance and another two to three inches for a hem, depending on the depth of hem that you want. Take another measurement from the top of the shoulder to the wrist, and add four inches.

Cut two pieces of fabric across the entire width of the fabric, by the length of the first measurement. This is the front and back of the dress. Cut two more pieces the length of the second measurement by 24 inches. These are the sleeves.

Fold all four pieces in half lengthwise. Lay them one on top of the other, with the open corners aligned at the top. Measure seven inches across the top from the open edge and make a mark. Measure another seven inches from the same corner down the side. Make a line from one mark to the other, and cut off the resulting triangles.

Pin the sleeves to the front and back pieces right sides together at the angles, and sew with a half-inch seam allowance. Sew sleeve and side seams right sides together.

Make a ¾ -inch hem around the neckline and at both wrists, leaving a small opening. Insert elastic into the hem at the neckline and draw it up; try the dress on to adjust the neckline. When you have it adjusted the way you want, sew the ends of the elastic together.

Cut two pieces of elastic slightly larger than the circumference of your wrist, and insert each piece into the wrist hem. Draw the elastic up, and sew the ends together.

Hem the dress.