The Lilith babydoll dress is one I designed for hotter days. It features a relaxed fit, round neckline, puffed sleeves with elasticated cuffs, and romantic V shaped front waist detail.
Let’s have a look at the details:
As usual, my pattern is made in 10 sizes from XXS to 5XL so you may find a suitable size for yourself. If you are not sure which size suits you, take a look at the measurement table before doing anything here: SIZE GUIDE.
The pattern is made using layered PDF, please check for your desired size before printing so you won’t waste your paper. I have included a first page with many details about sizing and printing, so please first read the first page and make sure you know what size you need! If you still do not know how to print a layered PDF, please check for the printing instruction in this post: PRINTING GUIDE.
My patterns are now made in Projector file, A4/Letter paper and A0 paper formats so you can use a projector, print at home or at any print shop!
For home printers, you can print this using your home printer and either A4 or Letter paper. I calculated the printing area so that you will be able to use either type of paper to print the pattern out perfectly. Always print the first page first and check with the test square if you are printing at the right scale before you print out the whole pattern – avoid waste of ink and waste of paper, save the earth!
SEWING INSTRUCTION
You will need:
- Fabric of your choice. This pattern is intended for WOVEN fabric.
- Some 1cm (3/8”) wide elastic for the elasticated sleeve cuff
- 4 buttons. Button size is flexible, but it is recommended to be about 2-3cm (3/4 – 1 1/4″).
- Scissors, pencil or fabric marker, ruler, pins
- Sewing machine/Serger or needle and thread
- Printed pattern
The amount of fabric needed will vary depending on the width of the fabric of choice. To be precise, you may need to check how much fabric you need before buying. It will depend on the selected pattern size, the width, and design of the fabric you plan to use. Just to be sure, print all the paper patterns and lay them out at the width of fabric you plan to use (usually from 90 to 150 centimeters or 35 to 60 inches). Measure how much fabric you will need. Don’t forget to account for pieces that need to be cut multiple times and pieces that are cut on the fold.
CUTTING INSTRUCTION
The pattern pieces are as follows:
All my patterns already include 1cm (3/8in) seam allowance. Just cut the pattern pieces as is and use a 1cm seam allowance when you sew.
The fabric will be cut into following pieces:
– Front Bodice: cut 1 piece on the fold
– Back Bodice: cut 2 mirrored pieces
– Sleeve: cut 2 mirrored pieces
– Neckline Bias Binding: cut 1 piece
– Front Skirt: cut 1 piece on the fold
– Back Skirt: cut 1 piece on the fold
– Pocket: cut 4 pieces into 2 mirrored pairs
Place the pattern pieces on the fabric, pin the pattern pieces to the fabric to secure them in place. Using sharp scissors, carefully cut out the fabric pieces along the outer lines of the pattern. Take your time to ensure precise and clean cuts, as this will affect the fit and overall appearance of your garment.
Make sure to mark all notches and other design features such as darts, pleats, draw marks etc. from the pattern pieces onto your fabric. When sewing the garment, pay attention to notches, they must match up.
SEWING INSTRUCTION
1. Serge/zig zag stitch the edges of fabric to prevent unexpected unravelling.
2. Sew the button stand on Back Bodice
– Use a ruler and erasable marker to connect the two notches on the back neckline and waistline of the Back Bodice. Use this line as a guide for folding fabric.
– Fold 1cm (3/8”) of the center back edge to wrong side of fabric and press.
– Fold the fabric again in the same direction, along the marked line.
– Topstitch the inner folded line to make the button stand.
– Repeat with the other side.
– Draw the center line of the button stand, this is the center back line. Mark 4 button center points along the center back line. The first point is 2.5cm (1”) below neckline, the last point is 5cm (2”) above waist line, the other two are spaced evenly in between the first and second point.
– Make buttonholes on one side, and attach buttons on the other side. Video tutorial on making buttonholes: https://tianascloset.com/index.php/2023/11/10/how-to-sew-button-holes-with-button-hole-foot-or-by-hand/
3. Baste the Back Bodice
– Place the Back Bodice both right side facing you, with the button stands overlapping. The side with buttonholes will be on top of the side with buttons.
– Baste the overlapped button stands together at the waistline and treat as one piece.
4. Sew the Front Dress
– Place Front Bodice and Front Skirt right sides together, matching the waist seam.
– Stitch the waist seam and press seam allowance toward the bodice. Pivot fabric when you come to the V point to get a sharp corner.
5. Sew the Back Dress
– Place Back Bodice and Back Skirt right sides together, match the waist seam and stitch.
6. Sew the inseam pockets and side seams of dress
Video tutorial: https://tianascloset.com/index.php/2018/02/22/adding-side-seam-pockets-to-the-dress/
7. Sew the Sleeves
– Match and sew the shoulder seams.
– Fold the sides of Sleeve and match the underarm seam, right sides together. Stitch the underarm seam and press seam allowance to the sides.
– Finish the sleeve bottom with elasticated sleeve cuff. Video tutorial: https://tianascloset.com/index.php/2023/11/23/how-to-sew-elastic-sleeve-hem/
8. Set in Sleeves
Video tutorial: https://tianascloset.com/index.php/2023/11/06/how-to-sew-set-in-sleeve/
9. Finish neckline with bias binding
Video tutorial: https://tianascloset.com/index.php/2024/02/16/how-to-sew-bias-facing/
Below are the download links:
LILITH BABYDOLL DRESS (A0 PAPER)
LILITH BABYDOLL DRESS (A4/US LETTER PAPER)
LILITH BABYDOLL DRESS (PROJECTOR FILE)
To download just click on the link above and choose “Save link as”. The PDF file will be downloaded to your device. An advertisement may pop up, just close it and continue with your download. In case some ads attempt to make you enter your personal info, just ignore and close it. I do NOT require any kind of information to download my pattern files.
Happy sewing! And don’t forget to share your project on my Facebook page: Tiana’s Closet Sewing Patterns or tag me on Instagram #tianasclosetsewingpatterns, I will be thrilled to see the garment in real life!
