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The life of a crafter tends to revolve around trying new patterns, combining materials, making something completely new. Sometimes it turns out just like we imagined it would, other times...well, those times are good too. The process of crafting is what makes it fun and worth the ride. One book that has really inspired me into this fusion technique has been Fun with Yarn and Fabric: More Than 50 Projects to Sew, Crochet, it is filled with projects that combine fabric with yarn into beautiful projects like cushion covers, blankets, etc.It is also so colorful that it will really motivate you into trying new color schemes.
Some time ago, I got this turquoise chevron fabric from Hobby Lobby with the intention of making a dress that would combine crochet and fabric. Just like a fusion blanket, I would make a fusion dress: fabric and crochet together to make a new dress.
Related Projects that use the Crochet Fabric Fusion Technique:
This Project
This time I am making a dress that will consist of a crochet collar and fabric bodice to fit like a 5T. Since it is a much bigger project that will need to endure washing and wear, the entire project would need sewing with the sewing machine.
So off I went to my closet to reach for my very lightweight, easy to use, computerized sewing machine from the top shelf. Then I took it to the table and got set up quickly. Then I grabbed my pieces: collar and bodice, pinned them and got them ready to sew.
I already knew I could sew quilts and thick batting with this machine. But this time it was a matter of sewing through the yarn and the cotton fabric. I mean, could the machine do the job? Would it be able to feed the fabric? Will it break a needle?
I was very content because this sewing machine took the job like a pro! The fabric fed through it really well and it did not break any needles. Another reason why I have been so happy with my machine is because it sews through thick fabrics with ease!
Related Projects:
Quilted Coasters made from a Fat Quarter
Materials used to Make a Crochet Fabric Fusion Dress
- ½ yard fabric
- cotton yarn
- I crochet hook (my favorite kind)
- 2 buttons
- sewing notions
- sewing machine
How to Crochet the Collar
Ch. 70
Row 1: dc in 2nd ch from hook, dc in next 10 sts,
(dc, ch 1, dc) in next st, dc in next 13 sts, (dc, ch 1, dc) in next st, dc in
next 17 sts, (dc, ch 1, dc) in next st, dc in next 13 sts, (dc, ch 1, dc) in
next st, dc in last 11 sts, turn.
(73 dc, 4 ch-1 spaces)
Row 2: ch 2 (counts as first dc now and
throughout the pattern), skip 1st st, dc in next 11 sts, (dc, ch 1, dc) in next
ch-1 space, dc in next 15 sts, (dc, ch 1, dc) in next ch-1 space, dc in next 19
sts, (dc, ch 1, dc) in next ch-1 space, dc in next 15 sts, (dc, ch 1, dc) in
next ch-1 space, dc in last 12 sts, turn. (81 dc, 4 ch-1 spaces)
Row 3: ch 2 , skip 1st st, dc in next 12 sts, (dc, ch 1, dc) in next ch-1 space, dc in next 17 sts, (dc, ch 1, dc) in next ch-1 space, dc in next 21 sts, (dc, ch 1, dc) in next ch-1 space, dc in next 17 sts, (dc, ch 1, dc) in next ch-1 space, dc in last 13 sts, turn. (99dc, 4 ch-1 spaces)
Row 4: ch 2 , skip 1st st, dc in next 13 sts, (dc, ch 1, dc) in next ch-1 space, dc in next 19 sts, (dc, ch 1, dc) in next ch-1 space, dc in next 23 sts, (dc, ch 1, dc) in next ch-1 space, dc in next 19 sts, (dc, ch 1, dc) in next ch-1 space, dc in last 14 sts, turn (107 dc, 4 ch-1 spaces)
Steps:
1. Crochet the collar for the dress. This
will be the section that will cover the shoulders.
2. Cut your fabric using one of your
daughter’s dresses or tops. Here you will cut the armholes out too. Cut 2 pieces. The book Make Your Own Dress Patterns teaches you step-by-step how to make dresses from your own patterns with lots of pictures and tips.
SSew the bodice on the sides with 1/2 seam allowance on the wrong side. Do not sew the armpits shut. Do the same with the second piece.
3. Gather the top section of the dress (one side at a time) using a long stitch. Make sure it matches the length desired for the crochet collar. Repeat with the other fabric.
How to Make the Bodice for the Dress
SSew the bodice on the sides with 1/2 seam allowance on the wrong side. Do not sew the armpits shut. Do the same with the second piece.
How to Assemble the Crochet Fabric Fusion Dress
Bring the collar and the bodice to the sewing machine to assemble the pieces.
3. Gather the top section of the dress (one side at a time) using a long stitch. Make sure it matches the length desired for the crochet collar. Repeat with the other fabric.
4. Using right sides together, sew the sides of the fabric and finish the raw edge (or serge it). Finish the bottom seam for the dress as well.
5. Now, begins the fun part. You can do this!!!!
6. Pin your dress to the crochet collar and begin sewing using a slow speed. Remember to remove your pins as you go.
7. Repeat the other side.
8. Sew a button or two to the collar. Layer the new dress with leggings if desired.
The Result
Hope you love it as much as we do!
Chime in:
Have you tried making a crochet fabric fusion dress? or something else? Let me know in the comments!
Happy Sewing & Crocheting!
~ Fabi
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