Following the simple steps below, any size new or gently used pillow case can be quickly turned into a prized possession for a grateful little girl in Africa. Pillow case patterns are only a suggestion so feel free to use your own simple pattern and material if you’d rather!
Pillow case pattern with sizes LDFA
Directions for a simple pillow case pattern is below. Follow the simple instructions or use your own pattern. We are also proud to be in cooperation with Sewing with Nancy on Public TV. She has graciously agreed to help us ship the dresses that are sent to her. She has also provided us with a downloadable pattern availabe at http://www.nancysnotions.com/text/pdf/LittleDressesforAfrica_pattern.pdf
Remember, any simple pattern with your own “stash” of material is fine. And we also really need boys shorts. Any size is great. Thanks so much for your help!
Please contact us for information on how your dresses will be distributed. If you put them in ziploc bags be sure to size them first. 2 gallon ziploc bags work great and can package 12-15 of the same size. If possible, please measure them before you package them (the list of sizes is by inches and is listed below) and note the number of items and the size on the outside of each bag. Donations to help with shipping costs are also accepted through this site. Thank you for your help!
Dresses can be sent to:
Little Dresses for Africa
24614 Curtis Drive
Brownstown, MI 48134
4 Easy Steps to making our little dresses:
This pillow case pattern is only a suggestion. Any simple pattern is fine!
Avoid buttons and zippers if you can as they are difficult to repair in Africa
- Cut the sewn end of the pillow case top off leaving the hem
- Fold the pillowcase in half and cut out the arm holes so they will be the same on each side. The measurements depend on the size of the pillow case but it’s about 4 inches down and 2 inches in. See the pictures for an example.
- Fold down the top of the strip about 3/8″ and stitch a casing. Slide a 6″ piece of elastic at the top so it will be gathered.
- Finish the arm holes with double biased tape leaving enough at the ends to tie at the shoulders.
Don’t be concerned about exact measurements. All sizes are welcome and variations are fine. Add pockets or lace if you want to be creative, but all styles and patterns will be appreciated by the little girls.
We size them by length according to American sizes as follows:
Size 2 – 16″
Size 3 – 19″
Size 4 – 22″
Size 5 – 24″
Size 6 – 26″
Size 7 – 28″
Size 8 – 30″
Size 9 – 32″
Size 10 – 34″
Size 11 – 36″
Size 12 – 38″
If you want to size them before you send them, that’s great. If not, just send them on! Thank you either way!
- The finished product is a beautiful delight to the kids!
Also accepting “Britches for Boys” if you’d like to make little shorts for the boys. Smaller sizes are preferred and any simple pattern is acceptable. Elastic waists work well.
- JJ helps a little friends into his new “britches” for boys
