How to Make a Dress Ever seen a really gorgeous dress on the runway or in those

awesome fashion magazines you couldn't afford? Or maybe

you just dream of a beautiful dress and could never find it?

Here are some basic tips on how to make your own dress, as

well as links to specific articles with more detailed instructions

on various tips and techniques for dressmaking.

Starting Your Dress

1 Choose your fabric. Any fabric can be used for a dress,

although if it is your first time try working with an easy natural

or cotton blend. Look for pretty fabrics that meet your color,

pattern, and texture needs. Using silky or heavy fabrics are

difficult to sew without a bit of practice. Additionally, choose a

fabric that is thick enough that it won’t require two layers or a

slip. You will need between 2–3 yards (1.8–2.7 m) of fabric

total depending on your size and the length of the dress.

Try using a large oversized t-shirt as the base for your dress.

These can be found in thrift stores or even in the back of your

own closet.

Get creative with your fabric choice and try using a sheet or

curtain as the fabric for your dress. You can thrift for pretty

vintage versions of these fabrics if you don’t have any at

home you’re willing to cut up.

2 Wash the fabric. To remove any wrinkles or stains and to

preshrink fabric before sewing it is important to wash your

fabric. After washing and drying, use an iron to smooth it out

and prepare it for sewing

3 Select a pattern. Dresses are one of the more complicated

projects to start with, and are easiest when made using a

dress pattern. Patterns are the specific measurements and

shapes the different parts of your dress will need to be cut in.

These are available for free or for a small price online or in

fabric/craft stores. Choose a pattern that is the style and

shape you would like, in the correct size for your body type.

4 Make a faux-pattern. If you don’t want to use a dress pattern

to make your dress, you can create a mock pattern by using a

dress you already own. Find a dress you like and that fits you

well, and use the outline of this to create your pattern. Your

final dress will be in the same style of the dress you used to

trace.

Take your measurements. If you are using a dress pattern,

follow the guide to take your measurements with a soft tape

measure. To create a dress using another dress as the

pattern, fold it in half lengthwise. Place it over your fabric (also

folded lengthwise) and trace around the outside. You can

change the total length of your dress using either a pattern or

your own measurements by measuring from your hips to the

desired end point, and making this alteration to your fabric.[1]

Making Your Dress

1 Cut your fabric. Lay your fabric flat (or folded in half, if the

pattern directs you to do so) and place your pattern over the

top. Follow your traced lines and the guide to cut out your

fabric in the matching shapes. If you are using a dress for the

pattern use your traced outline of half the dress, drawn after

being folded in half and placed along the folded edge. Cut

along this line, and unfold the fabric to expose a complete

front of your dress.

Add ½ inch of extra fabric around the edges of the dress for

seam allowances. Most patterns already have this included in

their measurements, but you will need to keep this in mind if

you are tracing a dress for your pattern.

If you want to add sleeves to your dress, these will need to be

cut as separate pieces from the body of the dress. Cut your

dress fabric in a tank-style top and then sew your sleeves on

later.

Be sure to cut the fabric for the back of this dress as well at

this point, using the same method as you did to cut the front.

2 Begin sewing. Follow the sewing directions on your pattern.

Typically the sides of the dress will be sewn first. Turn your

fabric inside-out and fold ¼ of an inch over on either side,

using an iron to flatten it out. Then, use a zigzag stitch to sew

the front and back together, and a top stitch to attach your

newly formed seam to the body of the dress. The top stitch

will help the fabric to lay flat along the seam and add a more

professional look to your dress.

Follow any specific directions on your pattern for sewing

additional sections of your dress.

If your pattern directs you to sew something other than the

sides first, do so.

3

Sew the neckline. For a simple neckline, fold over ¼ inch of

fabric along the edge and iron it flat. Use a straight stitch

along the collar to sew the edges in place and keep them from

fraying. You can adjust how deep the neckline plunges by

measuring the distance from your waist to the desired area on

your bust, and adjusting your fabric accordingly.

Add the hem. on the bottom of the dress, fold over ¼ of an

inch of fabric and iron it down flat. If you have one available,

use a serger to secure the ends and keep them from

unraveling. Then, use a straight stitch to attach the folded

edge to the bottom of the dress, holding it in place. So you

won't make a mistake.

5 Finish off your dress. If you want, add a zipper to the side or

back of your dress to allow for easier opening/closure. You

can also choose to add a lace overlay, ruffles, trim, or beading

to your dress for an added touch. It’s your dress, and your

opportunity to show your style! Do so as you please.

Making Other Styles of Dresses

1

Use a fitted bedsheet to make a dress. If you have a nice

fitted bedsheet laying around or you want to save money on

fabric yardage, learn how to make a dress out if one. The

elastic on the sheet will add a secure band do your dress,

while the size of the sheet gives you plenty of material to work

with for cheap.

2

Expand your favorite skirt into a dress. If you want to make

a cute dress fast, combine a skirt with a pretty shirt by

following this easy tutorial. You can even choose to make

your own top with a basic fabric and sewing it onto your skirt.

This is an extra-quick project if you're in a bind.

3

Make a 1920s flapper dress. Whether you simply like the

20's dress style or you're looking for a halloween or costume

party dress, making your own flapper dress is an easy sewing

project. Combine a basic dress form with a few layers of

fringe and a little sewing skills, and voila! You'll be ready for

the greatest of Gatsby's parties.

4

Make your own prom dress. Save some money and make

your dream dress to your own exact specifications. Find a

pretty pattern, the perfect fabric, and churn out your own

evening gown at home! People will be dazzled with your style

and your crafty sewing abilities.

1920's Flapper

Dress Pattern plus

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