How to Make a Dress Easy for Beginners Step by Step

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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.

1. 1

   Choose your fabric. ^[1] 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.^[2]

   • Try using a large over sized 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. 2

   Wash the fabric. To remove any wrinkles or stains and to preshrink fabric before sewing it's important to wash your fabric. After washing and drying, use an iron to smooth it out and prepare it for sewing.^[3]

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3. 3

   Select a pattern. ^[4] 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. 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.

5. 5

   Take your measurements. ^[5] 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.^[6]

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1. 1

   Cut your fabric. ^[7] 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.^[8] 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. 2

   Begin sewing. ^[9] 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. 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.

4. 4

   Add the hem. ^[10] On the bottom of the dress, fold over ¼ of an inch of fabric and iron it down flat.^[11] 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. 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.

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1. 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 of one. The elastic on the sheet will add a secure band to your dress, while the size of the sheet gives you plenty of material to work with for cheap.

2. 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. 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. 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.

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Add New Question

• Question

  How do you make a wedding dress from scratch?

  

  Kpoene Kofi-Bruce is a tailor, couture wedding gown designer, and the Creative Director of Mignonette Bridal and Ette the Wedding Tailor in Chicago, Illinois. With nearly two decades of experience as a wedding gown designer, small business owner, and vintage sewing enthusiast, Kpoene specializes in wedding gown design and the social history of wedding dresses. She received a BA in Creative Writing from Middlebury College and studied the business of fashion at the Fashion Institute of Technology. She is also a graduate of the Goldman Sachs 10KSB program and the Chicago Fashion Incubator and has written about wedding fashion for Jezebel, Catalyst, the Sun Times, and XO Jane.

  

  Couture Bridal Designer

  Expert Answer

  I would advise that you get a few sewing patterns and start practicing on inexpensive fabric before you dive in. I also always recommend going shopping first to see what styles and silhouettes look best on you before you start making your gown. Lastly, invest in the right tools. You need an adjustable dress that can be set to your basic measurements, different sizes of needles and sewing machine feet, quality fabric scissors, time, and patience! Reading blog sites such as Mood Fabrics and Gertie's can provide great tips and advice to help you with your journey.

• Question

  How do you properly cut fabric?

  

  Kpoene Kofi-Bruce is a tailor, couture wedding gown designer, and the Creative Director of Mignonette Bridal and Ette the Wedding Tailor in Chicago, Illinois. With nearly two decades of experience as a wedding gown designer, small business owner, and vintage sewing enthusiast, Kpoene specializes in wedding gown design and the social history of wedding dresses. She received a BA in Creative Writing from Middlebury College and studied the business of fashion at the Fashion Institute of Technology. She is also a graduate of the Goldman Sachs 10KSB program and the Chicago Fashion Incubator and has written about wedding fashion for Jezebel, Catalyst, the Sun Times, and XO Jane.

  

  Couture Bridal Designer

  Expert Answer

  By practicing and having patience when you cut fabrics. When you start cutting, always know where your grainline is, make sure you have good sharp scissors, and utilize fabric weights or pins. For items like silk satin or flimsy fabrics, making sure the fabric doesn't shift as you cut it is crucial for best results.

• Question

  Can a child do this?

  

  Probably a child over the age of 7 can do this. As long as you know how to sew, it's simple.

• Question

  What if my handmade dress does not fit?

  

  If you are worried about it not fitting, when you cut the fabric, add 5-7cm (1-2 inches). That way it won't be to small. If it's too big just use your seams as a guide to make it smaller. You can't make the dress bigger once you cut it out.

• Question

  What fabrics are best for gowns?

  

  Silk and light fabrics are best used to make flowy dresses, while more stiff and thick fabrics can give a more full effect. It's really up to you what style of gown you want.

• Question

  How do I sew a dress without a t-shirt?

  

  Buy fabric that matches the print of the dress. Having a sewing machine is a huge help. It's possible to hand stitch, but make sure you make it tight!

• Question

  Is there a way to make a dress without sewing it?

  

  You could use fabric glue, which should be available at a craft store (instructions included with it).

• Question

  What fabric is the best for a gown?

  

  It depends on the type of fit you are looking for. Cotton is great because of its breathe-ability, but it's not very stretchy. Look for a Lycra (Spandex) Cotton hybrid if you would like a little give and a comfortable fabric.

• Question

  How long would it take to hand stitch a dress? I need to do this in two days.

  

  If you don't sleep, it's possible. The length of time will depend on how you are making it and how persistent you are in your work. Your chances of meeting that timetable are much, much better if you use a machine.

• Question

  How do I know which stitching method to use?

  

  If the material is stretchy, use a zig-zag stitch. For anything else, use the stitch you think best suits the clothing.

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• Follow the age old sewing rule of measuring twice and cutting once. It is better to be safe and take a few extra minutes of time, rather than irrevocably ruin a large portion of your fabric for your dress.

• Have someone else measure you for more accurate numbers.

• Look for free, downloadable dress patterns online.

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Article Summary X

To make a dress, carefully cut the fabric from a pattern, following traced lines, with an extra ½ inch of fabric around the edges for seam allowances. Follow the sewing directions on the pattern using a zig-zag stitch to secure the front and back of the dress together. For a simple neckline and hem, fold ¼ inch of fabric down and use a straight stitch to hold the fabric in place around the neck and bottom of the dress. For more tips, including how to take measurements and select a fabric, read on!

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Source: https://www.wikihow.com/Make-a-Dress

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