Maybe you're looking for a cute and simple dress but can't find it, or maybe it's too expensive. You shouldn't have so much trouble finding the perfect dress for a party, funeral, or wedding, because you can always make your own. It is easy, you just need to follow these simple steps. This guide will help you make a "kerchief" or Mexican-style dress. However, you will also find guides for creating other styles of dresses.
Step
Part 1 of 3: Measuring and Cutting Fabric
Step 1. Measure your body
Measure from the top of the shoulder (where there is usually a seam on a shirt) to the bottom hem of your desired dress. Next, measure the circumference of your hips at their widest point. Add 2.5 - 5 cm to the bottom shoulder length measurement, and at least 10 cm to the hip measurement for the seam crease (or wider if your shoulders are wider than your hips). If you want to make the skirt of your dress more puffy, add 15 - 20 cm.
- For example, let's say the length from your shoulder to your knee (the bottom hem of your desired dress) is 100 cm, and the circumference of your hip is 90 cm. Thus, you should ideally need a fabric measuring 105 cm wide and 105 cm long, although you can also use a 105 x 52.5 cm fabric.
- Technically, the fabric will be cut into equal-sized rectangles (with one-fourth the width of the sides around the hips, plus the length of the hem). This means that as long as you have four rectangular pieces of fabric, you can use them.
- The traditional seam width is 1.2 cm on each edge of the garment.
Step 2. Choose your fabric
You can use any fabric you want. White or another bright color is the most traditional choice, but you can also use tablecloths, curtains, or scarves, too.
Fabrics that stretch like a t-shirt are suitable for this kind of dress, but can be difficult to work with. You will need certain settings on your sewing machine (especially a sewing machine tread setting that is loose enough but not too loose). Do it carefully
Step 3. Cut the fabric into rectangles
Cut the fabric into rectangles of the same size. As noted above, the width should be equal to the circumference of your hips divided by four, plus the width of the seam to join the four rectangles.
Use the measurements in the first step, in the example here, your rectangle should be 105 cm long and 26.25 cm wide
Part 2 of 3: Sewing Your Fabric
Step 1. Sew the shoulders together
Take two rectangles and pin one wide side of the fabric to the other. This series will form a hem on the shoulder. Sew the two pieces of fabric by hand or using a sewing machine, at a distance of about 1.2 cm from the edge of the fabric.
When you're pinning two pieces of fabric, you'll naturally want to thread the pin along the line you're sewing. However, you should pin this pin perpendicular to the sewing line, so that you can sew on top of this needle without removing it (although you should take it off)
Step 2. Pin the sides of the fabric and measure the neck hole of the dress
After sewing the shoulders, you should have two very long pieces of fabric. Face this piece of fabric, and pin the pin along the long side. This section will be the center line of your dress. Now measure, and then mark how short the dress is at the front (neck) and back (back).
For each side, measure from the shoulder seam down, and mark this point on the fabric with sewing chalk (or something similar)
Step 3. Sew the pieces of fabric together
Now sew from the bottom hem toward the shoulder on the side you pinned. Stop when you reach the mark on the back, or the neckline in the front. Lock your stitches, cut off the remaining thread, and then repeat on the other side.
Lock the seam by reversing the direction of the seam by about 1.2 cm, then return to normal forward sewing to your end point, and back to back again. This will lock your stitches, so that when you cut the thread and remove the dress, the thread won't come loose
Step 4. Hem the bottom of your dress
Take this opportunity to hem the hem of your dress. Fold the edge of the fabric up about 1.2 - 2.5 cm, pin the pin there, then sew straight.
Step 5. Measure the length of the waistband
Now, you need to make the waistband. Prepare an elastic band, measuring 0.6 or 1.2 cm. Measure the circumference of your waist at its smallest point, as well as the circumference of your waist 5 cm above and below that point. Now, measure the distance from your shoulder to the smallest part of your waist. Using these measurements, mark the waistline on your dress, and 5 cm above and below it.
- This design (with rubber in three places) will create a "Boho" look. You can use a single band, or just use a belt line if you prefer.
- You don't have to make an elastic on this waist. You can just put a belt on your dress. Belts may also work better than rubber if the fabric you're using is very thin, soft, or has a detailed pattern.
Step 6. Cut and pin to the waist line
Cut the elastic so it's the same size as your waist when it's not stretched. Then, cut it into two equal parts, one for each side of your waist. Pin one end of the rubber to one side of the dress (inside the hem). and then pin the other end of the rubber to the other side. Find the center, and pin it in the middle of the dress. Now, stretch the section, and secure it evenly with the fabric. When you remove the rubber, your dress should blend beautifully.
Do not forget to pin each side of the dress, both front and back
Step 7. Sew the elastic
Once the rubber is pinned in place, you can sew it to the fabric. Don't forget to lock your stitches, just like in the center hem.
Step 8. Pin the fabric and measure your sleeve
You should now get one large rectangle with a neck hole in the middle. Lay the fabric so that the opposite sides touch again (fold at the shoulder seam), and then pin the two long sides together. Measure 12.5 cm or so (depending on the width you will make for your arm) from the shoulder seam on the long side of the fabric, and mark as in the neck hole.
Measure the circumference of your arm and then divide that measurement in half. You may need to increase the length, as sleeves are usually loose. Just make sure not to go too low, or your underwear will show
Step 9. Sew the sides together
Sew from the seam, stopping at the mark you made for the armhole. Lock your stitches as before.
Step 10. Finish the edges of the dress
Your dress should now start showing! Technically, you can wear it, but it's even better if you finish off the edges, and add some finishing touches to make your dress look cute and pretty. You can:
- Give a bisban to complete the edge of the dress. Prepare a single-fold bisban. Cut one of the three sides open, and place it face down inside the edge of the fabric you will be finishing. Sew from the front. Sew to the collar and sleeves as well, as well as the bottom hem of the dress if you wish.
- Give a fabric belt loop by sewing a small rectangle of fabric and attaching it to your dress.
- Add material and other details to your dress. Consider providing pockets and lace.
Part 3 of 3: Making Another Dress
Step 1. Sew the dress from the pillowcase
You can make a simple dress out of a pillowcase by making an elasticated top. Once you've attached the elastic, all you need is a belt or some other pretty accessory to tie your waist.
Step 2. Sew an empire waist dress
By giving the skirt to the chest of the top piece you have, you can easily sew an empire waist dress. This model is suitable for a feminine look in summer.
Step 3. Make a dress out of sheets
Your old sheets can be turned into a dress, with plenty of fabric to make into a summer short dress. It's very easy to make, you only need basic sewing skills.
Step 4. Make a dress from your favorite skirt
By sewing a t-shirt or other top with a skirt, you can get a beautiful dress in just a few minutes. Line up the edges of the skirt and top, then make a hem along the waist.
Note that you won't be able to open or close your skirt, so this method only works on skirts with an elasticated waist
Tips
- Make cute accessories like purses or flowers to make your dress look even cuter.
- Ask your friends for help. This activity will be even more fun! You can also make dresses that are similar to each other.
- Add ornate flowers and crystals to your dress.
