Have you ever seen a gorgeous dress on a fashion show stage or a glossy fashion magazine that cost exorbitantly? Or maybe you're imagining a beautiful dress that you can't find in any store or boutique? This article provides some basic techniques for making your own dresses, as well as brief descriptions of some of the more detailed styles of dresses.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Preparing for Dress Making
Step 1. Choose the fabric you want
Any fabric can be used for the dress, but if you've never sewn before, try choosing an easy fabric or cotton. Look for fabrics that match the colors, patterns, and textures you need. Silk or heavy material is difficult to sew if you are not used to it. Also, choose a fabric that is thick enough so that you don't have to add vuring or wear an underskirt. You will need about 2 to 3 meters of fabric depending on your body size and length of the dress.
- In addition to buying fabric, you can use a very large T-shirt to remodel into a dress. Look for it at a thrift store or in the bottom pile of your closet.
- Look for fabrics creatively and if you want to use sheets or curtains as material for the dress. If you don't want to sacrifice it, you can save money by buying sheets or curtains from an antique or secondhand store.
Step 2. Wash the cloth first
To remove wrinkles or stains, as well as allow the fabric to shrink before sewing, you'll need to wash the fabric first. After the fabric is washed and dried, iron it so that it is smooth and ready to sew.
Step 3. Choose a pattern
Sewing a dress is one of the more complicated projects for beginners and it's easier to use a dress pattern. Patterns are used as the basis for cutting fabrics that are made to specific sizes and models. If you can't make your own patterns, you can find them online for free or cheap, or buy them at a fabric/sewing supply store. Choose a pattern with the model and shape you like with the correct size for your body.
Step 4. Make a mock pattern
If you don't use a pattern like the one mentioned above, you can make your own by copying your finished dress. Find a dress that you like and that fits well, then use it as a template to create a pattern. Your new dress will later have the same fashion as the dress that was used as an example.
Step 5. Measure your body
If using the original pattern, measure yourself with a tape measure. To make a mock pattern, fold the finished dress in half lengthwise. Place it on top of the fabric (which is also folded in half lengthwise), then draw a line along the edge of the dress. You can change the length of the dress either with a pattern or your own measurements by measuring from the hips to the length you want, and applying the changes to the fabric.
Method 2 of 3: Making Dresses
Step 1. Cut the fabric
Lay out the fabric on a flat surface (or fold it in half if the pattern requires) and place the pattern on top. Cut the fabric following the guide lines to fit the desired model. If you're using a pattern from a finished shirt, follow the lines you made after folding the dress in half and placing it along the folded edge of the fabric. Cut the line, and unfold the fabric to see the front of your dress.
- Add 2 cm wider at the edge of the fabric for the seam. Usually the patterns that are sold already include this extra side, but you should keep this in mind if you are making patterns by copying a ready-made dress.
- If you want to make the sleeves, cut the fabric separate from the body. Cut the sleeveless body first, then join the sleeves later.
- Make sure you also cut the back of the body in the same method as cutting the front.
Step 2. Start sewing
Follow the stitch lines according to the directions on the pattern. Usually the sides of the body are sewn first. Turn the fabric inside out and fold 0.5 cm on both sides, using an iron so that the folds are even. Then, use a zigzag/bike stitch to connect the front and back, then flat stitch to lock the seams on the body of the dress. The flat stitch will even out the fabric along the seam and add a more professional look.
- Follow all the directions on the pattern to sew the rest of the dress.
- If the pattern guides you to sew other parts first other than the sides of the body, go with it.
Step 3. Sew the neckline
For a simple neckline, fold 0.5 cm of fabric along the sides of the neck and iron it flat. Use a straight stitch along the neckline to make the hem so it doesn't fray. You can adjust the height of the neckline by measuring the distance from the waist to the desired neckline, then cut and sew the neckline according to that size.
Step 4. Seam the bottom
Fold 0.5 cm of fabric on the bottom and iron it flat. If possible, the edges of the fabric should be drilled so that they are not stringy. Then use a straight stitch to sew the hem. Until here, the bottom of the dress is neat.
Step 5. Give the finishing touches
If you want, add a zipper on the side or back of the dress as an opening. You can also add lace, ruffles, trim, or beads for accents. After all this is your own dress and an opportunity to show your style. So do whatever you want.
Method 3 of 3: Making Another Style Dress
Step 1. Make a dress out of rubberized sheets
If you have nice sheets at home or you want to save some money, learn how to make a dress out of bed sheets. The elastic on the sheets can become rubber at the waist of the dress, while the size is large enough to make a dress.
Step 2. Turn a short skirt into a dress
If you want to make a pretty dress in no time, combine a short skirt with a pretty top. You can make your own top with plain fabric and then tie it up with a skirt. This is a short project that you can work on if you don't have the time.
Step 3. Make a flapper dress from the 1920s.
A flapper dress is an easy project to work on, whether you love '20s fashion or to wear to a costume party. Connect a regular short dress and a few layers of tassels with a little sewing ability. You're ready for the Gatsby party.
Step 4. Make your own prom dress
You don't have to spend a lot of money on a prom dress because you can make your dream dress the way you want it. Look for beautiful dress patterns, perfect fabrics, and create your own evening gown. People will be fascinated by your style and sewing skills.
Tips
- Follow the old advice to measure twice and cut once. It's better to be safe and redo measurements than to cut wrong.
- Do not rush. Sewing once but carefully will be faster than sewing quickly and then overhauling by mistake.
- Ask someone else to measure your body for accurate results.
- Look for free dress patterns that can be downloaded online.
- When making or buying a dress, make sure the color and style is good and matches your skin tone/body shape.
- Take measurements several times so that the dress fits the body. In addition, try to make dresses that beautify your body shape.
