Content

• To step
• Method 1 of 3: The preparations
• Method 2 of 3: Making the dress
• Method 3 of 3: Make other types of dresses
• Tips

Do you ever see a beautiful dress on the catwalk or in those cool magazines? Those dresses you can never afford? Or do you ever dream about a beautiful dress that you have never seen anywhere? In this article, we'll give you some tips on how to make that dream dress yourself.

To step

Method 1 of 3: The preparations

1. Choose your fabric. You can use any fabric to make a dress, but if it's your first time doing this, it's best to choose an easy, natural or cotton fabric. Look for beautiful fabrics with or without a pattern, in a color that you want. Silk or heavy fabrics are difficult to sew if you have little experience. Just make sure your fabric is thick enough so you don't need two layers or a slip dress. You will need about 2-3 yards of fabric, depending on the size and length of the dress.
   • Use an oversized T-shirt as the basis for your dress. You can buy this at the Hema or Zeeman, for example, or maybe there is one at the back of your cupboard.
   • Be creative in your choice of fabric; for example, use a sheet or curtain for your dress. If you don't have fabric at home or don't want to cut your curtains, you can often find nice ones at second-hand stores.
2. Wash the fabric. Wash the fabric before sewing so that all wrinkles and stains are out and because the fabric always shrinks a little when you wash it for the first time. After washing and drying, iron the fabric so that all wrinkles are out and you are ready to sew.
3. Choose a pattern. Dresses are difficult to start when you are just starting to sew, but it gets a whole lot easier when you use a dress pattern. Patterns are the specific sizes and shapes of all parts of the dress. You can often get patterns for free or for a small fee via the internet or in special magazines. Choose a pattern that is in the style you want and that fits your figure.
4. Make an imitation pattern. If you don't want to use a real pattern, you can “steal” a pattern from a dress you already have. Grab a dress that you like and that fits you well and use the outline to make a pattern. Your dress will then be about the same as the one you already had.
5. Record your measurements. If you are using a pattern, follow the directions that come with it to measure your measurements. If you have another dress as an example, fold it in half lengthwise and place it on top of the fabric (which is also folded in half lengthwise) and trace the outside. You can adjust the length of your dress by using a pattern or measuring the distance from your hips to the desired end point and making these adjustments on the fabric.

Method 2 of 3: Making the dress

1. Cut the fabric. Lay the fabric flat (or fold the fabric in half if instructed in the pattern manual) and place the pattern over it. Cut over the lines you have drawn. If you are using a dress as a pattern, use the contoured outer edge of the half dress, which you outlined after folding the dress in half and overlay. Cut along the line you drew and then fold the fabric back so that you have the entire front of your dress.
   • Make sure to add an inch of space on the side of the fabric for the hem. Most patterns already take this into account, but if you use another dress as an example, you have to take this into account yourself.
   • If you want a dress with sleeves, you will have to cut it separately from the rest of the dress. Cut out the dress without sleeves and sew on the sleeves later.
   • Cut out the back of the dress as well, in the same way as the front.
2. Start sewing. Follow the sewing instructions for the pattern. Normally you sew the sides of the dress first. Turn the fabric inside out and fold the edges 1.25 cm on both sides and iron flat with an iron. Use a zigzag stitch to sew the front and back together and a straight stitch to attach the newly created hem to the dress. The straight stitch keeps the fabric flatter and makes the dress look more professional.
   • Follow any other instructions provided with the pattern to sew the other parts of your dress.
   • For example, if it tells you to sew a different part than the side first, do so.
3. Sew the neckline. For a simple neckline, fold the fabric in 1/2 inch along the edge and iron it flat. Use a straight stitch to secure everything and prevent the fabric from fraying. You can determine the height of your neckline yourself by measuring the distance from your waist to the desired neckline on yourself and applying that to the fabric.
4. Make the hem at the bottom. Fold over 1/2 inch of fabric at the bottom of the dress and iron it flat. If possible with your sewing machine, use a lockstitch to finish the edges so they don't fray. Then use a straight stitch to secure the folded edge to the dress so that the fabric stays in place.
5. Finish the dress. If you want, you can sew a zipper in the dress to make it easier to get on and off. You can also add something extra to your dress by adding appliqués, fringes, beads or other embellishments to your dress. It's your dress and your chance to show off your style! So do what you like.

Method 3 of 3: Make other types of dresses

1. Make a dress from a mattress cover. If you have a nice mattress cover, or you don't feel like spending money on fabric, you can make a dress out of your bedding. The elastic in the cover can serve as elastic in your dress, and the size of the fabric gives you more than enough possibilities to work with cheaply.
2. Make a dress from your favorite skirt. You can quickly make a nice dress from a shirt and a skirt. You can also make the top of a regular piece of fabric and sew it to your skirt. If you don't have that much time, you will quickly have a new dress this way.
3. Make a 1920s dress. If you like the 1920s style of dress or maybe you want to make a dress for a themed party, you can easily sew a dress in that style. Combine the shape of a regular dress with a few layers of fringes and a little sewing technique and voilà! You're all set for that 1920's party!
4. Make your own prom dress. Save money and make the dress of your dreams yourself. Find a beautiful pattern, the perfect fabric and make your own evening dress at home! Everyone will be amazed by your unique dress and creativity.

Tips

• Follow the old rule of measuring twice, cutting once. It's better to err on the side of caution and take a little longer than to cut the fabric for your dress completely.
• Take your time. It is better to sew right in one go than to take it out and do it again. Take your time.
• Ask someone for help with the measurement to make sure you have the correct measurements.
• Look for free patterns, which you can download for free from the internet, for example.