How to Cut & Sew a Dress
- 1). Visit your favorite sewing or fabric shop to select the dress pattern in the appropriate size. Start with a simple, basic, unlined dress without ornate details.
- 2). Gather all your sewing items together when you're ready to begin. Set up the machine by following its directions for threading the needle and filling the bobbin. Pre-wash and iron your fabric.
- 3). Lay out the pattern pieces over the fabric and pin together. The pattern itself often has directions for how to lay out the fabric. Carefully cut the fabric by following around the edges of the pattern pieces.
- 4). Arrange the pieces to sew according to the pattern's steps. Often, the first part to sew is the front, which seldom has seams, unless there's a "v-piece" or bib type area. Next is the back, often in two parts with the zipper between. The sleeves and a collar or neckpiece follow. And hemming and trim are done last.
- 5). Match the seams that join together and secure with straight pins. You sew over the pins as you work. Seams are made by sewing the fabric pieces inside out. Seams are usually about an inch wide.
- 6). Baste the parts together with the machine. The basting stitch is temporary, and is much wider than the common final stitching to give you a general idea of fit. Some patterns call for the zipper going into the back or side pieces first for simplicity. Next sew the front, back and any sides together. Attach any collar or neck pieces. Try on the dress for size. Adjust any places that don't quite fit by ripping out the thread and re-basting.
- 7). Attach the sleeves. There are two different ways to do this and your pattern will offer the best option for your dress. You either seam the sleeve and then attach to the body of the dress, or you will attach the upper arm to the dress and then seam the remaining length together.
- 8). Wear the dress again to check the fit. Adjust any too-tight areas. Then hem the bottom edge of the main body and hem the sleeves. Add any trim to your piece such as decorative cording, applique embellishments or other details for flashy final touches. These are typically done by hand rather than the machine for better control.
