How to Make a Dress

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.

Steps

1
Take your measurements. With a soft measuring tape, measure your bust (at the widest point), waist, and hips (also at the widest point). Determine how long you'd like your skirt to be by holding the tape at your natural waist and noting the number at the place where you'd like the hem to fall. Measure the length of the bodice by noting the distance between the top of your shoulder and your natural waist. Depending on the design of your dress, you might also need to measure the width of your shoulders, as well as the circumference of your arms at the shoulder.
2
Purchase a pattern (optional). For your first time making a dress, consider using a pattern. Traditional patterns are widely available at craft and fabric stores, or you can find several free patterns online (try this one for a basic, classic 1950s dress).
3
Purchase fabric. Shop for fabric, thread and other notions at your local craft or sewing store. If you're using a pattern, the text should guide you as to how much fabric you need. If you're working without a pattern, make sure you buy enough fabric to account for mistakes or unexpected alterations. Beginners should use an easy-to-handle cotton fabric, such as poplin or another medium-weight weave.
- Consider buying a length of muslin, a loose cotton fabric. Many dressmakers sew in muslin first, then rip out the seams and use the muslin pieces as the pattern. Even if you are working off a pattern, muslin can be a good test-run.
4
Wash and iron your fabric. If you're working with cotton or another easily washable fabric, launder it on cold and dry on low. Iron out any kinks or creases for easier cutting in the next step.
5
Cut out your fabric. If you're following a pattern, it will instruct you on which pieces to cut. If not, generally skirts are constructed out of two of fabric for a skirt, and one or two pieces for a bodice. Leave sufficient room for seam allowances.
6
Pin your pattern in place. Use sewing pins to attach your pattern to the fabric. If you're going without a pattern, you'll still need pins to stabilize your hems and seams.
7
Start sewing. You can sew your dress on a sewing machine, or you can stitch by hand. Either way, use a thread that's consistent with the fabric of your dress and try to stitch with consistent size and tension.
- Sew a seam. Most seams are sewn "inside out" - that is, you'll work the fabric from the inside of the garment so that the seam is hidden. For a skirt, lay out your first piece of fabric pattern-side up. Lay out an identical piece directly on top of that, pattern-side down. Pin up the sides, where your seams will be sewn. When you're done, you'll pull out the pins and turn the skirt right-side out.
- Sew a hem. To sew a hem at the bottom of a skirt or sleeve, fold the fabric 1/4 inch (0.6 cm) upward, then fold another inch (2.5 cm) over that. Pin the fabric. Sew at the "top" of the hem, so that you're going through three layers of fabric.
8
Add embellishments. You can make a sash for your dress out of leftover fabric, or you can add zippers, buttons, appliqué, or other notions.
9
Finished.

Specific Dress Articles

1
Make your own prom dress. Save some money and make your dream dress to your own exact specifications.
2
Learn how to make a wrap dress. A versatile wrap can be dressed up or down, depending on the occasion.
3
Use a fitted bedsheet to make a dress. Using a bedsheet saves you the trouble of adding elastics to your dress.
4
Add a cute umbrella skirt to your dress. Repurpose an old umbrella, and save money on fabric.
5
Add a cute tutu skirt to your dress. It will add a whimsical and dainty look to your outfit.
6
Expand your favorite skirt into a dress. This is an extra-quick project if you're in a bind.
7
Transform a huge T-shirt into a cute dress. Save money and repurpose a comfy old shirt.
8
Make an extravagant corset dress. Start with a basic corset and add an elaborate skirt.
9
Make a dress by elaborating on a basic shift. Add your own embellishments and touches without worrying about seams and hems.
10
Make a 1920s flapper dress. Sew your own Halloween or dress-up costume.

Sewing Techniques

1
Learn how to sew by hand. Brush up on some basic pointers.
2
Find out more about using a sewing machine. Learn how to thread spools and take advantage of different settings.
3
Learn how to sew using patterns. Follow this guide on how to understand the pattern you're using.
4
Add buttons to your dress. They can be a cute notion, or functional fasteners.
5
Put sequins on your dress. Use them to add a small, dazzling touch to a neckline or pocket.
6
Sew puff sleeves. Add elegance to a prom dress, or a bit of whimsy to an everyday outfit.
7
Embellish with ruffles. Add ruffles along the hem, neckline or sleeves of your dress.

Making Patterns

1
Make your own pattern. Design what you want from scratch.
2
Build your own corset. Use it as the base for a corset dress, or as a support garment.
3
Refine your dress design. Build your own creation, then make a pattern.

Tips

Take your time. It's faster overall to do the stitches right on the first deliberate try than it is to rip them out and do it again.
Have someone else measure you for more accurate numbers.
Look for free, downloadable dress patterns online.
Be creative and add your own flare to the dress. But, be sure to have a pattern as a guide line.

Warnings

Take care when using a sewing machine.
Use a thimble when sewing by hand.

Penulis : Unknown ~ Sebuah blog yang menyediakan berbagai macam informasi

Artikel How to Make a Dress ini dipublish oleh Unknown pada hari samedi 16 mars 2013. Semoga artikel ini dapat bermanfaat.Terimakasih atas kunjungan Anda silahkan tinggalkan komentar.sudah ada 0 komentar: di postingan How to Make a Dress