Step 1: First pick out about 3 to 4 yards of fabric you like try to stick with cotton or a cotton poly blend it is easy to work with and washes easily. Find a solid color or a bold print whatever fits your personality.
Step 2: Next take a dress or top you already own that fits perfect sleeveless is best, I find a simple shift dress or dressy tank top something that is somewhat structured and doesn't stretch much works best. Whatever you pick should have a simple silhouette, that is why a shift dress works best it has a basic neckline that can be manipulate easily and it suits most body types and can be changed into a variety of dress styles.
Step 3: Take your dress and fold it in half so that the front or right side of the fabric is touching. Line up the folded side along the edge of your paper then trace the other side onto the paper trace about a 1/4 inch from the edge of the dress. This will become your pattern. (If you use a top instead of a dress just draw a line that goes from the end of the top to what ever length you want your dress to be, if you want an A-line dress taper off so you will have a fuller skirt rather than a straight one, so the bottom of the dress will be wider than the waist.)
Step 4: Once you have traced your dress onto the paper now is the time to decide what kind of dress you what to make. You can change the neckline, length of the dress, and shape. You can also make changes as you go, but once you have your pattern ready cut it out.
Step 5: Fold your fabric in half making sure the fabric is flat and has no wrinkles, iron if necessary, then lay your pattern on top so that the straight edge of the pattern matches the folded edge of the fabric. Pin the pattern to the fabric and the begin cutting making sure you cut a 1/4 inch bigger for seam allowance. Cut two pieces one for the front and one for the back.
Step 6: Make any changes to the front or back pieces, this is where if you want a one shoulder dress you would cut one strap off each piece. Experiment with different necklines, straps and skirt shapes.
Step 7: Once you have the desired shape lay the front side or right sides of fabric pieces together so that the dress is inside out. Pin from the arm hole down to the edge of the dress making sure the edges match up and the fabric stays flat. Then pin the top of the straps together.
Step 8: Sew along the pinned edges about a 1/4 inch from the very edge either serge or zig-zag stich over the edges so they don't fray. Then turn the dress right side out and iron.
Step 9: Hem the bottom of the dress to desired length, you might want to try to dress on before you hem. Finish the arm holes and neckline by either serging, or folding the fabric under.
Step 10: Finally embellish and decorate your dress with ruffles, pleats, decorative stitching. You can use beads, rhinestones, or yarn to create a dramatic neckline or hem.
Experiment with different dress styles and fabrics and just have fun, make tops the same just use a top for a pattern or shorten your dress pattern. Use your creativity and don't be afraid to try different things, you might just be a fashion designer and didn't know it. Have fun!
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