How to: sew a dress in 3 steps

I decided I needed to help out my friends that don’t just love to sew, but have to because they can’t find what they need in stores. Would you like to sew a dress in 3 steps? 3 steps isn’t so bad is it?

I hear lots of comments from friends and others that sew their own dresses, that they don’t like to sew but have to because they can’t find dresses to buy that are modest enough and that fit.

I also hear some say that they tend to push off sewing until the last minute. And then frustration rises when the sewing doesn’t turn out because of being in a hurry.

Is this you perhaps?

Or maybe you love to sew but still push it off because there are always more important things to do. I do that many times.

Learn how to sew a dress in 3 steps. And you can start right now, today! 😊

How to sew a dress : step 1

If you like to sew with knit fabric you will probably know that there are tons of different kinds of knits. And they all stretch differently. Sewing with woven fabric is different because they don’t stretch, but there are different weights of woven fabric.

Simplify your sewing experience by choosing one type of fabric. If sewing with woven, choose one weight type that you find the most comfortable.

If you like to sew with stretch fabric choose one type of fabric that you find is the easiest to work with. Liverpool or ponte de roma are stable knits and easier to sew than some others.

I like using double brushed also but some sewists have a challenge with it since it tends to stick to itself and can make the cutting out process more difficult.

So the first step is, choose one type of fabric.

How to sew a dress step 2

Now get a pattern that fits. I’m sure you have a pattern that fits you well. If not the whole thing than most of it. Maybe it needs a few adjustments. Get a friend or sister or mom to help you get the pattern to fit.

Simplify by choosing a pattern that has a simple design. Not one that has lots of seams and difficult areas. You can always add to a simple design like a ruffle on the skirt or the ideas I put in THIS blog on hem details.

And I will say this again. Ask for help! Why plug along all by yourself? There are people in your world that would be happy to help you out! The online world has lots of help too if your physical world doesn’t. 😊

Use scraps you have on hand to test the pattern as you make the adjustments. Refer to THIS blog on sewing test dresses. Below is a picture of my latest test dress. Beautiful, right?😜

I used all the same type of fabric, just different prints.

So tip 2, choose one pattern and perfect it.

How to sew a dress step 3

And now it’s time to cut out the dress and get it sewn. And the first bit of encouragement from me is….

Take– your– time.

S l o w d o w n.

I don’t know if I need to say more than that! Break down the sewing process and only “bite” off small chunks.

Choose a day and just cut out the dress. That’s it. If you feel like you have time go ahead and sew a couple seams. But just cutting out is good for that day.

Another day plan to sew 2 seams. And just sew 2 seams a day. You can fit in 2 seams a day can’t you?

Or if you want to sew the whole day, buy some frozen pizzas for supper and tell your family they will still live even if you don’t cook for them for ONE day.

And if your pattern is a simple design, it won’t take long to sew. And in the end you will have a dress, that fits.

Another thing on the simple pattern idea, simple is beautiful! Really. Yes, more detailed designs are beautiful too. But a simple design and a dress that fits is Beautiful.

There you are. 3 easy steps to sewing a dress. A simple pattern, fabric that’s easy to work with, and taking your time. Sew a dress and love the process.

And yes, I want to hear from you too! This can’t just be one-sided! What is the biggest obstacle that is keeping you from sewing? Please let me know in the comments below!

P.S. If you don’t have a simple dress pattern that you like go ahead and get my Free Anna Dress pattern. That one sews up in a jiffy! 😊