DIY Dress

DIY Dress

DIY Dress

This DIY shift dress pattern is based on my best ever dress pattern. See that pattern – on this link. I love, love that dress and was trying to make it with fewer pattern pieces. This is the last of the curtain fabric that has been upcycled. To see what I got out of those old curtains have a look at these posts –

So this DIY dress is not as great as the other one. I think reducing it to one pattern piece wasn’t such a good idea. But will show how how I made it anyway. Also for a shift dress, a softer fabric would have been preferable, but since I try to recycle and upcycle, I work with what I have.There is a recycled cloth coffee bag as a pocket. A fun quirky twist. And of course DIY clothing is always more ethical that buying fast fashion.

Shift pattern

Shift pattern

You need: –

  • fabric
  • matching coloured thread
  • pins
  • sewing scissors
  • sewing machine

 

You do: –

I’m a UK dress size 10. This is a loose dress. If you’re close to me in size you should be able to use this pattern. Or scale it up/down to fit your dress size.

Cut fabric

Cut fabric

Cut your fabric square or rectangle as per your dress size.

Fold over front V neck

Fold over front V neck

Fold over front V neck and sew centre front seam.

Create armholes

Create armholes

Now is a good time to see how tight or loose this dress is. You can always take in the centre front seam it’s it feels like a tent. It is however meant to be a loose comfy dress.

Next place the centre front seam on the centre back fold line. Cut armholes and fold and pin fabric back.

Hem V neck and armholes with double row of stitching

Hem V neck and armholes with double row of stitching

Hem V neck and armholes with double row of stitching. Please note this is not a fabric inclined to fray so I could get away with sewing the armholes and neck this way. You can also use bias binding or make a facing if you’re a nifty seamstress.

Sew shoulder seam

Sew shoulder seam

Pin and sew the shoulder seams. Again, the savvier sewers amongst us can slope the shoulders. I go for as simple as possible.

Fit your dress and pin your hem.

Pin and sew pocket

The pocket is optional. And you can sew one or two. You can use up fabric scraps or make a different shaped pocket. Your dress. You decide.

Adjust shoulder

Adjust shoulder

I quite like the cap sleeve effect this pattern makes. But if you want less of that then fold back at the top of the armholes and sew them again. Trim away any excess fabric. That’s all there was to this easy shift dress.

I watched a movie on Netflix the other night called – The True Cost. It’s produced by Lucy Siegle. Please take some time to watch it. We can make better choices if we know what the real cost of clothing is. Making your own fashion items is one way to make a difference.

More next week. Have a great week until then.

Greenie.