Monday 30 April 2012

The Easiest Dress You'll Ever make . . . Seriously!



This dress was so easy to make using a jersey fabric, I've made a couple like it now and people can't believe how easy it is once I tell them the method.

First measure around the largest part of your body (for me this is my bum!) add one inch for seam allowance and a few more inches depending on how loose fitting you want your dress (I added four inches in total to my measurement).

Cut the width and height (depending on how long you want it - add around two inches on the length you want).

Lay out your fabric and fold the width in half then pin he open side.




All the measuring and cutting is the hardest part so you're on the home straight now (not sure why I used a sports metaphor!)

Anyways, sew a straight stitch all the way down the open edge then sew again with a zigzag on the outside, as close to the original stitch as you can - this is a very important step, jersey fabric doesn't sew too well and my first attempt at this style resulted in a small hole appearing around the bottom area - very embarrassing when it's pointed out to you my your father-in-law!!
But adding the zigzag keeps everything together!

Trim off the excess fabric.




Keeping the stitching on the outside, twist your fabric so the seam is in the middle. Place a top over the fabric and use as a guideline to cut to the bottom of the sleeves and pin across the top to the neck line. Not sure if that made sense, hopefully the picture will help!




Sew where you have pinned, turn inside out and you have a dress! It will look like a sack when you first put in on but it will be fine once you add a waist belt!

Depending on the fabric you've used you might need to add some hems but the fabric I used (a woolly jersey fabric) doesn't fray and I quite like the rolled up edges it produces.




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39 comments:

  1. Looks pretty easy. I haven't made myself clothing in quite some time but if I could find the time, maybe. Thanks for your visit. The origami box is quite easy if you just follow the steps and don't let yourself get frustrated. :-)

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  2. Such a pretty dress. I may have to give this one a try. :)

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  3. Pretty dress! I really need to learn how to sew!

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  4. I am going to give this a try looks easy enough. Thank you for the great idea. I wonder if it could be made with a v-neck?

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    1. I'm pretty sure it would work with a v-neck, I've done one where I've cut out a round neckline and it worked really well, you would just have to hem the edges and this was my super lazy version! Good luck :)

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  5. This came out great and I'm going to to give it a try!! TFS!! Stopping by from Sumo's Sweet Stuff linky party and your newest follower.

    Here is what I shared: http://craftybrooklynarmywife.blogspot.ca/2012/04/another-coat-for-holly.html

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    1. Good luck! When I read the link I assumed Holly was your daughter and I had a bit of a shock lol. So adorable!!

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  6. WOW! You are a crafty one aren't you! Look at this dress and its fall. I am so making this. Maybe this time after I'm done with my part of stickity-boo, I'll ask our tailor to secure the edges for me. For added safety.

    I am so happy you came over to my blog and left such sweet notes...I'm glad to have found your blog, from the bottom of my heart. Grabbing your button now! :D

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    1. Thank you :) I'm looking forward to seeing what you create next :)

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  7. I'm a newbie and looking for some things to try! I think this will be added to my list! Thanks for sharing.

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  8. Looks like a very comfortable dress..perfect for summer! If you're looking for another place to share your great tutorial, head on over to Etcetorize and join the party (http://etcetorize.blogspot.ca/2012/04/make-it-great-monday_29.html). Hope to see you there~

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    1. Thanks for letting me know, I'll link up next week :)

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  9. OMG, it is practicly the same thing that I did. I like yours very much!

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  10. Looks so comfy! Thanks for this tutorial! I'm pinning this so I can try it sometime. Thanks so much for linking up at Romance on a Dime!

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  11. Hi! Visiting from the stuff of success. I love this dress! Soo pretty.. and looks comfy! Ill have to try it soon :)

    Newest follower here. Would love a follow back if you like my site too :)

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  12. Looks lovely and comfortable!!! I'm thinking I could make a shorter version and wear as a loose fitting t-shirt. Thanks for sharing how you made it. I would love for you to share this at our ongoing linky that's just for Women's Dresses...
    http://threadingmyway.blogspot.com/2012/01/threading-your-way-dresses-for-women.html

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  13. Thanks for sharing your tutorial... looks pretty and easy! :) I found you via the Delightful Order linky :)

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  14. Beautiful job! and thank you for sharing your tutorial. One thing I haven't ventured into is making clothing for myself. Just for kidlets. You are an amazing seamstress!

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    1. Your comment made me smile - I would never call myself a seamstress! I literally just make things up as I go along, most of the time I don't have a clue that I'm doing! Thank you very much though :)

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  15. Too cute!! Thanks for visiting me and commenting on the "Trash Your Wedding Dress" post!

    Oh, how I wish I would have stuck with sewing lessons. And piano lessons. And running. Oh, well. I guess i could always try to teach this old dog a new trick!! New follower!

    ~joy!
    Vicky @ sleeping in an unmade bed

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  16. How cute!!!! Thank you for your sharing, I love how it turned out!
    Just found your blog and I'm so happy, it's wonderful!!! You did amazing work!!!

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  17. How simple and easy that looks. Thanks for sharing at Terrific Tuesdays.
    Rachel
    adventuresofadiymom.blogspot.com

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  18. Its cute! And I have a few yards of jersey fabric hanging around.....

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  19. Hi! I found your blog from Terrific Tuesdays. This is a great tutorial! I hope I have time to make it one of these days. Thanks for sharing it with us. I also love your re-fashion of the Next skirt!

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  20. p.s. I pinned this dress and am now following you :-)

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  21. Love it!!! Love the color too. Thanks again for sharing with us at Toot Your Horn Tuesday :)

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  22. It looks adorable on you! Thanks for sharing!

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  23. Great dress!! I am making a dress in jersey knit right now. I have never worked with it before. I like the tip you shared on putting the zig-zag stitch in. Thnaks so much for sharing with us at Link It Up Thursday.

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  24. This looks like fun! I'm going to give it a try some time soon, thanks for sharing

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  25. Very cute! Oh how I wish I could sew!
    Thanks for linking up this week!
    I am so happy you did!
    Stacey of Embracing Change

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  26. I love the way this came out. The color is such a pretty blue too. Thanks so much for sharing at Whimsy Wednesdays.

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  27. Adorable! Thanks for linking it up to Fantabulous Friday @ Little Becky Homecky!!

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  28. Super cute and looks so comfy! Thanks for sharing how to make it!

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  29. Very cute!
    Thanks for linking up this week!
    Stacey of Embracing Change

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  30. Wow Laura you've been really busy. Your ideas are fantastic. The dress is really simple but looks stunning. Ali x

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  31. This is a great idea! I have a sewing machine but all I have made is a cushion so far - I may have to be brave and try to make this dress. Have a great week x

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  32. Hmm I bet it is not that easy in practice! (for me anyway!)

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