How to make a dress pattern

Making your own is not only a creative and rewarding endeavor, but it also allows you to have complete control over the design and fit. However, before you can start sewing, you need to create a dress pattern that will serve as a blueprint for your project. In this article, we will guide you through the step-by-step process of making a dress pattern.

1. Choose a Design:
The first step in making a dress pattern is to decide on the design you want to create. Browse through fashion magazines or online platforms for inspiration, and consider your personal style and body shape. Sketch out your chosen design, including neckline, sleeves, waistline, and hemline.

2. Take Accurate Measurements:
Before you start drafting your dress pattern, you need to take accurate measurements of your body. Use a flexible measuring tape and measure your bust, waist, hips, shoulder width, and any other relevant areas. Write down these measurements, as they will be instrumental in creating a pattern that fits you perfectly.

3. Draft the Basic Block:
The basic block serves as the foundation for your dress pattern, and it consists of a front bodice, back bodice, front skirt, and back skirt. Using your measurements, draw a rectangle for the front and back bodice, ensuring that the width matches your bust, and the length corresponds to your desired dress length. Similarly, draw a rectangle for the front and back skirt, with the width corresponding to your hip measurement and the length matching your desired skirt length.

4. Create the Neckline and Armhole:
Using your design sketch as a guide, modify the shape of the neckline and armhole in your basic block. For example, if you want a scoop neck, use a French curve ruler to draw a curved line. Remember to add seam allowances to all edges to account for sewing.

5. Add Darts and Seams:
Darts are essential for shaping and fitting the dress to your body. Determine the placement of the darts on both the front and back bodice and use a ruler to draw them. Additionally, mark the seam lines on all pattern pieces, including the shoulder, side seams, and waistline.

6. Adjust for Fit:
Pin the paper pattern pieces together along the seams and try it on, preferably using muslin or a similar fabric. This will allow you to make any necessary adjustments to the fit. For example, you may need to take in or let out the seams, shorten or lengthen the bodice, or make any other alterations based on how the dress sits on your body.

7. Finalize the Pattern:
Once you’ve made all the necessary fit adjustments, transfer your paper pattern pieces onto pattern paper or use tracing paper to create a cleaner version. Add notches to indicate matching points on the bodice and the skirt, and label each pattern piece accordingly.

Congratulations! You now have a dress pattern ready to be transferred onto fabric and sewn together. Remember, making a dress pattern may take a few tries to achieve the perfect fit, but with practice and patience, you’ll be able to create beautiful and unique garments tailored just for you. Happy sewing!