Hobbies And Interests
Things You'll Need
Instructions
Conduct an Internet or magazine search to find dress styles that you like the best. You can easily modify a simple dress pattern to make your homemade prom dress look just as fancy as an expensive designer dress.
Buy a pattern that matches that dress shape. They do not need to be exactly the same, as you can tailor your pattern to fit your shape. Just make sure that if you wanted a one-piece prom dress with a sweetheart top, that your dress pattern is the same.
Choose fabrics for your dress. Here's where your creativity begins. You can choose one color, four colors or a funky pattern. It's all up to you. Just look at the back of your pattern to be sure that you're buying enough fabric.
Get extra supplies, as long as you're at a fabric store. Each pattern has a variety of extras that you will need. Most will ask for a zipper and hook-and-eye clasp. Others might have built in bodices that require boning material. Or you might need tulle to help the skirt poof out. Read the back of your pattern to find out exactly what and how much of everything you will need.
Pick out some extra embellishments. Even if your pattern does not require them, you can always apply other embellishments, such as sequins, buttons, embroidery or rhinestones, to your prom dress. But keep in mind, embellishments take a long time to add. Make sure you have plenty of time to finish your dress before you go embellishment crazy.
Tailor your dress pattern to be the perfect fit. Most patterns come with about four different sizes of patterns. Use a measuring tape to measure your chest, waist and hips, and use the chart on the back of the pattern to choose which size pattern you will use to sew your prom dress.
Figure out the best direction to lay your pattern onto your fabric, and cut it out. In general, you should lay your pattern onto your fabric so that the top edge of each pattern piece is perpendicular to the width of your fabric. Once all of the pattern pieces are placed, use straight pins to secure the pattern onto your fabric, and cut it out.
Follow the pattern's instructions. Make sure you do all of the steps in order, and be sure to try on each piece as you complete it. For example, after you finish the skirt, put it on to make sure it fits correctly. If it's too big, you might want to undo your stitches and use a smaller size of your pattern to sew it again. Remember, you do not want your dress to look homemade. So make sure you take your time as you sew and prepare your dress.