How to Sew a Gown
Formal gown patterns are available in a variety of styles, but the basic components are the same in each. A long skirt is an essential part of a gown; the skirt may be attached to a bodice or as the bottom portion of full dress, depending on the pattern. The style of other gown components, such as the sleeves or bustle, are subject to your taste, but the methods of sewing are similar whether you are sewing cap sleeves or hemming a sleeveless gown. Take your measurements before shopping for patterns and fabric, as this will make the trip to the fabric store more efficient. Choose a pattern size larger than you wear in ready-to-wear clothes. For example, if you wear an 8 in ready-made dresses, choose a size 14 pattern; this is four sizes larger than ready-to-wear. The disparity in sizes corresponds to a change in sizing in ready-to-wear clothes that did not influence the pattern-making industry.
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Things You'll Need
- Gown pattern
- Dressmaker's curve
- Marker
- Fabric
- Fabric sheers
- Sewing machine
- Needle and thread
Instructions
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1
Choose a pattern. Formal gown patterns vary, so choose whatever style suits your taste. But if you are sewing your first gown, stick to a basic pattern. Check the size by cross-referencing the measurements listed on the pattern's packaging with the measurement chart in the back of the pattern's catalog. If you don't have a pattern catalog handy, ask the salesperson at your local fabric store to view the pattern catalog.
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2
Choose a fabric. Fabrics used for formal gowns, such as satin, are delicate, so purchase a little extra so you have room to make mistakes.
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3
Unfold the pattern pieces and lay them on a flat surface. Use the dressmaker's curve, a measuring tool, to adjust measurements on the pattern to your measurements. Mark your new measurements on the pattern with a marker. Pin the pattern pieces to the fabric with the printed instructions facing away from the fabric.
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4
Cut out each gown piece. Use sharp fabric sheers, which will make a clean cut and prevent snagging the material. Keep the pattern pinned to each piece so you can quickly identify the pieces as you sew.
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Sew details, such as darts in the bodice, before attaching separate pieces together. You can use a sewing machine or a hand stitch for these details. Use a long, wide stitch setting on the sewing machine; this will be easier to rip out and change should you make any mistakes.
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Sew the larger pieces together. For example, if you have a skirt and bodice as two separate pieces, sew those together. Steady the material by holding it with both hands, one on each side, and slowly guide it through the machine.
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Measure the hem. Measure the length the skirt from the waist to the ground. Determine where you want the bottom of the dress to fall. A comfortable skirt length will be about 1 to 2 inches off the ground.
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Pin the hem in place and sew it with the sewing machine.
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Pin the sleeves into place and sew, or sew a seam on the top of a sleeveless gown.
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References
Resources
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