How to Make Your Own Spring Formal Dress

A great spring formal dress is one that fits you perfectly, meets all your wishes in terms of color, fabric and style, and isn't likely to turn up on several other girls. If you have some sewing skills and a pattern in mind, you can create your own stunning dress that will be the envy of all at the dance.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Sewing machine
• Fabric
• Tape measure
• Yardstick
• Chalk pencil
• Scissors
• Sewing notions
• Muslin
• Ironing board
• Iron

1. Decide on a pattern. There are lots of patterns available in catalogs at fabric shops. If you are an advanced seamstress, you can try your hand at making your own pattern from scratch.

2. Gather your supplies. You will certainly need a sewing machine. If you don't own one, consider renting one, borrowing one or buying a new or reconditioned one. In addition to fabric, you also will need a tape measure, yardstick, chalk pencil, scissors, thread and other sewing notions as well as any other supplies your particular project will call for.

3. Set a schedule. Many pre-made patterns will give you an idea of how long a dress will take to create. Be honest with yourself about how much time you have to dedicate to making a dress. If you're not sure how long it will take, err on the cautious end and start your project early.

4. Before starting your dress, sew a rough mock-up of it with cheap muslin to see how the dress will fit together. Doing this will help you understand the pattern and help you avoid ruining your dress fabric if you make a mistake.

5. Sew your spring formal dress together, following the instructions on the pattern. After you've completed the pattern, go over the dress carefully to make sure it's well put together, then iron the seams flat.

6. Try on your spring formal dress ahead of time to see if it need alterations or any extra finishing touches. Make sure to try it on once more before the dance in case you missed anything that needs to be fixed.

Tips & Warnings

• Long before you start your project, be honest with yourself about your sewing skills. If you're a beginner, consider taking classes ahead of time.
• Keep your project away from pets. Cats love to claw flowing fabric often used in spring formal dresses, while some dogs will eat anything that isn't nailed down. Put your project away in a bag or a remote closet after every work period.
• Be forgiving in your measurements or you will risk having a dress that won't fit. Spring formal dresses are more fitted than other dresses, but you will need to leave room to sew in additional linings. You'll also need room to move in your dress. Don't count on losing a lot of weight before the formal.

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