Things You'll Need:
- Measuring tape
- Ball gown pattern
- Fabric and matching thread
- Notions
- Sewing equipment and supplies
- Fabric pencil
- Iron and ironing board
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Step 1
Find a ball dress pattern that you like. Traditionally, ball dresses or ball gowns have big, full skirts and tight bodices, as either separate pieces or one sewn-together dress. You can find modern ball gown patterns from all the major pattern companies, such as Vogue, Simplicity and Butterick, or you can find a historical ball gown from a historical pattern store like TrulyVictorian.com.
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Step 2
Determine what size pattern you will need to make your ball dress. To find your size, take your measurements with a measuring tape. Determine the measurement of your bust, waist, hip and approximate skirt length. Take the largest width measurement and choose the pattern size that matches this, then scale down the other measurements on the pattern to fit your smaller parts. Also measure the distances between your bust, waist and hip and compare this to your pattern, making adjustments as necessary.
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Step 3
Cut your pattern pieces from the paper in your chosen size, and pin all bodice pieces to a double layer of your dress fabric. Cut two of each front piece, side piece and back piece, transferring all markings to your fabric. If your ball dress has sleeves or separate bust pieces, cut two of these, as well. Pay attention to any pieces marked "cut on fold," and lay these along a fold line to be cut as one folded piece.
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Step 4
Pin the bodice pieces together at their sides, leaving the center back open. Stitch each seam together, allowing for the recommended seam allowance on your pattern, then press and finish each seam. If your dress style comes in two parts, first stitch the top and bottom hem, then sew the closures to the center back. If your dress comes in a single piece, stitch the top hem and move on to Step 5. Attach all sleeves at this stage.
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Step 5
Pin the skirt pieces together at the sides, then stitch the seams. If your dress comes in a single piece, leave part of the center back seam open, as indicated on the pattern, then stitch the waistband of the skirt to the waistband of the bodice. If your dress comes in two pieces, attach the waistband piece to the top of the skirt, fold it under and stitch it in place. Attach all closures to the waistband center back or to the center back of the entire dress.
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Step 6
Put the dress on to check the hem length, then take it off again. Fold under the hem twice and stitch it in place, then press it flat.
