DIY Dressmaking: Learn to Sew a Show Stopper, Lace Dress
We all need that one show stopper piece in our wardrobe! This lace dress is the perfect, elegant look for a night out on the town. It is a timeless classic that you will never need to get rid of. Follow a few easy steps to create this totally gorgeous and classy dress.
Tools and materials:
- 1.5-2yrd fabric
- Matching thread
- Scissors
- Pins
- Sewing machine
- Iron
For this fabulous lace dress, I suggest using a lightweight fabric. Specifically one with a scalloped edge like chantilly lace.
To begin this dressmaking process, you will need the pattern which you can get here. Choose your size, determine the length of your sleeves, and make any other changes for your lace dress.
Bust darts
Once you have cut out all of your fabric pieces, it is time to begin putting this dress together! Let’s start with the bust darts. To mark on the fabric where your dart will be, place a pin through the pattern into the fabric. Then pull off the pattern leaving the pin in the fabric.
Flip the fabric over and place another pin in the same spot
Then separate the two bodice halves.
Fold the fabric, matching the notches of the darts and pin.
Then sew the dart following the shape of the bust.
Press the dart with the seam allowances folded down to give it the perfect shape.
Shoulder seams
In this step, place the front and back, right sides together, and pin the shoulder seams.
Sew the shoulder seams together a ¼ inch from the edge. Then trim the seam allowances leaving ⅜ of an inch.
Then turn the fabric right side out, pin the shoulder seam, and sew about a ¼ inch from the edge.
Then press with the seam allowances facing the back.
Neckline
Moving on to the neckline, Use a scalloped trim that you cut from the fabric and pin it around the neckline.
Using a zig-zag stitch, sew the trim to your dress following its shape.
Trim off the excess of your fabric close to the zig-zag stitch, Then give the neckline a good press.
Side seams
Pin the side seams of the dress wrong sides together, starting at the scalloped edge of the hem to the armhole.
Move back to the sewing machine and sew a ¼ inch from the edge.
Then trim the seam allowance to ⅜ of an inch.
Press the side seams to get a clean finish on your lace dress.
Turn the fabric right side out and pin along the side seams. Then just like you did for the shoulder seams, sew a ¼ inch from the edge. Press the seams with the seam allowances facing the back.
Sleeves
Now for the sleeves, sew them with the same French seam that you used for the shoulder and side seams.
Match up the notches on the sleeve and the armhole and then make sure to fold the seam allowances in the opposite directions to avoid bulk. Pin the sleeves in place and sew as we did the side and shoulder seams.
Give the dress a final press.
This gorgeous lace dress is so sophisticated! Where would you wear this beautiful dress? Let me know in the comments!
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Such a perfect dress for so many occasions