How to Make a Cute DIY Patchwork Dress Out of Gingham Scraps
I was looking for a project to use with my leftover fabric, and I got the inspiration to make a lovely puff-sleeve DIY patchwork dress! This is the most colorful dress I’ve ever made, and I can’t wait to show you how to make a patchwork dress of your own.
Tools and materials:
- Measuring tape
- Marker
- Sewing machine
- Scrap fabric
- Scissors
- Pins
- 1cm (0.39”) wide elastic
- Iron
Overview
This is the patchwork dress sewing pattern. I’ve divided it into four sections to make it easier to use the different fabrics.
1. Take your measurements
The above image shows you what measurements you’ll need for this DIY patchwork dress. This will ensure that the dress fits your body size.
2. Make the sleeves
My sleeve part measures 35cm (13.77”) + 3cm (1.18”) seam allowance. The width is 80cm (31.49”) which is 4x the width from the shoulder to the middle of the breast.
Fold the rectangle in half and measure ⅙ of your bust size from the bottom end. Mine was 16cm (6.29”) with 3cm(1.18”) seam allowance included.
From one end of the folding line, mark ½ the width of the end of the sleeve + 2cm (0.78”) seam allowance. Mine is 35cm (13.77”).
Connect both markings and finish them with a slightly curved line. Then, cut.
Fold the edges twice (0.5cm [0.19”] each time). Pin and sew.
Measure 9cm (3.54”) from the sleeve’s end; this will be the elastic’s position.
Cut a long 3cm (1.18”) wide rectangle; this will be the tunnel. Pin and sew the bottom edge.
Fold the open edge down over the first seam. Fold the edge by 0.5cm (0.19”) and press.
Pin and sew to secure.
Cut a 1cm (0.39”) wide elastic to the size of your arm’s circumference + 2cm (0.78”). Mine is 24cm(9.44”).
Feed it through the tunnel with a bobby pin and sew the ends to secure them.
Fold the sleeve and pin the curved side. Then, sew to secure (curved side only).
3. Make the side parts
Cut a rectangle with the length measuring from the nipple to above the knee +2cm (0.78”) seam allowance. My total is 42cm (16.53”).
The width should be the same as your bust +2cm (0.78”) seam allowance. Mine is 80cm (31.49”).
Make a loose seam at the top edge and gather the fabric to measure the same as ⅓ of your bust size + 2cm (0.78”). Or the width of your sleeve minus 4cm (1.57”).
4. Make the ruffles
Cut a rectangle measuring the length from the middle of the breast to the knee minus the length of the side part +2cm (0.78”) seam allowance. Mine is 22cm (8.66”). The width should measure 1.5 x the width of the side part. Mine measures 120cm (47.24”).
Sew a loose seam on one edge and gather the fabric until it’s the same width as the side part’s top edge.
5. Connect the ruffles to the side piece
Pin the gathered edge of the ruffle piece to the side piece and sew to secure.
6. Connect the sleeves
Connect the top of the side part to the end of the sleeve. Start pinning the edge of the side piece 2cm (0.78”) away from the sleeve’s end.
Sew to secure.
Here’s one side of the DIY patchwork dress.
Now, go ahead and make the other side, too.
7. Make the center piece
Make a rectangle. The width should be the same as between your inside shoulders and the length from above your beast to the knee + 3cm (1.18”) seam allowance. Mine is 22cm (8.66”) + 76cm (29.92”).
Measure 4cm (1.57”) from the top edge and draw a line across.
Fold the top edge every 0.5cm (0.19”) until you get to the 4cm (1.57”) line. Then, pin and sew.
Ensure you have two pieces for the front and back of the DIY patchwork dress.
8. Attach the center pieces
Pin the sides of the centerpiece. Start from the bottom and pin to the top. Keep going straight when you get to the sleeve part. The connecting part of the sleeve will be bigger than the center part. Repeat for the back, too.
Sew all pinned edges.
9. Attach the elastic
Fold the sleeve’s raw edge twice by 0.5cm (0.19”) and pin it. This is for the tunnel for the elastic, so make sure it’s bigger than the width of the elastic.
Now, sew.
Cut a 1cm-wide (0.39”) elastic measuring the length of your shoulder to above your breast + 2cm (0.78”) seam allowance.
Feed the elastic through the tunnel.
Sew the ends to keep them from moving.
10. Hem the DIY patchwork dress
The last step is to hem the dress by folding the raw edge inward twice (1cm [0.39”] each time).
DIY patchwork dress tutorial
The DIY patchwork dress is complete, and it’s super vibrant and colorful! This was an excellent way to get rid of my scrap fabric. I hope you found some inspiration in this patchwork dress tutorial. Happy sewing!
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Comments
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I liked how the dress turned out very pretty and comfortable looking. I would like to make a sleeveless, loose fitting dress with scraps.
Hi Jess, your design is adorable without being over sugary if that makes sense. You wear it well. The lines and where you put the ruffles and balance of the look is all perfect. Thank you for sharing :)