How to DIY an Elegant Summer Dress That'll Keep You Nice and Cool
I used a beautiful silky fabric that drapes well to make this easy to make and wear DIY summer dress.
You don't even need beginner summer dress patterns for this as I show you how to draw the shape directly on to the fabric.
The measurements I give are for European sizes 38 - 42, but they're easy to adjust for other sizes too, so don't be afraid to give it a try.
Tools and materials:
- 1.75 yards (1.5 m) silky fabric
- Measuring tape
- Ruler
- Tailor's chalk
- Pins
- Scissors
- Sewing machine
- Serger (optional)
1. Cut out the fabric
Fold your fabric in half widthways and then lengthways.
See the video at 0:02 to 3:09 for exactly how I draft and cut out the dress.
2. Neckband
Cut two strips of fabric approximately 1 inch (2.5 cm) wide on the bias from the remnant of dress fabric.
Fold the strips in half lengthways with the wrong sides together.
Starting and finishing at the center front, sew the strips to the neck edge on the right side. Overlap the ends of the strips at the center front.
Serge or finish the raw edge with an overlock stitch.
Turn the neckband to the wrong side, enclosing the raw edge, and top stitch close to the seam on the right side.
3. Side seams
Starting at the end of the sleeve, sew the sleeve and side seams with the right sides together.
Snip the underarm curve and finish the raw edges.
4. Attach the bottom tier
Turn the dress right side out.
Join the short edges of the bottom tier with the right sides facing.
Pin and sew the tier to the lower edge of the dress, matching the side seams and with the right sides together.
Finish the raw edges.
5. Finishing
Turn under a narrow hem at the bottom of the dress and sew in place.
Finish the edges of the sleeves in the same way.
Join the remnants of fabric into a strip 3 inches (8 cm) wide and long enough to wrap around your waist and tie in a bow.
Fold in half lengthways with the right sides together and sew the raw edges.
Turn the belt right side out and press.
DIY summer dress
This easy summer dress with kimono style sleeves can be worn loose or belted.
The bottom tier can be in a contrast or self color and it looks good in many different types of fabric.
With just a little experience, you can make easy summer dress patterns for beginners like this in less than an hour.
Why not make a collection of them, to wear yourself or for friends?
Let me know how you get on and for more quick and easy patterns and sewing tips, please follow me on TikTok: @tugbaisler
Next, check out my post on How to Sew a DIY Bardot Top With Cute Puff Sleeves.
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