How to Sew an Overall Dress Without a Pattern in 6 Simple Steps

Tools and materials:

• Black denim fabric
• Measuring tape
• Scissors
• Tailor’s chalk
• Pins
• Sewing machine
• Overall fasteners and buckles
• Hammer
• Serger (optional)

Here are a few of my inspirations images.

Here's the plan and it’s going to be super easy. I want to make mini-skirt overalls and the skirt is going to be slightly oversized. So, you know, you can pull it on and off.

So, I need a front panel and a back panel, plus straps.

1. Take body measurements

For this overall dress tutorial, I started by taking my measurements.

I added 4 inches to my waist measurement to get to 30 inches as well as my hip measurements to get 38 inches, as I want to leave room for what I wear under the overalls.

I also factored in seam allowance. My skirt is going to be A-line, so I took that into consideration when measuring too.

2. Cut out the pattern

I took my waist and hip measurements and divided them in half because I wanted to fold my fabric so that I would have a symmetrical piece.

Then, I transferred all the measurements to the fabric and freehanded the curve at the armhole. I cut out two pieces in the same shape: one for the front and one for the back.

3. Sew and serge

With both pieces cut out, I sewed them together at the side seams and then folded the seam open.

I also serged all the edges to make them all nice. I kept my serger thread white, and it kind of looks cool. I decided I didn't like it though so folded all the edges under and stitched them down.

When I was sewing down the edges I decided I wanted the back to be a little lower so cut that down a bit too.

4. Add a pocket

Then I added a pocket big enough for my phone, my wallet, and my Chapstick.

5. Make the straps

Next came the straps. I loosely measured from the back to the front and added a couple of inches onto it.

My strap measurements ended up being about 21 inches with some seam allowance. So I made them 26 inches.

I cut out two long strips and finished. I also folded them under the hem.

6. Add the snaps and buckle

Finally, to finish my DIY overall dress, I put the snaps on them. I just followed the directions for putting snaps on. You get a nail part and a top part, then you hammer them on.

You only get one shot at putting the snaps on so be sure to work carefully. I added the snaps to the front piece...

...and then the hooks to the ends of the straps.

How to sew an overall dress

The overalls turned out so cute! I hope this tutorial on how to sew an overall dress helps you if you want to make one too. I highly encourage you to because it was so simple.

Let me know in the comments what you think of the results!