DIY a Stunning, Easy Summer Dress

Tools and materials:

• Chiffon
• Lining
• Measuring tape
• Scissors
• Elastic band 
• Needle and thread
• Pins
• Zipper
• Pattern pieces
• Sewing machine 

To get started with this gorgeous dress I had to first draft my pattern. Once I had all the pattern pieces I needed, I decided to change the neckline to a lower V so I made some changes to the shoulders and front bodice pieces.

I also needed to prepare my pattern so that I could create amazing balloon sleeves for this dress. I drew two lines on both sides of the centerline. I cut through the pattern using the lines as a guide but I made sure not to cut through all the way. The small amount of paper left at the top allowed me to spread it apart. 

I folded my fabric in half and placed the pattern pieces on top. I made sure to leave a 1-inch seam allowance when I was cutting. I used the same pattern pieces to cut out the bodice lining for the dress. 

I spread my sleeve pattern about 2.5 inches apart and then traced around leaving a 1-inch seam allowance. 

Once I had all my fabric cut out, I placed my front and back bodice pieces together and joined them at the shoulders leaving a 0.5-inch seam allowance.

Before I could repeat this for the bodice lining I made sure to map out and sew darts. 

I then placed the two bodice pieces, right sides together, and matched up the center seams and shoulder seams. I pinned all along the neckline and then sewed along my pinned line with a straight stitch. I then pressed the fabric and topstitched around the edges to get the perfect finish for my bodice. 

To attach the sleeves, which is my favorite element of this dress, I matched the centerline of the sleeve to the shoulder seam and pinned it in place. I then pinned around the rest of the sleeve making sure it fit perfectly in the armhole. I hopped back over to my sewing machine and sewed along the armhole with a straight stitch. 

I wanted to make sure my dress would look and feel professional! To cover up the raw edge at the sleeve I used the lining. I held the seam of the sleeve and the seam of the lining together and then, while holding, turned the fabric inside out. I then pinned the seams together. I matched the raw edge of the fabric with the lining and pinned that as well. Once I had pinned both sides I sewed using a straight stitch. 

It was finally time to join the back and front bodice pieces. I separated the main fabric from the lining. I then matched the front and back main fabric at the armhole seam and then pinned down the length of the side and sewed it down. I then joined the lining fabric at the side and sewed it as well. 

To give the balloon sleeves the perfect finish, I sewed an elastic at the edge stretching it as I sewed with a zig-zag stitch.

To attach a waistband onto the main bodice, I placed both pieces, right sides together, and sewed them down with a straight stitch. 

To prepare the skirt, I sewed a running stitch so that it could be gathered. 

Once I had gathered the skirt, I attached it to the other end of the waistband and sewed it with a straight stitch. I then hemmed the bottom of the skirt. This can be done with a zig-zag stitch or you can fold twice and sew with a straight stitch. 

Lastly, I needed to attach the zipper. I couldn’t believe I was so close to the end. I pinned it 1-inch away from the edge of the center back and then sewed it in place with a zipper foot. 

I am so in love with this dress! What is your favorite detail in this piece? Let me know in the comments below!