DIY Dressmaking: Learn to Sew a Show Stopper, Lace Dress

6 Materials
$25
5 Hours
Easy


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.


DIY lace dress

Tools and materials:

  • 1.5-2yrd fabric
  • Matching thread
  • Scissors 
  • Pins
  • Sewing machine 
  • Iron 
Sew a lace dress


For this fabulous lace dress, I suggest using a lightweight fabric. Specifically one with a scalloped edge like chantilly lace. 

Lace dress pattern


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. 

Start with the bust darts

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. 

How to sew a lace dress


Flip the fabric over and place another pin in the same spot 

Separate the fabric


Then separate the two bodice halves. 

Match the notches


Fold the fabric, matching the notches of the darts and pin. 

Follow the shape of the bust


Then sew the dart following the shape of the bust. 

Press the darts


Press the dart with the seam allowances folded down to give it the perfect shape. 

Sew a knit wrap dress

Shoulder seams 

In this step, place the front and back, right sides together, and pin the shoulder seams. 

Sew a ¼ inch from the edge


Sew the shoulder seams together a ¼ inch from the edge. Then trim the seam allowances leaving â…œ of an inch. 

Pin the shoulder seam


Then turn the fabric right side out, pin the shoulder seam, and sew about a ¼ inch from the edge. 

Press the seam allowance


Then press with the seam allowances facing the back. 

Use a trim

Neckline 

Moving on to the neckline, Use a scalloped trim that you cut from the fabric and pin it around the neckline. 

Sew with a zig-zag stitch


Using a zig-zag stitch, sew the trim to your dress following its shape. 

How to sew a DIY lace dress


Trim off the excess of your fabric close to the zig-zag stitch, Then give the neckline a good press. 

Pin the side seams

Side seams 

Pin the side seams of the dress wrong sides together, starting at the scalloped edge of the hem to the armhole.

Sew from the edge


Move back to the sewing machine and sew a ¼ inch from the edge. 

Trim


Then trim the seam allowance to â…œ of an inch. 

Get a clean finish


Press the side seams to get a clean finish on your lace dress. 

Turn and sew


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. 

Sew with a French seam

Sleeves 

Now for the sleeves, sew them with the same French seam that you used for the shoulder and side seams.

Match the notches on the sleeve


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 one last press


Give the dress a final press. 

Easy DIY lace dress


This gorgeous lace dress is so sophisticated! Where would you wear this beautiful dress? Let me know in the comments!

Suggested materials:
  • Fabric
  • Matching thread
  • Scissors
See all materials

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