Sewing a dress might seem like a big task, but even those just starting their sewing journey can accomplish it! Dresses are actually great beginner projects, as long as you choose a simple style and an easy-to-use fabric. These tips for beginners will help you sew a dress.
The key to sewing a dress is to treat it as a series of components. Each component might have several steps, which are set in a specific order and build upon each other. Once you have completed one component, you move on to the next — soon enough your dress will be done.
Step 1: Select your pattern and fabric
For this tutorial, I’m making a simple shift dress — a great choice for beginners. You can get a pattern with this online class to find one you like.
Selecting fabric is a big task too — one too huge to cover in this post! Luckily, we have another very helpful post on choosing fabric for clothes.
Step 2: Prepare your pattern
Once you’ve chosen your dress pattern, you can prep your pattern for success. Open your pattern and find all the pattern pieces required. For a simple shift dress, that might include the dress front, dress back, front and back neck facings and armhole facings or sleeves. Most patterns provide a listing of the pattern pieces, which indicate exactly which pieces you need.
I like to give my tissue paper pattern pieces a quick press with a dry iron to remove all the wrinkles and make sure they lay flat on my fabric. Set you pattern pieces aside and move on to the fabric.
Step 3: Prepare and cut out your fabric
Preparing the fabric
Press your fabric to remove all wrinkles. Then, lay out your fabric on your work space, following the pattern instructions — you may need to fold the fabric in half.
Placing the pattern pieces
Place the pattern pieces on the fabric, following the pattern instructions. Make note of the grain line and any pieces that need to be placed on the fold.
Don’t forget about directionality: If your fabric has a directional print like flowers with stems, you want all the flowers to face the same direction. Make sure to lay out the pieces so that they all have the same orientation.
Pin the pieces to your fabric, then cut!
Facings
Your pattern may also include facings. For example, a sleeveless dress likely includes facings for the neck and armholes, either in one piece or separate pieces for the front and back.
Facings typically have interfacing; the pattern instructions will indicate which pieces need to be interfaced. You can cut out the interfacing separately and then fuse or sew it onto the facing pieces, or you can block fuse the fabric. (Block fusing is a convenient method for applying interfacing prior to cutting out the pieces. Block fusing is a real timesaver although it does use up more of the fusible interfacing.)
In the photo above, I used a small piece of the dress fabric and cut a similar sized piece of interfacing, which is fused to the wrong side of the fashion fabric. Then, I folded the now-interfaced dress fabric in half and cut the facing pieces.
Always remember to line up the pieces along the grain line, watching for pieces cut on the fold as indicated on the pattern pieces.
Step 4: Mark and sew darts
Your pattern will likely have a few darts. My pattern only has bust darts to provide some shaping. Transfer the pattern markings to your cut-out fabric. Darts are indicated by dots in a long triangular configuration, which you fold and stitch from fabric edge to the point. Sew your darts and press downward.
Step 5: Sew the back zipper
If your dress includes a back zipper, as many do, it’s more convenient to put in the zipper now, before the front and back of your dress are sewn together.
You can put in the zipper in a variety of ways:
- The simplest option is a standard centered zipper, sometimes called a railroad zipper.
- Another choice is to use an invisible zipper.
- In the example above, I use a lapped zipper application, which you can do by hand or by machine.
Step 6: Sew the shoulder seams
Now that your dress front and dress back are both ready, you can sew them together at the shoulder. Like most commercial patterns, my pattern has 5/8″ seam allowances, but always check your pattern instructions to verify the indicated seam allowance. Then press the seams open.
If your pattern has a V-neckline, or if you are working with a loosely woven fabric (such as linen or double gauze) then it’s a good idea to staystitch the front and back neckline edges before sewing the shoulder seams so that the fabric keeps it shape and doesn’t stretch out.
Step 7: Prepare the neckline facing
Time to start on the facings. If you have not previously done so, apply the interfacing to the front and back neckline facings.
Stitch the back neck facings to the front neck facing at the shoulder seams. Most likely, you’ll have one continuous piece for the front facing and two pieces on the back to accommodate the zipper.
Press the shoulder seams open, as you did on the dress shoulder seams. You can finish the outside edge of the facing by turning under and stitching or use a serger to finish the edges.
Step 8: Attach neck facings
Pin the neckline facing to the dress neckline, right sides together. Match the shoulder seams of the dress with the shoulder seams on the facing pieces.
Note that at the center back the facing will stick out past the dress edge. That’s because the zipper already used up the 5/8″ seam allowance, but the facing still has it. Don’t trim it off or try to get the center back edges to match! The 5/8″ seam allowance on the facing will be folded under later to create a clean finish at the top of the zipper.
Stitch the dress neckline facing in place.
Because this is a curved seam, you’ll need to make small snips around the seam allowance so it can easily turn inside the garment. Make small cuts perpendicular to the stitching, ending close to the stitch line, but not through it.
My neckline shown above is a fairly small and curved neckline, so it needs snips every 1″ – 2″. Yours may need more or less.
Fold the facing toward the inside of the dress. If there are any areas that don’t want to turn or don’t sit well, add another clip to release the fabric in that area.
Then, trim the seam down to about ¼”. This reduces bulk in the neckline.
If you prefer, you can first trim to ¼” and then do the perpendicular clipping. However, I find it difficult to clip that small seam allowance, so I do the clipping first and trim second.
Step 9: Press and under stitch neck facing
Press the neckline facing up and away from the body of the dress. Make sure that the seam allowance also stays up and doesn’t get flipped down toward the body of the dress.
Once the facing is pressed upward, understitch around the neck edge. Understitching is a row of stitching near the seam on the facing that helps the facing roll inside of the garment.
Now that the the neck facing is under-stitched, flip it to the inside of the dress and press around the neckline edge to create a smooth finish.
Step 10: Sew side seams
Sew the side seams of the dress, matching notches along the seam. Remember to follow the seam allowance your pattern indicates.
Press the side seams open.
Step 11: Prepare the armhole facings
The armhole facings are prepared in a similar fashion to the neck facings. My pattern happens to have a tw0-piece armhole facing, so the front and back pieces must be sewn together.
Note that the back armhole facing has a double notch and the front has a single notch. These pattern markings are common in most patterns, especially on sleeves and armhole facings. They help you distinguish between the front and back pieces.
Stitch the two facing pieces together as shown above, aligning it at the shoulder and underarm seams. Press the seams open and then edge finish the facing by sewing on the serger or turn under and stitch.
Step 12: Attach the armhole facings
Pin the armhole facings to the armhole, matching front and back notches as well as the shoulder and underarm seams. Stitch the facing to the armhole. Repeat for the second armhole.
As you did with the neck facing, clip and trim both armhole seams to reduce bulk and allow the facings to turn to the inside of the garment.
Under stitch both armhole facings. Unlike the neck facing, which intersects with the zipper, for the armhole facing you can under stitch completely around the armhole. Press the facing toward the inside of the dress.
Step 13: Finish back neckline
To create a clean finish at the top of the zipper, flip the facing end around the top of the zipper and stitch through all layers, following the line of previous stitching. Trim the corner diagonally on both sides. Here I’ve used a contrasting blue thread to make the stitching more visible in this image.
Flip the facings back to the inside and push the corner out to make a crisp edge. Press the facing down.
Finally, stitch a few hand stitches along the edge of the facing where it meets the zipper tape. Since I used a lapped zipper, I tacked the facing edges on either side of the tape.
Step 14: Secure the facing edges
For those who don’t like facings because they tend to flip outside the garment, I have a tip for you.
Tack those facings down by stitching in the existing seams. This is called “stitching in the ditch,” when you stitch through the outside of the garment on a seam line to secure layers that are underneath. This stitching is hidden in the seam and invisible on the outside.
For my dress, I stitched across each shoulder seam and at the side seams to secure both the neck and armhole facings.
Step 15: Hem the dress
Time to hem the dress. There are many ways to hem:
- You can choose to sew the hem by hand, which creates a nice hidden hem
- Or, you can sew the hem with your machine
For my cotton dress, I chose to sew the hem by machine. On boldly printed fabrics like this, a machine-stitched hem is hard to see, and is a quick option.
And that’s it! A new shift dress ready for a warm summer day.
Amazing
Good job!
Nice one
You’re doing well
would appreciate latest dress styles to be send to my email address. muchly appreciated it.
I think It was great I am a beginner to and I thought it was really helpful
Your Comment here…I really will like to join your on line class for sewing
Hello Farida,
thank you. Here is a link for new membership for only $2.49 for the first year: https://craftsy.com/?add-to-cart-multi=1&products=298655&skipcart=1&coupon=c24069&utm_source=CRAFTSY&utm_medium=Facebook&utm_content=2.49&utm_campaign=C24069&vscid=C24069
Please reach out to Customer Service via chat, email or phone if you have any questions.
Sincerely,
Sarah
Craftsy
Get pattern of dress making
It’ keeps busy after classes
Your Comment here…
Need more assistance on constructing a dress
How can l advance my sewing course and how can I get digital sewing machines for my sewing work.
I want to learn
SO IMPRESSED
I want to learn
i love the idea, but- uh- where can l get the commercial patterns? and the fabric-?
||~Ayrton
King of the farm on River Aire~||
I really want to know how to do it 😔
Amazing work
Just here trying to learn how to sew
Very beautiful, i want to learn.
nice one , but where can l get the commercial pattern,
Hello Lilian,
Thank you for contacting us.
If you follow the link in the article to this class: https://www.craftsy.com/class/learn-to-sew-shift-dress/
You will see a resource in the bonus materials for alternative pattern suggestions.
These will be available at online retailers or at most larger sewing stores such as JoAnn’s.
If you have any further questions, please email or call Customer Service.
Sincerely,
Sarah
Craftsy
Very good
Good
Interested
Thanks for your sacrifice. God bless you.
Very very good,I appreciate this
This is wonderful. I want learn more. Thank you for your sacrifice, God bless you.
Thanks, am ready to join
I meant arm holes. You are very thorough in your teaching. Thank you.
I am so confused. I have one piece interfacing and wormholes. Pattern 6629 new look.
Very impressive
Enjoyed the video
I wouldn’t dream of beginning a sewing project without pre-washing or pre-dry cleaning the fabric, as these directions omit that step.
I sew a lot and I find I have to adjust patterns (even those my size). EX: armholes too large, neck opening not exactly where I want it. You don’t go into adjustment details. Even a simple dress needs some adjusting.
PATTERN: From what I can see, the pattern used in the photos above is New Look Pattern 6500.
Have you got a simple cami top and a simple flowy blouse
So nice
I haven’t sewed in many years and now I am having trouble with getting the right sized pattern. I measured and bought fabric, sewed a dress and I hate it , looks like a box on me! Any tips?
Add a belt.
using pattern pieces is the way I learned to sew as a beginner- that was in (1492) i didn’t realize methods & procedures have changed so . thank you for the “old school” method.
Have you got a simple cami top and a simple flown blouse
Hi Evelyn – please would you share your secret to an eternally long life !!! 😱 🥺 🥰
Can you please share what pattern # and manufacturer was used for this tutorial…thank you!
Your Comment here…THANKS FOR THAT INFORMATION
I want to be a member
Thanks so much this class is very interesting and I learnt new techniques, my problem is how to shape pencil dress curving out the waist and the hip shape
Thanks
I assume you mean pencil skirt. You pretty much cannot walk in a pencil skirt. It is shaped life the lead end of a pencil. So start with the hip fit, then slant the side seams tighter at the knees.
It was nice, I was able to follow, however, as a beginner, I don’t understand some words
Good teaching I like it but you didn’t show the measurements calculations
Am beginner…. Thanks for this wonderful guidelines
Nice
Nice teaching
Thank you very much. l am a beginner and l will try to sew.
I love this class
Well explanatory but you didn’t show us the measurement calculation when cutting the dress
It’s a lovely tips on fashion, easy to understand and enjoyable to learn more of it.👍
Thank you.
Need to learn more
Good Teaching. But Better To Show Lining, Needle Size, And How To Calculate Measure To Actual Work? how To Manage swing Around And Under Breast For Women
wow, “managing the under breast” is a new phrase for me. I have been sewing for 70 years and have no idea what you are asking.
I would like to learn more
Love sawing
Wow pls teach me more
I really appreciate this. I’m just learning how to sew. =)
Gud
can you please add lining a dress to this lesson, that would be so good to learn the correct method.
Hello Lorraine,
Thank you for your feedback. I have forwarded your comment to the proper department. We value your opinion, and it will help with the development of our online streaming community. We will continue to listen and work hard for your complete satisfaction.
If you have any other questions, please email or contact Customer Service at 888-891-7203.
Sincerely,
Lindsay
Craftsy
Would want to learn
thank you have helped me so much
I just retired. Really want to learn how to stitch.
amazing..
I really want to been perfect
I appreciate your teaching, tnx a lot
I’minterestedin learning till i learn
Wow amazing
Wow that’s great work,my question is that how to Sharp clothed after join the neck