Learn How to Make Dress Patterns=

I don't wear dresses nearly as often as I used to. 

But nothing beats being able to grab a single item from your closet, pop it on, and go! No need to make decisions about what top and bottom work together, or "is that favorite shirt in the wash?"

And, of course, there are dresses for every occasion, from attending a wedding to stopping at the grocery store. The variety of shapes and fabrics offer endless options!

Using your basic dress block, I'll show you how to make several dress styles.  The fabrics and colors are up to you!

The Basic Sheath

Nothing beats a basic sheath for style - and it really shows off a great figure!

The sheath is so easy to draft - it's really just your basic dress block - but I've added a high waist and color contrast for interest.

You can also make it in a simple, solid color for your go-to dress - one you can accessorize in so many ways for so many looks!

Add sleeves or a collar, and the whole look changes. 

The Drop-Waist Dress

Sketch of drop waist dress with full skirt, in blue

The drop waist dress is flattering on almost every figure. It makes you look long and lean - and who doesn't love that!

Our version is super-simple.  The bodice is, really, just your blouse block (with the opening in the back instead of the front).

The skirt is the circle skirt - adjust it for wearing at the hip rather than the waist. It's easy! And it looks great!

Of course, you can make variations with other skirts, and changing the neckline or sleeves will give it a different style, too. 

High-Waisted Dress with Soft Pleats

A high-waisted dress with soft pleats in the skirt hides a multitude of "sins". 

I, for example, do not have a proper waistline.  I have a thick waist, no hips, but a large belly.  A conventional fit-and-flare dress looks awful on me! It tends to emphasize my belly. 

Raising the waist a few inches helps to hide my thick waist, while the soft pleats in this skirt create a flare that gives my body some shape. 

For someone with larger hips, the skirt skims the hips without adding fullness. A win-win!
sketch of model wearing pink dress with high waist and pleats

More Dresses

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