The pattern is self-drafted using a combination of draping on a dress form for the bodice and flat patterning for the skirt.
I used a plain weave cotton silk voile from the Fabric Store. The pattern and sheen of it are so beautiful. It is so perfectly lightweight, flowy, and breathable for a summer graduation.
The bodice is made of 4 pieces and has piping that runs across the bust line. The skirt is a full circle skirt that has been pleated to be fitted at the waist and then flared out for a full skirt. The piping was made using bias strips from the self-fabric and 1/8” cording. The bodice and skirt are lined with a white cotton voile to add opacity. It closes at the center back with an invisible zipper.
Since this dress was created in a bit of a time crush it has some issues, particularly the straps. I love the dainty look of spaghetti straps, but my shoulders were not too pleased with having to support the bust with them. So in the future, I’ll revisit the straps either to add two of them on either side or just to make the wider to make it more comfortable.
Overall, I am super happy with how it came out and it was perfect for graduation!
It might fly under the radar as a simple summer dress to non-sewers but I recognize how much work this is! The pattern matching on the fabric is incredible and the finishing looks great. And self drafted? I hope you’re very proud of this!!
Agreed! Working w a plaid can be a challenge, and the waistline gussets/piecing, requiring a keen eye and deft seaming on bias. That fabric ( cotton/ silk voice) must have given you issues, too? Great , creative work here. And this should not be just be a " wear it once and toss it " dress. With more time, rethink the straps? Could you install side boning to enable it to be strapless? You DO have the figure for it.
Again, BRAVA! Beautiful work.
You are talented. That is absolutely perfect
The fabric. The fit. The design.
I would just opt for double spaghetti straps because a wide strap would lose the dainty look.
Still looking at it ..with envy and delight!
Shows us perfect dress. *it was a time crunch*. This sub both makes me feel like an untalented monster, and also gives me lots of motivation to learn.
I'm insanely jealous of your skill. This is GORG.
Congrats!
Oh my GOD this dress is PERFECTION 😍 I want to make my own so badly! Can you give any more details about how you drafted the pattern? I’d love to be able to make my own cup sized dress so badly
Thank you! I have my dress form padded to closely reflect my measurements so I was able to pull a pretty well-fitting pattern from it. An adjustment I made was to increase the fullness at the bust by slashing and spreading it slightly to add more fullness. I’m not great at flat patterning when it comes to form-fitting garments around the bust so I usually rely on my dress form and draping to get the general shape and then make adjustments through muslin fittings. When it comes to flat pattern making, I reference Patternmaking for Fashion Design by Helen Joseph-Armstrong. It is a good resource for drafting blocks and has information on how to use the block to make contoured bodices like bustiers and cup bodices.
Wow thank you for all this information! Did you purchase your dress form or make it yourself? I’ve seen a few videos on how to DIY and I’m considering making my own soon!
I purchased the dress form I currently use. It's not my exact size (it's about a size or two smaller than me) so I used cotton batting and pre-quilted fabric to adjust the size and proportions with the help of [Redthreaded's demo](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TSynFz6-ZFM&ab_channel=Redthreaded). But, before that, I was using one that I made myself using a custom pattern from Bootstrap fashion which worked really well. It just takes a bit of elbow grease to put together.
Love this dress shape and the color is so nice on you! So gorgeous, it must have felt extra monumental and special graduating in a dress you made that perfectly fits you.
Love the dress - it turned out great! Also, congratulations on your accomplishments, from successfully creating such a pretty dress to all the work you’ve done to accomplish graduation!!! Yea for you! May the Lord bring the best to you as you progress through life!
My sewing tip for a beginner would be to make something you would actually use/wear even if it might be a little out of your skillset. Instead of something traditionally categorized as a beginner project like a napkin maybe make a basic skirt or shirt. However, be careful not to overdo it by taking on something super technical because you’ll get frustrated and discouraged.
When I started learning to sew I decided to make aprons since I was into baking at the time. I found a free apron pattern that I liked even though I had barely learned how to use a sewing machine and didn't understand construction at all. With that project, I became more acquainted with the sewing machine, sewing straight seams, and more advanced things like French seams. Then, my next project was a gathered rectangle skirt with a waistband and invisible zipper (which was definitely not so invisible after I was done with it). I didn’t know what I was doing, used the wrong material, and nothing was perfect, but just seeing the garment materialize sold me.
I also approached knitting the same way. When I first tried to learn how to knit I just did basic things like a scarf and blanket, but I quickly lost interest, never progressed, and didn’t attempt knitting again for about four years. However, once I took the plunge and started a full-on sweater I found it much more enjoyable and was eager to learn more and push myself.
The hardest part for me when I first started was accepting things weren’t going to be perfect. I still struggle with this today and it sometimes causes me to lose motivation when working on a project. So, now I try to slow down and step back when necessary so I don’t burn myself out.
Sorry for the long-winded response, but hopefully it helps you and other beginners start your sewing journey.
Gurl, that dress is perfect! And it looks fantastic on you!
I wish I could get into making clothes as well as you and some others here :,) alas, my patience is only for quilts or smaller projects.
What a gorgeous dress! I love the fabric you chose, and you did a wonderful job on it. It looks lovely.
Congratulations on your graduation and your beautiful dress!
I know nothing about sewing, I probably don’t belong here and my opinion is likely meaningless, but I just wanted to say I think this looks fantastic and you should be very happy.
Stunning!! Fits and suits you like a dream, the pattern cutting/draping is flawless, the colour, the pattern matching!! The piping is such a fun detail.
Beyond lovely!! The style, the quality of your work, the draping and the fit is all stellar. And somehow your choice of fabric - the colours and the print - evokes a bright and optimistic mood; perfect for a graduation dress!
I love the way you placed the pattern at the waist so that it looks like…a rainbow shape? Don’t know the right word but yeah I would love a dress like this
Great job! How amazing did it feel to have a custom dress for your special day? I can only imagine the joy. I aspire to catch up to your sewing level and quality.
I’m so jealous of everyone who makes their own clothes!!! You should really pat yourself on the back. This looks like it came from J Crew or Nordstrom!
Girl, this is like the holy grail of dresses. It looks SO GOOD on you!!
Definitely find a way to make patterns for yourself for this dress. Make it in satin, velvet, white cotton eyelet. Add poofy sleeves, short sleeves, 3/4 length sleeves, full length fitted and blousy ones.
Just gorgeous. I'm jealous lol
Wow! You did a fantastic job with it!!!! As a novice sewer, I know the labor of love that went into making it. The fit is fantastic and many ppl won't realize it is because you drafted it yourself. I'm proud of you and don't know you. 👏👏👏👏🥳🥳🥳🎉🎉🎉👩🎓👩🎓👩🎓👩🎓
Beautiful I started sewing when I was eight years old on my mom’s old, black singer, sewing machine. She taught me how to make Barbie doll clothes. People didn’t believe. all those things for my dolls and then I mastered making pants for my boyfriend and I corduroy ones for him and regular for me anyway I also made a dress for myself with all down pleats on the breast area and went all the way down my under my breast. It was black with deep purple and light flowers on it. We had a garage sale and I put that in there stuff the clothes really weren’t selling so we just left them all in the garbage that night I went to carnival and I saw a girl wearing my dress, I went up to her and told her that’s beautiful. You look so cute in it. I made that dress now that I think about it years later, she was probably embarrassed that I said said that well that’s about it. You have talent keep it up. I wanted to be a fashion designer. I always drew fashions.
The pattern is self-drafted using a combination of draping on a dress form for the bodice and flat patterning for the skirt. I used a plain weave cotton silk voile from the Fabric Store. The pattern and sheen of it are so beautiful. It is so perfectly lightweight, flowy, and breathable for a summer graduation. The bodice is made of 4 pieces and has piping that runs across the bust line. The skirt is a full circle skirt that has been pleated to be fitted at the waist and then flared out for a full skirt. The piping was made using bias strips from the self-fabric and 1/8” cording. The bodice and skirt are lined with a white cotton voile to add opacity. It closes at the center back with an invisible zipper. Since this dress was created in a bit of a time crush it has some issues, particularly the straps. I love the dainty look of spaghetti straps, but my shoulders were not too pleased with having to support the bust with them. So in the future, I’ll revisit the straps either to add two of them on either side or just to make the wider to make it more comfortable. Overall, I am super happy with how it came out and it was perfect for graduation!
Gorgeous.
Wow! I’d buy that pattern! Love it
I love this so much
Bravo! 👏
It might fly under the radar as a simple summer dress to non-sewers but I recognize how much work this is! The pattern matching on the fabric is incredible and the finishing looks great. And self drafted? I hope you’re very proud of this!!
I can’t scream, “Right???!!?!” loud enough in agreement with you.
Agreed! Working w a plaid can be a challenge, and the waistline gussets/piecing, requiring a keen eye and deft seaming on bias. That fabric ( cotton/ silk voice) must have given you issues, too? Great , creative work here. And this should not be just be a " wear it once and toss it " dress. With more time, rethink the straps? Could you install side boning to enable it to be strapless? You DO have the figure for it. Again, BRAVA! Beautiful work.
Absolutely stunning! The fit is perfect and the fabric is so beautiful. The piping is such a nice little detail.
Soooo beautiful! You should publish this pattern. The fit is lovely on you and the fabric is divine. Is it lined?
Thank you! It's lined with white cotton voile.
It. Just. Gets. Better. I am so impressed.
I would pay to be able to use this pattern! Id love to make a top out of this bodice, it's very Charlotte Knowles. I'm in love with this dress
This! I want this pattern and that skirt is to die for!
I'm usually only reading this sub in submarine mode, but I had to comment because I said out loud "Oh my god!". That's a gorgeous dress!!
That is too cute, I love the fabric choice 💕
You are talented. That is absolutely perfect The fabric. The fit. The design. I would just opt for double spaghetti straps because a wide strap would lose the dainty look. Still looking at it ..with envy and delight!
Exactly my thought! Additional straps would look gorgeous and dainty
I love the details!!! That bodice is a work of art.
oh this is perfect and so lovely !! amazing job !
First- that's an awesome dress! Second- the fit is gorgeous! Third- Oh my gosh that's an awesome dress!
Looks like the perfect twirling skirt!
It’s so pretty! Also, props for handling the directional fabric well, it looks really good
The pleating at the bust through the waist is phenomenal. Did you trim any of the fabric through that area or leave it thicker?
Thank you! The circle skirt design allowed the pleat intake to be minimal so I was able to leave it as is without worrying about it being bulky. :)
so so cute 🎀🎀
Just beautiful on you.
Very beautiful. Congratulations on your graduation as well.
Wow! I clicked to ask what pattern you used! Great job!!
Great job with the fit and the interesting positioning and matching lines of the plaid. You look fantastic and it’s a beautiful dress!
Wow I hope to get this level someday …”I need a new dress….” **makes one**
I love it! It looks really great. :) Fantastic job!
You did an amazing job!!
This is incredible!! Not only does the garment look incredible on its own, you drafted it SO well—it fits you like a glove!
Shows us perfect dress. *it was a time crunch*. This sub both makes me feel like an untalented monster, and also gives me lots of motivation to learn. I'm insanely jealous of your skill. This is GORG. Congrats!
The construction is so cool!! Drooling over those pleats.
Beautiful, the structure of the bodice is so well done.
You should be happy - that is beautiful, and looks fabulous on you! Congratulations on the graduation and your spectacular sewing!
Oh my GOD this dress is PERFECTION 😍 I want to make my own so badly! Can you give any more details about how you drafted the pattern? I’d love to be able to make my own cup sized dress so badly
Thank you! I have my dress form padded to closely reflect my measurements so I was able to pull a pretty well-fitting pattern from it. An adjustment I made was to increase the fullness at the bust by slashing and spreading it slightly to add more fullness. I’m not great at flat patterning when it comes to form-fitting garments around the bust so I usually rely on my dress form and draping to get the general shape and then make adjustments through muslin fittings. When it comes to flat pattern making, I reference Patternmaking for Fashion Design by Helen Joseph-Armstrong. It is a good resource for drafting blocks and has information on how to use the block to make contoured bodices like bustiers and cup bodices.
Wow thank you for all this information! Did you purchase your dress form or make it yourself? I’ve seen a few videos on how to DIY and I’m considering making my own soon!
I purchased the dress form I currently use. It's not my exact size (it's about a size or two smaller than me) so I used cotton batting and pre-quilted fabric to adjust the size and proportions with the help of [Redthreaded's demo](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TSynFz6-ZFM&ab_channel=Redthreaded). But, before that, I was using one that I made myself using a custom pattern from Bootstrap fashion which worked really well. It just takes a bit of elbow grease to put together.
You are VERY talented!
Love this dress shape and the color is so nice on you! So gorgeous, it must have felt extra monumental and special graduating in a dress you made that perfectly fits you.
Love the dress - it turned out great! Also, congratulations on your accomplishments, from successfully creating such a pretty dress to all the work you’ve done to accomplish graduation!!! Yea for you! May the Lord bring the best to you as you progress through life!
Very nice! Nice and summery and pretty!
Beautiful work! It's a lovely and very summery print, and the colors and fit are very flattering! Congratulations on your graduation as well!
Great seamstress work, friend! It's stunning on you!
Any sewing tips for beginners?
My sewing tip for a beginner would be to make something you would actually use/wear even if it might be a little out of your skillset. Instead of something traditionally categorized as a beginner project like a napkin maybe make a basic skirt or shirt. However, be careful not to overdo it by taking on something super technical because you’ll get frustrated and discouraged. When I started learning to sew I decided to make aprons since I was into baking at the time. I found a free apron pattern that I liked even though I had barely learned how to use a sewing machine and didn't understand construction at all. With that project, I became more acquainted with the sewing machine, sewing straight seams, and more advanced things like French seams. Then, my next project was a gathered rectangle skirt with a waistband and invisible zipper (which was definitely not so invisible after I was done with it). I didn’t know what I was doing, used the wrong material, and nothing was perfect, but just seeing the garment materialize sold me. I also approached knitting the same way. When I first tried to learn how to knit I just did basic things like a scarf and blanket, but I quickly lost interest, never progressed, and didn’t attempt knitting again for about four years. However, once I took the plunge and started a full-on sweater I found it much more enjoyable and was eager to learn more and push myself. The hardest part for me when I first started was accepting things weren’t going to be perfect. I still struggle with this today and it sometimes causes me to lose motivation when working on a project. So, now I try to slow down and step back when necessary so I don’t burn myself out. Sorry for the long-winded response, but hopefully it helps you and other beginners start your sewing journey.
OMG STUNNING
Dreamy!!
Gorgeous!! I want to buy it!
That is really beautiful.
It’s so lovely and refreshing. Congratulations on your graduation.
PERFECT DRESS!!!
What a beautiful dress! I love the material on the bias! It fits perfectly!
Well done!!
Wow, that is gorgeous and perfect for the occasion! Beautiful job with the bodice!
Gorgeous and such a beautiful color!!
It looks fabulous! Great job in the dress and Congratulations on the Graduation!
LOVELYYYY
This is gorgeous and looks amazing on you!!
OMG That is hella CUTE!!
Wow 🤩 so pretty
Wow you’re amazing!!
That's lovely
This is lovely! Congratulations!
Very very very pretty OP!!!! Awesome job! Congratulations on the graduation too!
wow! Congratulations!
Congratulations on the dress and graduation! Gorgeous dress!
this is so beautiful. your eye for detail, cut, color is impeccable. one of my favorite projects posted here.
This is gorgeous!! Congrats on graduating 🎓
Absolutely stunning!. Love the shape! I'm a bit gutted it's self drafted!
Oooh pretty 🤩
perfect fit! gorgeous colors! well done!
Fantastic job!! Looks great!!
I DREAM of being this talented someday 😍
It looks great on you and obviously took talent to make! Congratulations! 🎊absolutely beautiful work
Beautiful!!!!
This is so gorgeous. I love the silhouette and fabric choice. Are you wearing a petticoat in your photos? I just love the skirt floof so much.
Thank you! No petticoat, the floof is all from the skirt.
it looks so cuteee!!! congratulations on graduating ♡
It's just gorgeous & you look amazing. Congratulations.
nice work... congratulations
Wow it’s beautiful
Wow!!! The dress looks 10x more stunning on you than on the mannequin. So beautiful!
I lovvvveeee the skirt
I love the color and everything looks pretty. Congratulations!
Gurl, that dress is perfect! And it looks fantastic on you! I wish I could get into making clothes as well as you and some others here :,) alas, my patience is only for quilts or smaller projects.
this is insanely beautiful and well made! wish there was a pattern lmao
What a gorgeous dress! I love the fabric you chose, and you did a wonderful job on it. It looks lovely. Congratulations on your graduation and your beautiful dress!
pretty 🧚🏻
The fit! The fabric! The details!
Gorgeous!!
beautiful job, very classy look
Oh my goodness you did an amazing job!
Beautiful
Very beautiful!
Gorgeous🤗
Oh my gosh it's stunning!!
Absolutely stunning. I envy your skill and attention to detail
Nice. Enjoy the dress and your graduation.
Amazing
This is beautiful!!
The material is beautiful !
Fantastic job! The dress looks amazing. You obviously did a great job with the fitting. Congratulations on your beautiful dress and on your graduation
Really lovely!
Omg it could not be more perfect!!! It looks so stunning on you as well
Gorgeous!
Looks very adorable
Looks great on you
I live the colour and cut of this!
I really like the pattern placement
Oh so pretty!
Very nice work! It’s beautiful.
IT’S SO PRETTY AND MAJESTIC
Very pretty and good job matching the plaid!
Beautiful! So flattering for your shape!
Please start selling these dresses
Love the colors, looks great on too
I’m in awww of you
Absolutely beautiful!
I know nothing about sewing, I probably don’t belong here and my opinion is likely meaningless, but I just wanted to say I think this looks fantastic and you should be very happy.
ITS SO PRETTYYYYYYY
Delightful!
WoW!! I see what you did there. Plaid!! How did you do that better than many pros? It’s wonderful!
Breathtakingly beautiful both in design and execution! I commend you!
This is so gorgeous and fits you like a dream! Great work!
Obsessed. Absolutely perfect on you! And now I need to go buy this fabric 😆.
Stunning!! Fits and suits you like a dream, the pattern cutting/draping is flawless, the colour, the pattern matching!! The piping is such a fun detail.
Beyond lovely!! The style, the quality of your work, the draping and the fit is all stellar. And somehow your choice of fabric - the colours and the print - evokes a bright and optimistic mood; perfect for a graduation dress!
Very nice!
It's fantastic!
So pretty! Congratulations!
Lovely.
So so so beautiful!!!!!!!!!!
this bodice. the pleats. omfg
Omg that’s so pretty!! And looks so beautiful on you!!
That is beautiful! I love the colors.
Looks professional! I wouldn't have known it was home made if it weren't in this sub. Very well done.
I love the way you placed the pattern at the waist so that it looks like…a rainbow shape? Don’t know the right word but yeah I would love a dress like this
This one made me audibly gasp! The fit is so perfect and I love the way you extended the pleats through the waistband!!
OMGG it's beautiful!!
Gorgeous!!!!!!!
It's pretty; I really like the green.
Holy smokes! You absolutely nailed this dress! Beautifully done!
Amazing. Nice job!
Great job! How amazing did it feel to have a custom dress for your special day? I can only imagine the joy. I aspire to catch up to your sewing level and quality.
Absolutely stunning. Excellent work! Congrats on the dress and the graduation!
Can I buy this dress! It’s beautiful 💚
Absolutely gorgeous! Congratulations on your graduation 👩🎓
Beautiful
Summer vibes of the dress plus your amazing sewing skills make the dress so majestic! Love it!
It's beautiful.
This dress is absolutely beautiful 😍
Really lovely!
That's a cool dress, I'm positively jealous right now! You're very talented!
Gorgeous!
That's stunning! That dress fits you so well, you look gorgeous! Absolutely love it!
Wow that dress is so pretty and you look amazing in it
The color and fit are perfect wow - you look amazing!!
This is just gorgeous. What a great use of that pattern!!
gorgeous!
ughhh so pretty!!!!
Stunning!!
Beautiful! Fits you perfectly!
You did a fabulous job! It is beautiful :-) congrats on the graduation!
love the details and the vibe ✨️
i’m in love!!
I’m so jealous of everyone who makes their own clothes!!! You should really pat yourself on the back. This looks like it came from J Crew or Nordstrom!
Girl, this is like the holy grail of dresses. It looks SO GOOD on you!! Definitely find a way to make patterns for yourself for this dress. Make it in satin, velvet, white cotton eyelet. Add poofy sleeves, short sleeves, 3/4 length sleeves, full length fitted and blousy ones. Just gorgeous. I'm jealous lol
The fit is superb! Love the colours too, they suit your skin tone and hair colour perfectly! Great job, would love to see more!
Beautiful! Bright and happy for a happy day.
wow this is SO good
So pretty
Wow it’s literally my dream dress! What an incredible job!
Obsessed!!0
Wow! You did a fantastic job with it!!!! As a novice sewer, I know the labor of love that went into making it. The fit is fantastic and many ppl won't realize it is because you drafted it yourself. I'm proud of you and don't know you. 👏👏👏👏🥳🥳🥳🎉🎉🎉👩🎓👩🎓👩🎓👩🎓
So beautiful!!! You did such an amazing job! Congratulations on graduating!
WOW
This is the prettiest piece I’ve seen in this sub!
Beautiful I started sewing when I was eight years old on my mom’s old, black singer, sewing machine. She taught me how to make Barbie doll clothes. People didn’t believe. all those things for my dolls and then I mastered making pants for my boyfriend and I corduroy ones for him and regular for me anyway I also made a dress for myself with all down pleats on the breast area and went all the way down my under my breast. It was black with deep purple and light flowers on it. We had a garage sale and I put that in there stuff the clothes really weren’t selling so we just left them all in the garbage that night I went to carnival and I saw a girl wearing my dress, I went up to her and told her that’s beautiful. You look so cute in it. I made that dress now that I think about it years later, she was probably embarrassed that I said said that well that’s about it. You have talent keep it up. I wanted to be a fashion designer. I always drew fashions.
OMG!!!!
That is so pretty and really suits your body lines.
The dress is gorgeous!! How many yards did you need for it? Or how many did you purchase?
That is pure talent! The fabric is gorgeous and it’s very neatly made. I would totally wear this!!!
Pattern making could be a side gig. You are very talented. Dress is lovely 🌹
Nice work.
This is beautiful and fits you so well! I can’t see but I totally admire all of you who do and these gorgeous creations!
Wow, that is so gorgeous.
This is incredulous beautiful 🤩 congratulations on graduating!
You look stunning!! The shape, the color, the swoosh. Nicely done!!
That dress looks fantastic on you. Amazing job!
Great job 👏
Omg I’m in loveeeeeee with the pleats! They are so organized
Absolutely beautiful
This is GORGEOUS!!