Design your own dress pattern that is custom-made for your body with this easy to follow guide. Combine elements of several existing patterns to design a simple sundress, complex wedding gown or any style of dress in between.
7 Do not combine elements of patterns that are recommended for different types of fabrics, specifically knits and wovens, as the fits differ significantly.
Select and purchase the sleeve, bodice and skirt patterns that you will commingle to make your dress. Choose individual elements that most closely resemble your sketch. The sleeve may come from a shirt pattern; the bodice from a dress pattern; and the skirt from a simple skirt pattern that hadn't previously been used as part of a dress.
Adjust the pins as needed. This adjustment process accommodates both your body's shape and the differences in the meeting places of the various pattern elements. For instance, you make adjustments if your hips are shaped differently than the standard pattern sizing. Also, since the sleeves, bodice and skirt of your new dress weren't originally made to go together, you may need to make some modifications. This usually involves resizing armholes, adjusting the waistband on the skirt so that it aligns properly with the bodice, or adding darts or gathers to manipulate the fullness or fit of the garment.