Fancy Strapless Dress

in this instructable, i'm going to teach you step by step, how to make a formal strapless dress

have fun!

take measurements of your mannequin - i did: bust, waist, hips, and neck-back (in the pictures) but look on your pattern for the necessary measurements

cut out patterns to match the size of your mannequin measurements

pin pattern onto fabric

cut fabric along the pattern (ideally without cutting pattern)

helpful tip: look on the pattern envelope at the layout of the pattern pieces for the most effecient use of fabric

unpin the pattern from the fabric

repeat steps 2-5 with the rest of the pattern pieces and the lining

sew a stay-stitch around the edge of the bodice front

stay-stitching stays in permanently and helps prevent stretching on curved edges

stitch bodice front to bodice side front

stitch bodice back to bodice side back

repeat steps 7-9 with the lining

with RIGHT sides together, pin lining to bodice matching centers and seams. stitch front neck edge along stitching lines and along seam line on upper edge. to reinforce seam at center front, stitch again over first stitching

baste the raw edges and "hem" to make pretty :)

make pleats on the outside of the skirt front
          bring folds to broken lines; pin
          baste across raw edge

make pleats in skirt back sections. stitch center back center from lower edge to notch. back-stitch at lower end of opening to reinforce seam

stitch skirt front to back at side seams

helpful hint: leave the top of one of the side seams open so the skirt can fit over the mannequin's head

repeat steps 13-14 with the lining

"hem" the belt

attach belt to dress

add any flower/bow/decoration to the belt

attach any other decoration (i.e. zipper) 

depending on how much fabric you have, your skirt may be at an awkward length. hem it shorter! 

even if you like the length, hem it to make it look cleaner

YOU JUST MADE A DRESS!

marvel at how fantabulous you and your new dress are!!!

have fun and take pictures with your beautiful new strapless dress :D

Special thanks to: Mr. Orman - our amazing teacher who put up with us even when we did everything wrong :) and you! for reading my instructable! Lauren