Prom Dress Patterns

The Easy prom dress pattern has no zipper or darts, making it very fast and easy to sew. An experienced seamstress can make it in about an hour; a beginner can make it in half a day. Here's how.

Materials Needed:

* Tape measure
* 2 yards of 1" gridded pattern pellon
* Three pattern templates: Easy Gown bodice, sleeve, skirt (see step 2)
* 2 yards of 60" wide stretchy material (4 inches of the material should stretch at least as far as 5")
* Thread to match material
* Scissors or rotary cutter
* Sewing machine or serger

Step 1: Determine Your Size

To determine what size Easy Gown pattern you need, first use a tape measure to measure your bust (the fullest part of your chest).

Step 2: Print Pattern Templates

To make the Easy Gown, you will need the following pattern templates.

• Bodice - Choose pattern size according to your bust measurement. If you are in between sizes, choose the smaller size if you like your clothes more form-fitting; choose the larger if you like your clothes to fit more loosely. Also consider your fabric: if it is very stretchy, you may want to go with a smaller size. If it's only somewhat stretchy, you may want to go with a larger size. When in doubt, choose the larger size; you can always take it in later. Sizes are as follows:

  Extra Small = 32 - 33.5"

  Small = 34 - 35.5"

  Medium = 36 - 38.5"

  Large = 39 - 41.5"

• Sleeve
• Skirt

Go to the pattern templates now, and print the templates for the bodice, sleeve, and skirt. Then come back here.

Step 3: Make the Patterns

Follow the instructions given with the templates to make full-size patterns for the bodice (use the neckline for the style you've chosen), sleeve, and skirt. Use 1" gridded pattern pellon to make the patterns.

Step 4: Check the Bodice Fit

The bodice pattern is the most important piece of your Easy Gown, because it is the only piece that really needs to be fitted. Please don't just cut out your dress and sew it without fitting the pattern first! Fitting is really important, and many factors affect it: the type of material, how much it stretches, whether you like your clothing to be loose or more form-fitting, etc. Fortunately, fitting the Easy Gown is really simple.

1. Get your favorite T-shirt and spread it out flat. Lay your bodice pattern on the T-shirt. The pattern should be about the same width as the T-shirt, or just slightly wider.
2. Hold the bodice up against your body, placing the shoulder seams in the middle of your shoulders. Now check to see that the bodice is wide enough. It should reach to the middle of your side, where the side seams of a shirt would normally be. Also check the length (note: when you attach the skirt to the bodice to make the dress, the weight of the skirt will pull it down about 1/2 - 1", so it's ok if the bodice is just a tiny bit short.)

Step 5: Cut the Bodice and Sleeves Out

Lay the bodice and sleeve patterns on your material and cut them out. Don't cut out the skirt yet, though.

Step 6: Sew the Bodice Shoulder Seams and Check the Fit Again

Sew the bodice shoulder seams. Now slip the bodice on over your head and pinch it together on the sides so there's a 1/4" seam allowance. Make any adjustments necessary so the bodice fits like you want it to. Also make sure the neckline isn't too low.

Step 7: Attach the Sleeves

Attach the sleeves to the bodice, matching the center of the sleeve to the shoulder seam.

Step 8: Finish the Neckline

Hem the neckline, then follow the instructions for the style you've chosen to finish the neckline.

Step 9: Check the Skirt Length

Put on the bodice again. Pin the skirt pattern to the bodice in front. Check the length of the skirt and adjust as necessary. Tip: I usually make the skirt about 3" longer than I think it needs to be, just to give myself a little leeway. You can always cut it shorter, but once it's cut, you can't make it longer! Don't forget to allow for the heels you'll be wearing, too.

Step 10: Cut Out the Skirt

Cut out the skirt. Make sure that you cut the skirt so it goes in the same direction as the bodice did, top to bottom.

Step 11: Attach the Skirt Pieces to the Bodice

Match the center of the skirt pieces to the center of the bodice bottom, then sew the skirt pieces to the bodice pieces.

Step 12: Check the Fit Again

Try on your dress. Pinch the side seams together to double-check the fit. Check the length again and mark where you need to hem the skirt. If the hem is more than about 1", you may wish to make the skirt shorter.

Step l3. Sew the Side Seams

Sew the side seams, matching the sleeve and waistline seams.

Step 14: Hem the Sleeves and Skirt

Hem the sleeves and skirt.

Step 15 (Optional): Put Tucks in Back

The ModestProm Easy Dress tends to fit a bit loosely, especially in the back. If you prefer a tighter fit, put your dress on. Then make two tucks in the back. To do this, go in about 4" from each side seam in the and make a 1" pleat (or the) amount necessary for the desired fit. Tack the tucks in place at the bodice-to-skirt seam. This will result in a more form-fitting gown.

Step 16: Enjoy!

Congratulations! You've just created a one-of-a kind designer gown (you were the designer!) It's beautiful, it's modest, and no one else will ever have one just like it. Best of all, now that you know how, you can create elegant, inexpensive, modest dresses whenever you want. Enjoy wearing them to your special events!

Q: Can I make the Easy prom dress pattern out of a non-stretchy material?

A: No. Because it has no darts or zipper, the Easy prom dress pattern must stretch to fit your body.

Q: Where does the bodice/skirt seam fall when the dress is worn?

A: It is designed to fall between the chest and waist (Empire waistline). But you can make the bodice as long as you wish; just measure on your body how long you want the bodice to be, then lengthen/shorten the bodice to make it the length you want.

Q: How does the Easy Gown fit?

A: Again, because it has no darts or zipper, the Easy prom dress tends to fit somewhat loosely. It's very pretty, but the fit is not as precise as in a dress with darts and a closure. However, you can get a better fit, by doing this: Sew the bodice to the skirt (for the front and the back), then sew the front and back together at the shoulder seams. Then try the dress on and pin the side seams to fit you (making the side seams even). Mark along where the pins are, and sew along this seam, cutting off any excess. Also note: If you are very large-busted, the dress will tend to "hang" off your bust (again, because there are no darts).

Q: I would like a longer sleeve. Is this possible?

A: Yes, you can lengthen the sleeve pattern a few inches.

Q: Is the 1/4" seam allowance included on the pattern? Do I have to add it?

A: Yes, it's included, you don't have to add it.

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