Sewing a Dress
Sewing a dress in about an hour does require some sewing skills. A free style dress is the easiest pattern to make in an hour. Free size means you will get into the dress if you have a chest size under 42 inches.
note this post contains affiliate links
Best Fabric for the Dress
Cotton fabric is the best for a quick dress pattern. Any lightweight, thin cotton should work well. It’s best to prewash and iron the fabric before you begin. Approximately 3 yards of fabric will make a knee length style dress.

Bright Cobalt Cotton Voile

Want to make a custom-fit wardrobe? Instead of using traditional patterns, the Improv Sewing team sews a wardrobe from a single set of pattern pieces made by tracing a well-fitting t-shirt. Sacrifice that favorite tee (the one with a little stain on it) for a closet full of favorite tops, tunics and dresses! Check out the Online Class …
Step 1 – Cut Out Pattern Piece
Cut out two fabric pieces for the length of the dress that you want. This will make the back and the front of the dress. Fold them in half and mark the measurements

Use one of the patterns below to make the dress that you want.
Note that the only difference between that back and the front pieces will be the neckline. The front neckline will be cut a little deeper than the back. It’s best to first mark and cut the back measurements on both pieces, remove the one piece and mark and cut it for the front piece.
Cut out sleeves (2 pieces) for width and length fold the middle and mark your dimensions.

Step 2 Join the Front and Back Pieces of the Dress Together at the Shoulder.
When joining the two pieces together be sure to keep the fabric pieces right sides together and join at the shoulders.

Step 3 Join the Sleeves
Keeping the bodice of the dress open, place the right sleeve down and start joining the sleeve on the armhole line to either side. Allow a 1/4 seam allowance.
Hem the sleeve around the bottom edge.
Step 4 Join the Seam Sides
Begin joining the sides seams of the front and back pieces of the dress.
Step 5 Binding the Neckline
Use a 3/4 inch bias banding strip for the neckline.
In order to bind and cover the entire neckline, join the bias strips together to cover.
Beginning at the back, fold the short edge of the binding and keep it along the neckline edge. Make sure it is right side down and right side up on the neckline. Sew this with a 1/4 inch seam allowance.
Clip the seam allowance and trim where necessary.
When you get to the back to the start do not fold but overlap the binding over the folded edge.
Turn the binding strip to the other side and fold the edge inside next, stitch in place .
Step Six Sewing the Hem
Turn the bottom edge and hem the bottom edge of your dress. Shape the dress as needed.
Step 7 Optional Elastic for the Waist
If you want, you can attach a 1/2 inch piece of elastic to the waist of the dress. Make sure that it fits comfortably. Add 1/2 inch seam allowance and cut it out.
Join the edges to form a circle. Divide the circle into 4 equal portions and mark the circle with sewing chalk. Measure and mark on your dress where you want the elastic to be placed. Turn your dress inside out and keep your dress inserted inside the circle.
Align the markings with your dress, pin or baste in place, stretch the elastic if needed and sew on to the dress.

Sewing Pattern Ideas for Quick to Make Dresses
Here’s a few easy dress patterns to start sewing!

Linen Maxi Dress Sewing Pattern PDF, Sleeveless Boho Summer Dress With Pockets, Gathered Waist, Sizes XS-5XL

Basic Midi Dress Pattern Circular Skirt Pattern for Women Easy Wedding Midi Dress Sewing Pattern 9 SIZES PDF Sewing Pattern

Janome HD3000 Heavy Duty Mechanical Sewing Machine w/ FREE BONUS