How To Sew Your First Dress

Sewing is a great, creative art form.  Through the use of fabric, threads and design techniques, you can create a one of a kind masterpiece that is literally a work of art.  For those new to the art of sewing, a project as formidable as a dress may seem like quite a stretch of their talents.  It needn't be viewed that way at all.

• Many instructors in sewing will tell you to start simple and learn some basic techniques.  While this is definitely the safe approach, a more exciting way to look at it is to see just how creative you can be.  If you are working on a project that is challenging and holds the promise of a great outcome, you will be more interested in your work than if you start out making a simple, straight-forward shift.

• Start by looking in your favorite magazines for styles that interest you and suit your figure.  There are several major pattern companies around offering tissue patterns of just about any style of dress you can imagine.  And if your imagination exceeds their offerings, don't despair.  Use the basic pattern as a starting point; use you designing talents to take that pattern to new levels of excitement.

• A great dress requires great fabric.  Don't look at your project as a way to save money, thereby seeking out the least expensive fabric you can find.  Rather, look at this as a chance to express yourself.  Step into the world of exotic fabrics in delicious colors.  Maybe choose textures or consider adding special features such as pockets, piping, key-hole openings or border trims.

• If you have a little more sewing talent, you may want to consider creating a pattern-less fashion, where you copy line by line the style of a dress you already own, one you find in a magazine or one that only exists in your head.  While this type of sewing project may be a bit beyond your reach at first, once you master it, you will be delighted with your sewing results.

Once you've decided on a pattern, a fabric and some of the detail points of the project, you're ready to pin, cut, sew and alter to achieve the perfect fit.  You'll be amazed just how quickly your dress will go together.  Enlist the help of a friend, if necessary, to pin up hems or help tuck it in at the waist.  Perfect fit is key to a perfect dress.