Making a Dress at Home

1944

National Agricultural Library

Farmers' Bulletin Number 1954

A needed dress . . . pride in achievement . . . something learned — these are the rewards of making a first dress. The job will not be hard if you take it step by step with care and attention to detail. Then when you have learned the principles of putting together and finishing a simple dress, you can apply them in the making of any garment.

To Make a Dress, Here's What You Need

Pattern

If you've never made a dress before, choose a style that's easy to make. A good choice for the first dress is one with collarless neck or plain collar, smooth or darted sleeves, gored skirt, and few buttonholes. Don't try set-in pockets, fancy shirrings, or drapery until you have more sewing experience.

To decide the size of pattern you need, compare your measurements — hip, bust, and waist — with those of the pattern given on the envelope or in the large pattern books that you find at pattern counters. Select the size that has measurements most nearly like yours. For example, if yours correspond with those of size 34 except for the hips, choose a 34 and alter the skirt to fit. Don't get the same size in a pattern as you do in ready-to-wear clothes. The measurements may not be the same.

Get a pattern with a good sewing chart — one with clear-cut illustrations and easy-to-follow directions. Some patterns give little help to the beginner. Best way to find out about the chart is to ask the clerk to let you see it before you buy the pattern.