Learn how to make a dress by copying clothes you already have. This can be adapted to make a DIY maternity dress and non-maternity as well.
In this video tutorial I share how to make a dress without a pattern. I made a DIY maternity dress, but you can use this tutorial to make any shape dress. I show you how to trace clothes to make your own dress pattern.
Photo Cred
I don’t want to get too far into this post before I give credit where credit is due. My awesome photographer sister, Andrea Vehige, took these maternity photos. So, if you’re looking for a maternity, or wedding photographer head over to her website and hit her up with an email.
Simple Maternity Photo Shoot
My sister and I had a very specific vision for my maternity photo shoot. We wanted something simple, minimal and with a lifestyle vibe. We wanted something that fit in with my usual style.
They would obviously need to be taken in my home. And we couldn’t get past the idea of linen. The maternity photo shoot needed the loose weave, minimal, vintage look of linen.
So linen I sought.
And you know what I found? Linen dresses are EXPENSIVE. Being the DIY’er that I am, it only took a moment for me to decide I could tackle making my own linen maternity dress.
Not just for maternity
In the how to make a dress video tutorial below, you will learn how to copy your own clothes to make your own dress pattern. You will see the mechanics behind how a dress is put together. You can use the techniques to make a maternity dress. If you trace a non-maternity shirt, you can also make a regular fitting dress as well. You can apply it to making kids clothes.
Edited to add this photo of me wearing a linen tunic (that I made with this same method during pregnancy) at two months postpartum. So, this method of copying your cloths does work for shirts, dresses, maternity and not!
How to make a dress video tutorial
Shop the linen I used for this dress:Â Stonewashed 100% Linen Dove Grey Fabric
A few more maternity photos
I am 35 weeks pregnant in these photos. I am planning to have another home birth around December 3rd. Although, knowing my body and my babies, it will be at least a week later than that! 😉
I am looking forward to meeting my little munchkin and finding out the gender of the tie-breaker baby. Right now we have two of each.
Thank you so much for stopping by the farmhouse!
Have you ever sewn clothing before? Let me know in the comments below.
I look forward to hearing about the dresses you make!
Shop the linen
Stonewashed 100% Linen Dove Grey Fabric
Pin it for later
Trudi says
Would you be interested in making a dress for me??
Nancy says
“Necessity is the Mother of Invention”
I have always been financially challenged,
have learned to be a DIYer too
it is refreshing to watch your confidence and ease
in working the pattern, truly inspiring.
I have a vintage old machine, it is the first one
that works without being a pain in the neck.
I’ve just moved to the city, and there are plenty of
fabric stores. I wish to make my own bra’s they are so expensive.
Your sister is very sensitive, she took a joyous time in your life and made it so very special. your child when grown will cherish these photos.
I’ve only just met you, so I will be an active member.
Blessed Easter to you and your Family
Nancy
Sandra says
I’m sure the picture of you pregnant are probably over by now and, you have your munchkin in hand. I just had to tell you that pregnancy, really becomes you and,your sister in law is a wonderful photographer. I love to sew,and now am retired ,I was a labor and delivery nurse, lol. I really enjoy sewing your way,and can’t wait to get back to it.. Thanks for the inspiration. Oh by the way ,I love your farm house.
Lisa says
Thank you so much, Sandra! I did have the baby, a sweet little boy. 🙂 He is 7 months now.
Theresa says
I’m 55 and have been sewing since I was about 12. I love it! I was making my own clothes when I was a kid, my mom has photos of me wearing them. ? I sew for my home my grandkids my daughter in laws. Not my daughter because she knows how to sew! Lol It’s a super fun craft and easy to learn. I taught myself as a kid. Try something simple with straight lines first like a table runner. You’ll love it too!!!
Lisa says
I agree! I feel like once you get to really know the machine, how to thread it, troubleshoot it, it is so fun!
Michelle says
I am trying to make dress for my nursing daughter. How would you add a nursing panel to this dress?
Patricia A Habbyshaw says
Love your Video on making your dress using other cloths for a pattern !
I have a great tip for you on sewing in sleeves.
Do Not sew from wrist to underarm as you would do for a set in sleeve.
Place the opened sleeve onto your dress matching the center top of the sleeve to shoulder seam with right sides together. Then match the ends of the sleeve arch to the ends of the sleeve where the side seams start.
Ease it in and pin, then sew sleeve onto dress.
After sleeve is on, sew from wrist or end of sleeve up to the underarm and continue down the side seam.
So much easier that setting in a sleeve !
Hope this helps in your sewing endeavors !
Enjoy and Thank You for Your Inspiration !
Patti
Patricia A Habbyshaw says
Oh ! I forgot to say, Do Not Sew the side seam either !
Coralie says
Hi!
Could you give me some pointers on making nursing-friendly dresses please?
Thanks!
Nichole says
I’m so glad you had a healthy baby boy. I have no kids. I wish I did though. You were given the greatest gift of all