https://www.cutoutandkeep.net/projects/low-back-1990s-stretchy-velvet-dress • Posted by Rachel's Craft Channel
I recommend having dressmaking experience if you are looking at this tutorial. The fabric I used was really stretchy, so it allowed for some mistakes.
I recommend having dressmaking experience if you are looking at this tutorial. The fabric I used was really stretchy, so it allowed for some mistakes.
First you need the fabric. I had some oddball pieces of stretchy velvet. About 2-3 yards.
Take the larger piece and fold over one edge to make an isosceles triangle (a square folded diagonally.)
Cut out the triangle, leaving it folded in half.
Fold the fabric in half again along the middle of the triangle. Then cut out your measurements for a circle skirt (look up circle skirt pattern on google and it should tell you what measurements you need) I've made them so many time I basically just guess at it now...
Your cuts should look like this (but much more neat).
Now you have a donut mines a little wavy, but it happens...
You should be able to wear the "donut" you just made and slide it over your hips with no problem. If not, you need to cut the inner circle larger.
We're done with the skirt for now, so let's focus on the top. Using the smaller chunk of fabric from the first step, you can cut out two pieces that resemble front and back pieces, the neckholes and armholes should match up, just that the back piece goes down an extra 4-5 inches. I know it's curve looks skinny, but it stretches ou after you hem and wear it :)
Cut out the sleeves in a width that would fit your arm. Initially i cut mine too wide, so I later took them in just by hemming them again down edges.
Now, when it comes to hemming the neckholes (after you attach the front and back pieces together) You want to make sure you cut little 1/4 inch lines so that the hem will fold and sew nicely. I accidentally hemmed both my necks before attaching the front and back, it didn't ruin the project, but I recommend attaching the front and back together first. ALSO, when you sew this fabric ALWAYS USE A ZIG ZAG STITCH AND NEVER STRETCH THE FABRIC!
I accidentally sewed the hem before attaching, but this is what it should look like.
You can attach the front and back by sewing up the sides and along the shoulder edges. You should then try the top on and take in the sides and shoulders as necessary.
Sew the sleeves right sides together to create tube sleeves. You should then try them on and take them in as necessary.
Sleeves!
Attach the sleeves to the top by having the right side of the sleeve and right side of the top facing each other. The hem on the sleeve and side seam of the top should match.
Now comes the weird part. You put the skirt inside out over the top (which is right side out) and attach the bottom of the top to the top of the skirt.
Now you have a finished dress! I like to wear a brown belt over it. I hemmed the sleeves but I haven't hemmed the bottom yet. Sometimes I like the way that knit fabric flows without a hem. IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS, PLEASE COMMENT! Thanks!