DIY Strapless Cocktail Dress

So I started with an idea. A crazy one, when you just need to make something!

I have learned to cope with difficult or uncomfortable situations by throwing myself headfirst into a creative project. My favorite way to kick off Labor is working on a “birth project”. You can read more about my craziness on that here — but today I want to share with you a simple sewing pattern that I created when I was in the midst of the most emotional pain I had yet experienced.

The pain of losing a beloved family member.

I created this dress as a way to process my emotions through the focused building of something fun and pretty.

In those early moments of realization, having a way to keep my hands (and foot!) busy really helped me to hold my peace and be a rock for those around me who were not processing as smoothly.

I will be sharing more details on what happened in another post…

but for today I want to share my sewing pattern, give you some instructions for execution and then share my best secrets for taking this simple sewing pattern to the next level.

This dress is pure fun! There was no rhyme or reason to it, other than to keep my mind busy while I grieved. A simple shape and seam lines provide the perfect canvas to create something basic or something extra.

“When people call you extra… ask them

‘Am I extra, or are you basic?’ Be a blessing!”

Now without further ado, I present to you…

The DIY cocktail dress uses leftover fabric!

What is a cocktail dress exactly?

One definition says cocktail attire is a balance between formal and casual and elegant and comfortable. A cocktail dress is a very versatile dress that can be suited to lots of different occasions. Most commonly worn these days for weddings but I think cocktail dresses need to make a comeback for parties of all kinds!

Are you curious about this fun striking fabric? You can see how I initially used this jungle fabric in this project here! – DIY BENCH CUSHIONS

Strapless Dress Sewing Instructions:

Please keep in mind that this dress will need alterations for YOUR body. It is a tight-fitting dress and will most likely not fit everyone exactly perfectly. Don’t be afraid of experimenting with changing the shape of your stitch seams to fit your unique body.

Be creative with you fabric choice! The only thing is.. don’t choose a stretch knit for this sewing pattern. It will warp with this design unless you use a stabilizer under – which would defeat the purpose of a stretch knit fabric… to be comfortable!

INSTEAD — Choose a fabric without stretch but isn’t too stiff or thick either.

Materials:

• Non-stretch Fabric
• MY FREE SEWING PATTERN <— DOWNLOAD HERE!
• Zipper – 14″ length
• Sewing Machine
• Serger (Optional)
• Scissors
• Needles for your Fabric and Matching Thread

Pattern Pieces to Cut:

• 1 center front
• 2 front sides
• 2 center back
• 2 back sides
• 1 center front lining
• 2 front sides lining
• 2 center back lining
• 2 back sides lining

Instructions:

1. Begin by ironing fabric before cutting pattern pieces. After all pattern pieces are cut out, serge/overlock/zigzag stitch all raw edges. This will prevent fraying and warping of fabric.
2. Take your center front and your side front piece and clip them with the right sides together. Straight stitch 5/8 inch from the edge. A seam allowance of 5/8 inch is already included in this pattern. Do the same for the other side.
3. Take your side back piece and clip it with the right sides together to the side front piece. Straight stitch and do the same for the other side.
4. Take your center back piece and clip it with the right sides together to the side back piece. Straight stitch and do the same for the other side.
5. Take your whole dress and fold it in half with the right sides together connecting the two center back piece
6. Press all the seams open.
7. Take your front facing and your back facing pieces and clip them with the right sides together. Straight stitch and press the seams open. You are essentially re-making the dress with the lining fabric.
8. Take your dress and your facing and clip them with the right sides together, matching up the seams. You might see that the ends at the back are too long, cut the excess part off. Straight stitch and cut the facing seam allowance short and clip in the seam allowance so it will be less bulky, make sure not to cut the seams!
9. Understitch on the facing pieces – Here is a helpful video I found on Youtube.
10. Press the facing inwards and place some pins to keep it in place.
11. Top stitch the facing into every seam but not the center back seam – leave it open to add in the zipper!
12. Add in your zipper – Here is a helpful video I found on Youtube.
13. Hem the bottom of your dress, you do this by folding the press under once, ironing and folding it under again, and clipping. Then straight stitch.

Now your strapless dress is complete!

Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you. All opinions remain my own.

3 things I added to improve this basic sewing pattern:

1. Added 1/2″ horsehair trim to the seams of the bodice area. I wanted to give the dress a delicate structure and create a smooth base for my next addition.
2. 1/4″ Easy-to-sew polyester boning was added to the bodice seams to create a “snatched” effect when wearing the dress.
3. A tulle maxi Skirt is worn under the strapless cocktail dress! Seriously, so easy! Instant Formal Dress! lol

Now if you think this sewing pattern is right for your project you can download it for FREE here! I have all sizes available for free download. I hope this simple dress inspires something wonderfully creative in you today!

So now it’s your turn! If you try this, tag me at @goldengluegun

For More DIY Sewing fun – Check out these posts here!