How to Make a Wrap Dress

When talking about wrap dresses we can't forget Diane von Furstenberg, who is the inventor of this absolutely versatile cross-style dress. This dress style created by her is hugely popular even today, and any woman wearing this dress looks stunning. Wrap dress was created on the lines of kimono and toga, two traditional dresses, yet it looks contemporary and is pretty simple to make. A unique feature of this dress is that even a fuller woman will look a lot slimmer and shapely. This dress can enhance the bust and make the stomach look flat. So let us see a simple method to make a one piece wrap dress at home.

Making a Wrap Dress

Here are the essential things for your wrap dress:

• Sewing machine
• Fabric scissors
• Fabric and matching thread
• Straight pins
• Measuring tape
• Fabric pencil

Instructions to Make a Wrap Dress:



Fig. 1

Fig. 2

Select the Fabric
You can choose silk or cotton, which are normally used for wrap dresses, as both look good when stitched. You will need around two meters of fabric for your dress. Choose a color shade that suits your preference and personality.

Take Measurements
This is the most important step in the whole process, as this will decide the fitting and overall look of the dress. If you are not confident about taking measurements yourself, ask someone to do it for you and note them down properly. Measure total length of the dress, waist, hips, arm length, chest, neck-line, and in-seam. It is essential to decide the position of your waist band as that will determine the length of the bodice and the skirt. To attach the waist band you will also need 3 loops which you can make with leftover material.

Cut the Pattern on Paper
Making the pattern of wrap dress is very important because the pattern will give your dress a well structured form. Take a chart paper (preferably white) and draw the pattern using measurements you have taken. If you are a novice at drawing patterns you can refer to sample pattern that is available online, or even buy a set of pattern cutouts from your local store for reference.

Trace the Measurements on Fabric
Arrange the pattern cutouts on the fabric. Use a fabric pencil to draw the cutouts on the fabric. Leave enough space between the pieces and the outline to make cutting easier.

Cut Along the Measurements
Using a pair of scissors cut out all the pieces on the fabric. Make sure you keep a inch space for the seam, this will be helpful when you will want to alter your dress later. The cutouts will look as shown in fig. 1.

Sew all the Pieces
Now all the parts should be sewed together to make a complete dress. For sewing your wrap dress you need to have basic skills in sewing and using a sewing machine. Follow the steps given below while attaching the cut pieces together.

• After cutting out all the patterns on the fabric you should have a back piece, two front pieces, two sleeves, a waist band, and loops, to attach the waist band to the dress.
• First of all, attach one front piece, let us name it L1 (left front piece) to the back piece on the left side and sew it. Now, take the remaining front piece, let us name it R1, (right front piece) and attach it to the right side of the back piece so that it overlaps the left piece.
• Take the left sleeve and sew it along the left shoulder of the dress where you have the space for the sleeve, and leave it as it is because the joining of the sleeve will require a single continuous stitch that will run through the bodice part to the sleeves. Do the same for the right sleeve and pin both the sleeves to keep them in place.
• This is an important step where you will sew the pinned parts together. Sew the parts along the pins keeping extra space (seam) for future alterations.
• Now, it's time to attach the waist band. Sew one of the loops on R1, the second one on L1, and the third one on the back piece in the center.
• The ready wrap dress will look as shown in fig. 2.

Try Out the Wrap Dress
This is the final step where you will see the result of your efforts. Wear the dress to gauge the fitting and overall appearance. If you find any minor problems, you can always adjust the seams in the dress.

With these simple instructions you can make a gorgeous wrap dress and show it off with pride to your friends and relatives. Make sure you take the measurements correctly and acquire the basic sewing skills required before beginning the task.