how easy to copy a dress I have?

[ccasanova]

I have only worked with patterns. But I bought a cute maternity dress today and would like more. Don't want to spend $30 each though for more, so I was looking over the one I bought and it looks pretty simple to make. It's basically 6 pieces. It is sleeveless and crosses across the breasts in the front making a v-neck neckline. Those are 2 of the pieces. The third is the back torso piece. The skirt is 2 pieces-the front part and back part of the skirt, then connecting the top and bottom is a band about 1 1/2 that is smocked. Simple dress, but still cute and light for summer. I don't know how to smock so maybe I would make it an elastic waist band or give it ties and tye it in the back. If I stretch out the pieces to see how much material they used, and then cut out my own pattern from it, could it be pretty easily done? Also does anyone know how to smock? Thanks mamas!

[zh97]

Well, my favorite way to make a pattern is to take something that fits really well, slowly de-construct it, make a pattern and then sew ten of them up...well maybe not quite that many. I totally think you could recreate your dress.

As for the smocking, I'm wondering if it is actually a technique called shirring considering I don't think I have ever seen adults clothing smocked (currently at least.) If it is shirring, the process is not too difficult. There are some good tutorials out there but basically what you need to do a "home job" is stretch thread. I have looked at store bought items and they seem to use a machine that creates a chain like stitch on the inside but the stretch thread will produce the same result. You simply wind it onto your bobbin with some tension and sew multiple lines approx 1/4 inch from each other to create the shirred look.

My only other question would be what type of fabric is the dress made out of? A knit fabric would be more challenging than a woven one. Good Luck!

[ewolthuis]

Go for it! Just look closely at darts or curves. I lay each piece out as flat as I can, and either just mark my fabric, or measure, measure, measure.