Creating your clothing through sewing is not only a fulfilling hobby but also a way to express your style.
If you've been eyeing a trendy bubble-sleeve dress but don't want to splurge on the designer price tag, why not try making one yourself?
Here we will discuss the process of creating your very own bubble sleeve dress from scratch. With just a few supplies and some basic sewing skills, you'll be able to rock this stylish look in no time!
Something is empowering about recreating high-end fashion pieces at a fraction of the cost. This tutorial offers you the opportunity to customize your dress in any color or fabric of your choice. With its flattering silhouette and statement bubble sleeves, this dress is sure to turn heads wherever you go. If you are sewing for a special occasion or simply adding a chic piece to your wardrobe, this tutorial covers you.
To bring this dress to life, you'll need 3 yards of stretch broadcloth, elastic thread, and a few basic sewing supplies. The shirred back of the dress creates a comfortable and forgiving fit, while the bubble sleeves add a touch of drama and flair. Don't let the shirring technique intimidate you—it's as simple as sewing a straight stitch with elastic thread. With a little patience and attention to detail, you'll master this technique in no time.
Supplies
Gather all the supplies you'll need for this project:
- 3 Yards of Stretch Broadcloth
- Scissors
- Thread
- White Elastic Thread
- 12-14" Invisible Zipper
- 1/4" Elastic
- Sewing machine with normal foot and invisible zipper foot
- Sewing Pins
- Measuring Tape
- Iron
- Paper and tape to make pattern piece
Bubble Sleeve Dress Sewing Tutorial
Step 1: Cutting The Pattern
Begin by creating your pattern pieces using paper and tape. Measure your overbust and underbust measurements to determine the width of the bodice pieces. Cut out the necessary pieces for the bodice, skirt, and sleeves according to your measurements. Remember to cut both outer fabric and lining fabric for the bodice pieces.
Step 2: Sewing The Bodice
Sew together the pieces of the bodice, layering one set of pieces as the outer layer and the other set as the lining.
Once sewn, align the edges of both layers and sew along the top edge. Fold back the top layer to reveal a clean edge and iron the seams. Sew the shirred back panels using elastic thread, ensuring even spacing between lines.
Step 3: Sewing The Edges
Fold back the raw edges of the fabric on the sides of the back panels and iron them to prevent unfolding.
Sew along the top edge of the back center pieces and create shirring using elastic thread. Attach the shirred back panels to the bodice to complete the back portion of the dress.
Step 4: Ruffled Skirt
Create ruffles along the edges of the skirt pieces by sewing long basting stitches and gathering the fabric. Attach the ruffled skirt pieces to the bodice, ensuring that all seams are hidden within the layers.
Step 5: Install The Zipper
Insert the invisible zipper along the back seam of the dress, ensuring that the teeth are facing outward. Sew the zipper in place using an invisible zipper foot, and close the bottom of the zipper to secure it.
Step 6: Hem The Edges
Hem the bottom edge of the dress by folding the fabric up twice to create a clean seam. Trim the lining fabric slightly shorter to prevent it from protruding below the outer layer.
Step 7: Create The Sleeve
Cut the fabric for the sleeves according to your measurements and sew them into tubes. Create channels for elastic at the shoulder, elbow, and wrist, and insert the elastic to create the bubble effect.
Step 8: Finishing The Sleeves
Attach the sleeves to the dress by aligning the seams and sewing them together along the underarm seam. Turn the sleeves right side out to complete the dress.
Step 9: Enjoy Your Completed Dress
Once all the steps are complete, try on your finished bubble sleeve dress and admire your handiwork! If you want to wear it on a special event or a casual outing, you'll feel confident knowing that you created this stylish dress yourself.
With this detailed sewing tutorial, you can create a beautiful bubble-sleeve dress that fits your style and budget. Shop any of the fabrics from Ice Fabrics in different colors to make each dress uniquely yours.