TUTORIAL | How to Add A Basic Bodice to a Strapless Dress

Monday, August 3, 2015

how to refashion strapless dress 4
refashioned sundress
how to refashion a strapless dress to have sleeves

what you need red
--strapless dress (this one was damaged with the elastic missing)
--1.5 yards of fabric
--shirt pattern if you don't draft patterns (Any crew neck shirt pattern with a back seam will work, but you can try this scoop neck shirt pattern from Simplicity 1693.)
--Double fold bias tape in a color that coordinates with your bodice and dress. 
--7 inches of 1mm elastic cording 
--1 small pearl button
 pattern for strapless dress refashion
how to refashion a strapless dress to have sleeves
what you do red
1.  Cut your bodice fabric using pattern or drafting your own. You can shorten your pattern to a length of 3-5 inches under the armpit. 
Stitch the bodice together at shoulder, sides and back seams, leaving 4 inches open along top edge of back seam. Press top edge of dress under 1/2 inch and pin folded edge in place to bodice. (My dress was quite gathered, so I took it in at the sides to fit smoothly over my bodice.)
2.  Edge-stitch along folded edge of dress to attach to bodice. Zig-zag seam on inside to prevent fraying. At this point, I put in the sleeves. 
3.  At inside of back seam,  fold seam allowance under and top-stitch 1/4 inch from edge.
4.  Stitch bias tape to right side of neckline.

refashioned sundress
5.  Trim and clip neckline. 
6.  Press bias tape up and to inside of neckline.
7.  Fold ends of bias tape to inside of blouse and top-stitch in ditch along neckline to finish edge. 
8.  Lay elastic cord in a loop under bias tape on inside of bodice. Run several stitches over to secure.

refashioned sundress
9.   The elastic loop should extend past the bodice edge like this. 
10.  Attach small button to other side of bodice at neckline edge.
11.  DONE.

refashioned strapless dress
how to refashion a strapless dress to be modest via kristina j blog
diy refashioned strapless dress via kristina j blog


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how to make a tuxedo skirt square two tone shirtdress daisy sweatshirt how to make a diy colorblock maxi dress tutorial via Kristina J blog sequin trim sweater tutorial via Kristina J blog

13 comments:

  1. It's so fun to modestize pretty clothes. Love the colors on this.

    I put my back-closure buttons underneath so my hairdo doesn't get snagged on it.

    Happy highways,
    Kelley~

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  2. I love this! I've got a Craft Gossip post scheduled for tomorrow morning that links to your tutorial:
    http://sewing.craftgossip.com/?p=83801 --Anne

    ReplyDelete
  3. So cute. I may be doing this to a few of my dresses!
    -Margaret
    http://happyinheels.blogspot.com/

    ReplyDelete
  4. Oh I love this! You look beautiful! Sooo need to try this one! Blessings, Carmilla

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  5. What a tremendous idea! I have seen such cute spaghetti strap sundresses that are too immodest to wear and this would be a perfect transformation! Thank you so much for sharing this!

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  6. That is such a great idea! This dress looks much better after the renovation. I have one dress in my wardrobe that might also benefit from such transformation. Thank you so much for sharing!

    http://stylesprinter.com/

    ReplyDelete
  7. Looking awesome! Cute summer outfit idea and wonderful colour mix is given to spice up the lazy, hazy days and amp up those hot nights.

    ReplyDelete
  8. Lovely post! Check www.yoshop.com for more fashion items!

    ReplyDelete

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