Introduction: Upcycled Polka Dot Mini Dress

I recently bought a long pattern dress from a local thrift shop and I really liked the fabric and pattern of it but not the style, I thought I could make into something I would wear and make it into an upcycled mini dress with crisscrossing straps

Supplies

Materials Needed:

  • Polka Dot Dress
  • White Thread
  • Scissors
  • Measuring Tape
  • Fabric Chalk
  • Ballpoint pins
  • Rotary Cutter
  • Needle

Step 1: Step 1: Deconstructing the Dress

Step 1: Cut the seams and remove the lace

  • Cut the lace from the dress
  • Cut the stitching from the side of the dress
  • Lay the dress flat
  • Cut the straps

Step 2: Step 2: Measurements

  • Measure your waist, bust, and hips
  • Measure the desired length of the dress

Step 3: Step 3: Outline the Dress

  • Lay both sides of the dress inside out on top of each other
  • On the front side of the dress, mark how deep the sweetheart neckline should go
  • Use the fabric chalk to mark the measurements
  • Use those markers as a guide to draw the general shape of the dress
  • Pin the dress together
  • Use a rotary cutters to cut excess fabric, allowing for some seam allowance

Step 4: Step 4: Sewing Everything Together

  • Sew the sides of the dress together with a backstitch
  • Hem the neckline by folding it and pinning it then sew with a backstitch
  • Hide the stitches by folding it again and using a cross-stitch (make sure to go through a thread and not the entire fabric)
  • Hem the bottom of the dress by folding it twice and sewing with a cross-stitch making sure it’s not visible on the outside

Step 5: Step 5: Make the Straps

  • Use the lace as a guide on how long to cut fabric for the straps
  • Fold both raw edges in and hold in place with pins
  • With a cross-stitch sew the raw edges together
  • Place the lace on top of the fabric and pin together
  • Sew together with a running stitch making sure the stitches aren’t showing on the outside
  • Secure with a cross stitch
  • Repeat for the second strap but make sure to put the lace on the opposite side of where the lace on the first one is

Step 6: Step 6: Sewing the Straps On

  • Keep the dress inside out
  • The straps would be crisscrossing each other in the back
  • Pin one end of the strap to the front and the other across the back of the dress
  • Do the same with the other strap but mind the placement of the lace
  • With a backstitch sew the end strap along the edges of the dress (make sure the stitches aren’t visible)

Step 7: Step 7: All Done

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