Free Dress Patterns and Easy Tutorials for Beginners

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Quick Dress Fixes

Resize or repair a dress to turn unavailable frocks into wearable gems. I can show you how to hem, restyle and remake any dress into an even-better dress.

Shorten a Skirt
Put a Slit in a Skirt
Make a Dress Larger
Make a Dress Smaller
Fix a Broken Zipper
Mend a Torn Seam
Mend a Damaged Lining

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Infinity Dress

One of the most simple and versatile dresses to make, this one by Rostichery harkens back to the 70's. The straps can be retied in several different ways to create different bodice looks.

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Turn a T-Shirt into a Dress

T-Shirt Dress Instructions. Rain Blanken

T-shirts are the most versatile piece of clothing you have in your closet. You can even turn a t-shirt into a dress with minimal sewing. This cute jumper-style dress is a cinch to make in just a few minutes with these easy instructions.

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The Little Black Dress

This simple pattern from Modern Sewing Patterns is available in S, M, L and XL.

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Little Girls Dress from a T-Shirt

Transform a large t-shirt into a cute summer dress for a lucky little girl. Lindsey Carrasco shows us how in this step-by-step video.

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Asian Dress

This dress from Modern Sewing Patterns has an Asian cut, and is a good project for intermediate sewers. Printable sizes are S, M, L and XL.

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Dress with Veil

This is a more complicated dress from Modern Sewing Patterns that offers a flowing appearance. Print sizes in S, M, L and XL.

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How-To Skirts

Sometimes it can help to try making a skirt before you take on the task of crafting an entire dress. Try these pattern-free methods of creating easy skirts.

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Junya Watanabe Dress

At ShowStudio, they've provided a free PDF of this Junya Watanabe vinyl and plaid dress. The pattern is fairly simple, whether you plan on stitching with vinyl or a more conservative fabric.

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The Coffee Date Dress

coffee dress pattern. copyright Burda Style

This dress from Burda Style is easily customizable. In fact, there are users at Burda Style who have altered this dress and posted the results. Print your own and get in on the fun.

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Mushroom Dress

This very easy dress from Burda Style has a Greek flair and looks great when worn with a belt of sash. Stitch up your own and show it off.

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Mod Mila

Mod Dress Pattern. copyright Burda Style

This 60's inspired dress is short, sassy and a lot of fun. This dress is rated as having an average difficulty, so expect to spend a little time and patience on it. One of my favorite Spring/Summer looks.

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'Danielle' Babydoll Dress

Another Burda Style creation, this airy dress is both romantic and fun. This is an easy pattern to follow for beginners.

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Debbie Sundress Pattern

From Fitz patterns, this sundress has a short skirt and simple top. From the site: "Covers big butts when worn over jeans or show off perfect ones when worn as a dress." Now there's a hard-working dress!

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Inexpensive Vintage Dress Patterns

60's Mod Dress. Abracadabra Vintage Clothing

Vintage patterns cost a few bucks, and can be used to make nostalgic and unique designs.

If you are looking for patterns form the 50's, 60's and 70's, stop by these excellent resources for ordering your inexpensive vintage patterns.

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Make a Duct Tape Dummy

Duct Tape Dress Form. Rusty Grass on Flickr

When it comes to fitting your dress, it helps to have a mannequin nearby. Make a cheap and custom-fit dress form using duct tape and a friend. A duct tape dummy is easy to make and will save you a lot of sewing headaches.