Consider what style of wrap dress you would like. The classic wrap dress has long sleeves and stops just above the knee. However, there are variations that include all sleeve types and skirt lengths. You will also need to decide between a real wrap or a faux wrap.
You can also make a wrap dress with non-elastic fabric. However, it will not hug your curves or drape the same way.
The typical wrap dress will have about six pieces: two fronts, two sleeves, one back, and one for a tie or belt. [5] X Research source Double check your measurements to ensure they’re correct before you make any cuts. [6] X Expert Source Alterations ExpressAlteration, Tailoring, and Dry Cleaning Specialists Expert Interview. 15 September 2021.
Your waist at its smallest part. The length from your waist to where you want the bottom of the dress to be. This will be its skirt length. [7] X Research source
Many fabrics, especially ones with patterns, have only one side meant to be visible in the final garment. If your fabric is like this, sew the nicer sides together facing each other. You will flip the tube right-side-out later.
Do not trim the edges of the string until the complete dress has been sewn together. If you trim it now, the gather stitch will come undone.
If your fabric isn’t very stretchy, use your actual waist measurement instead. The more stretchy the fabric, the shorter this piece should be. [11] X Research source
The straps’ widths should be around 10 inches (25 cm) for a smaller chest, 12 inches (30. 5 cm) for an average chest, and 14 inches (35. 6 cm) for a large chest. You can make them wider if you would like your dress to have more coverage. Strap length should correlate with your height. If you are on the short side, make them around 85 inches (216 cm) long. Those of average height should use 95 inches (240 cm) and taller people will need about 105 inches (267 cm). If you are unsure about how long they should be, add a few inches and trim after assembling your dress if needed. [14] X Research source
Position the seam in the front center of the dress so that it will be hidden by the straps when worn. [16] X Research source The waistband will be smaller than the top of the skirt. Gently stretch the waistband while sewing to properly line it up and give a snug fit.
One style is to wear the dress at the waist with the straps pulled over your chest and around the back of your neck. You can pair the dress with a similarly-colored tube top for more coverage.
