How to Make a Jersey Dress: Sewing Tutorial

Sewing a jersey dress is an excellent project in sewing, ideal for making a comfortable, flowing, and pleasant-to-wear garment. Thanks to a sewing pattern, you can easily create a dress adapted to your body shape.

Jersey is a stretch fabric that is perfect for this type of model, but it requires some specific techniques. With a sewing machine equipped with a stretch stitch or an overlocker, you will achieve a clean and professional result.

In this guide, discover how to sew a dress in jersey fabric step by step, following a true manufacturing plan.

Video tutorial: how to sew a dress step by step

Required materials

Before starting, prepare your materials.

You will need jersey fabric, polyester thread, a stretch or jersey needle, pins or clips, scissors, a measuring tape, an iron, a dress pattern, as well as bias tape for finishing.

An overlocker is recommended, but a sewing machine with a stretch stitch also works.

Choose your size and prepare the pattern

Choose your size based on your bust measurement, which is the main measurement for this model.

Then transfer the pattern pieces onto your fabric, respecting the grainline and the stretch of the jersey.

Cut all pieces precisely before starting assembly.

Measurement chart:

The sewing steps:

Step 1 – Assemble the first shoulder

Place the front and back right sides together, then assemble one shoulder with a serger or stretch stitch.

Leave the second shoulder open to facilitate the next assembly steps.

Step 2 – Attach the bias tape to the neckline

Open the bias tape and position it on the wrong side of the neckline.

Sew, then fold the bias tape to cover the seam.

Topstitch with a twin needle for a clean finish.

Step 3 – Assemble the second shoulder

Once the neckline is finished, assemble the second shoulder right sides together.

Step 4 – Attach the bias tape to the armholes

Apply the bias tape to the armholes the same way as for the neckline.

Work from one underarm to the other for an even result.

Step 5 – Form the skirt pleats

Pre-form the pleats on the skirt part, at the front and back.

For more precision, you can hold them with basting thread.

Step 6 – Assemble the top and skirt

Assemble the skirt and the top of the dress at the waistline, right sides together.

Sew with a jersey stitch or serger.

Step 7 – Assemble the sides

Assemble the sides of the dress, from the armholes down to the bottom of the skirt.

This step finalizes the structure of the garment.

Step 8 – Make the hem

Fold about 3 cm at the bottom of the dress, then sew with a twin needle or coverstitch machine.

Iron for a neat and professional finish.

Conclusion

Sewing a jersey dress is an accessible project that allows you to learn how to work with stretchy fabric while making a comfortable and elegant garment.

By following these steps, you get a well-structured dress, with clean finishes and a nice drape.

With a bit of practice, you can adapt this pattern and create unique dresses according to your desires.

FAQ - How to sew a jersey dress

Is jersey difficult to sew?

No, with the right needle and a stretch stitch.

Is a serger necessary?

No, but it makes finishing easier.

Which stitch to use?

A stretch stitch or zigzag.

Why use a twin needle?

For a clean and stretchy finish.

Can this dress be made in cotton?

Yes, but the result will be less stretchy.