How to Sew Night Gowns
- 1). Measure from your armpit down your body to the desired hemline of your nightgown. Add 4 inches to this measurement. For example, if the measurement is 25 inches, your final measurement is 29 inches.
- 2). Measure around your body at its widest point, whether that is your hips or bust. Add six inches to this measurement. For example, if the original measurement is 40 inches, the final measurement is 46 inches.
- 3). Cut a rectangle of fabric using the measurements from Steps 1 and 2. In our example, the rectangle measures 29 inches by 46 inches.
- 4). Fold the edge of one of the sides from Step 2 under 1 inch. Press the fold with a hot iron to set a crease.
- 5). Fold the folded edge under again by one additional inch. This traps the raw edge of the fabric inside the fold so it is not visible.
- 6). Sew a straight stitch along the top of the fold to secure it to the fabric. This fold forms the hem of your nightgown.
- 7). Fold the opposite side of the fabric rectangle down approximately 2 inches. Iron the fold to set the crease.
- 8). Sew a straight stitch along the raw edge of the fold you just created. This forms a narrow tube at the top of the nightgown.
- 9). Fold the fabric in half with the right sides together, lining up the opposite sides of the hem and the top of the nightgown. Pin the layers of fabric in place.
- 10
Sew a straight seam from the hem of the nightgown to the bottom of the tube you created in Step 8. Do not sew through this tube. - 11
Wrap a piece of 3/8-inch-wide elastic band around your body just under your arms. Stretch the band so it fits snug against your chest but not tight enough to cause pain or discomfort. Cut the band to the correct size when you find a comfortable fit. - 12
Thread the elastic band through the tube at the top of your nightgown. Scrunch the fabric up as necessary along the piece of elastic until one end of the band protrudes from each side of the tube. - 13
Sew the ends of the elastic band together with a zig zag stitch. - 14
Hand sew the small opening at the top of the nightgown closed. This is the hole where you inserted the elastic band. - 15
Turn the nightgown right side out and try it on. Measure from the front top edge of the gown, over your shoulder, to the back top edge of the nightgown. Add four inches to this measurement. For example, if the measurement is 12 inches, your final measurement is 16 inches. - 16
Cut two rectangles of fabric measuring four inches by the final measurement from Step 15. In our example, the rectangles measure 4 inches by 16 inches. These are shoulder straps for your nightgown. - 17
Fold the long sides of the fabric of each rectangle under by 1/2-inch. - 18
Iron these folds and sew a straight stitch along each fold to hold it in place. - 19
Attach the pieces of fabric to your nightgown with pins while you are wearing it. The end of each strap should reach the bottom of the fabric tube at the top of your nightgown. - 20
Remove the nightgown carefully and sew the straps into place with a straight stitch.
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