How to Make a Patchwork Dress: Complete Step-by-Step

A patchwork dress is a vibrant piece, full of personality and perfect for those who love creative and sustainable sewing. With reused fabrics and lots of color, it combines beauty, originality and history in each patch. In this article, you will learn how to make a dress like the one in the image: flared, cheerful, with straps and a fitted bodice.

✂️ Necessary Materials
Scraps of various fabrics (tricoline is ideal)

Sewing thread (neutral or colored)

Lining fabric (optional)

Invisible zipper (30 cm, optional)

Scissors or circular cutter

Sewing machine or hand needle

Pins and measuring tape

Paper for pattern (can be kraft or wrapping paper)

📏 Step 1: Prepare the Patterns
Upper part (body of the dress)
Base yourself on a tight bodice pattern. If you don’t have one, use a fitted blouse as a reference.

Mark the bust, waist and side seams.

The pattern should be divided into front and back.

Skirt
The pattern in the image has a layered flared skirt. You can:

Use a pattern for a circle or circle skirt.

Or assemble the skirt in horizontal strips, joining several patchwork blocks.

Straps
Cut two strips of double fabric measuring approximately 40 cm x 5 cm (or according to your body).

🧩 Step 2: Create the Patchwork Panels
Choose the scraps: vary the colors, prints and sizes.

Cut into blocks: squares or rectangles measuring 15×15 cm or 20×20 cm work well.

Sew the blocks together, forming panels large enough for:

The bust (body)

Each strip of the skirt

Iron the seams so that they are well laid.

🧵 Step 3: Assemble the Bodice
Cut the body pattern on the finished panels.

Sew the front and back pieces together at the shoulders and sides.

If desired, line the bodice for a better finish.

Sew the straps on the front and back.

Try on and adjust.

👗 Step 4: Sew the Skirt
Make two or three horizontal patchwork strips, each one wider than the last to give it a flared fit.

Gather the top of each strip and join from top to bottom.

Join the skirt to the bodice.

Leave a side opening for the zipper (or elastic, if you prefer something simpler).

🪡 Step 5: Finishing
Zipper: Sew on the side, from the waist up.

Hem: Hem the skirt.

Details: You can apply yo-yo flowers, embroidery, decorative buttons or lace.

💡 Extra Tips
Sustainable: use old clothes and turn them into scraps.

Customization: add invisible pockets or adjustable straps.

Color combination: choose a cheerful and diverse palette, but one that speaks to each other.

Lining: to give more structure or avoid transparency.

🌻 Result
Your dress will have a unique, bohemian and handmade look — perfect for wearing at June parties, outdoor events, or even as a signature fashion piece!