If you have the sewing skills, the time, and the dedication, you can sew  a beautiful, custom-fit gown! To do so, you will use pattern-fitting software to create a pattern that is custom-fit to your precise measurements. These gowns are incredibly beautiful because they fit so well. However, they are not a project for a beginner!

You will need to purchase pattern-fitting software, manufactured by Wild Ginger software, in order to create a custom gown. The software you need is called "Click and Sew Classics: Blouses and Dresses," and its pattern number is 9101.This software has a suggested retail price of $25, and it is available from Fitting Tips, an online reseller of pattern fitting software. Click here for a link to where you can purchase this software. (Please note: this link was current as of Spring 2006.)

Follow the instructions included with this pattern-making software to design and create your custom-fit pattern. Generally, the process consists of installing & opening the software, choosing Pattern Drafter, entering your measurements, clicking next to go to the Pattern Drafter screen where you can choose design options, then printing your pattern and taping it together for use.

Here are some additional notes on two of the many dress styles you can create.

Sample Custom Fit Ballgown
created with pattern-making software

The Custom-Fit Ballgown has princess seams in front and back, plus two darts in front and two darts in back. You can make it as long or short as you want, choose what kind of neckline and sleeve you want, and make the skirt as full or narrow as you want.

To create a pattern for a gown similar to this one, generally you would choose the following design options in the Click and Sew software (after you enter the measurements, when you get to the Pattern Drafter screen). However, you can experiment with design options to create exactly the dress you want!

Style = Princess
Neckline = Jewel
Closure = Back Zipper
Sleeve = Straight (or whatever style you like)
Cuff = None
Sleeve length  = 9 (this is the minimum you can pick - shorten pattern manually as desired, after you print it)
Armhole shape, collar, pocket, ease = leave at defaults
Blouse/Dress Settings = change the Hem Length to make the dress as long as you want (generally, your measurement from shoulder to floor), change the Hem Flare  to make the dress as full or narrow as you want (generally, 3 or more). Leave the other options at the defaults.

Sample Custom Fit Sheath
created wtih pattern-making software

Custom-Fit Sheath (narrow tube dress)

The Custom-Fit Sheath has six darts in front and four darts in back to beautifully shape its long, narrow pieces to fit your figure. (There is no horizontal seam at the bodice or waist.) You can make it as long or short as you want, choose what kind of neckline and sleeve you want, and make the skirt as full or narrow as you want.

To create a pattern for a gown similar to this one, generally you would choose the following design options in the Click and Sew software (after you enter the measurements, when you get to the Pattern Drafter screen). However, you can experiment with design options to create exactly the dress you want!

Style = Side Dart
Neckline = Jewel or Boat
Closure = Back Zipper
Sleeve = Straight (or whatever style you like)
Cuff = None
Sleeve length  = 9 (this is the minimum you can pick - shorten pattern manually as desired, after you print it)
Armhole shape, collar, pocket, ease = leave at defaults
Blouse/Dress Settings = change the Hem Length to make the dress as long as you want (generally, your measurement from shoulder to floor), change the Hem Flare to make the dress as full or narrow as you want (generally, at least 3). Leave the other options at the defaults.