Thinking about making your prom dress? We’ve rounded up FREE prom dress patterns you can use, along with some helpful tips and advice for sewing formalwear.
It used to be that most girl’s moms or grandmas or even teen girls themselves made their special occasion clothing such as prom dresses. I didn’t have my prom dress made, but my mom did make my graduation dress, and it was pretty special. My mom was pretty handy with a sewing machine, and I loved all the dresses she made for me growing up. I want to learn to sew better because handmade clothes really are the best, especially for formal dresses, because you can alter them to fit the wearer’s measurements so they fit like a glove. Not only is it awesome to have a custom dress, but it can save you money as well because making a dress costs a fraction of what a store bought dress would cost, even on discount. To get you started, I rounded up several free prom dress patterns for you!
How to Sew Your Own Prom Dress
While the Prom Dress Tutorial at Melly Sews does not include a pattern, it contains a wealth of information for anyone with basic sewing skills who wants to level up to make their own prom dress. She gives tips for buying fabric, planning out your project, overcoming common hurdles, and even what kind of prom dress pattern to look for.
Free Prom Dress Patterns
This Red Prom Dress Pattern from So Sew Easy is a minimalist knit dress designed to accentuate strong body types. It is available as “choose your own price.”
My Handmade Space features a Plus Size Formal Dress Pattern that is available as a free PDF download from a Russian sewing website. The downside is the pattern is written in Russian, but you may be able to work it out! It looks like it is worth a try.
This dress by Modern Sewing Patterns is called a Wedding Dress, but I think it makes a very nice formal prom dress gown.
Cocktail dresses are popular as prom styles and this Little Black Dress pattern from So Sew Easy is a very nice basic pattern to follow with some lace overlay.
Tousled Day created an an easy Evening Dress pattern that is perfect for a simple prom dress. It looks easy enough that a beginner seamstress could handle it.
For another vintage inspired dress, check out this 50s Style Prom Dress from Peppermint Magazine. This pattern is available with pay-what-you-can pricing.
Modern Sewing Patterns has fashioned a nice Ball Gown Dress with Sweetheart neckline for you to use. This is a very simple dress pattern so it can easily be crafted into something truly custom!
I have always loved the look of Greek goddess dresses and this Golden Goddess Dress from Sharon Sews is spot on. It can even be worn a couple of different ways.
This Oleander Dress Pattern would work perfectly for all kinds of parties, including prom. You’ll just need to give Mood Fabrics your email address to download the free pattern.
When is the prom you are making this dress for? I would love to hear about it in the comments!
More Dress Patterns
10 Free Sundress Patterns for Girls
10 Free Sundress Patterns for Women
10 Free Dress Patterns for Girls
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Inge-Marie says
Thank you for your patterns Finally found a pattern to make a dress for my daughter’s graduation.
Debbie says
It’s not until next year but it’s for our oldest granddaughter senior year prom. I’m looking now because it will take me awhile to make,I work full time but I have RA and fibromyalgia so sometimes all I do when I get home is sleep. Plus I think the pattern won’t be hard to find but top master will be.
Mel skin says
Very impressed I’m making a queen. Of hearts for daughter at Halloween So I’ll show you the outcome