The BEST SEWING TUTORIAL for NEW BEGINNERS | Smocked Dress (No Pattern or Shirring required) 2023

If you're a new beginner, this tutorial will provide great practice for sewing a simple dress with only 1 seam. We're sewing an Easy 1-Seam Dress for new beginners. If you know how to sew a straight seam, you should be able to follow along and complete this cute strapless dress. I'm walking you through all the details, step-by-step, with lots of details. You will love this SEW ALONG.
Wear it as a house dress, swimsuit coverup, date night, or whatever you desire. Wear it with a shrug on cooler days.
When purchasing fabric, use your bust measurement plus extra to account for shrinkage during pre-treating in the wash.
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⬇️ KOHL'S STRAPLESS | WIRELESS BRA OPTION ⬇️
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⬇️ OTHER VIDEOS TO WATCH ⬇️
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(DISCLAIMER: This description contains affiliate links. If you click on an affiliate link, I’ll receive a small commission on qualifying purchases. All opinions in this post are my own.)

[@AnitabyDesign]

How much fabric to purchase: Use your bust measurement, plus extra to account for shrinkage during pre-treating in the wash. I purchased 1 yard plus extra for my dress. Get the SEWING PROJECT CHECKLIST HERE 👉🏽anitabydesign.ck.page/503b0d5924 Join the LEARN TO SEW COURSE HERE 👉🏽 learntosew.anitabydesign.com/courses/learn-to-sew Join my PRIVATE EMAIL COMMUNITY HERE 👉🏽 anitabydesign.ck.page/fb7ce23d4e STRAPLESS BRA OPTION HERE 👉🏽 www.kohls.com/product/prd-6057427/warners-easy-does-it-easy-size-lightly-lined-wireless-strapless-bra-ry0161a.jsp?color=Black&prdPV=1

[@gigi_Babe]

Thank you so much Anita! I saw this fabric at Joann’s fabric store today and I said to my higher self. Self, you can sew this ( knowing I never sewed touched a sewing machine before 😂) but you made it so simple ❤. I’ve always wanted to sew. So here I come! Thank you Jesus!

[@AnitabyDesign]

Yeeeesssss!!! I was cracking up when you talked to yourself. 😂 We can totally be friends because I do the same thing. I'm so glad you watched the video. Have fun sewing your dress.

[@deborahhendricks2317]

I love watching your videos and I love Jesus!

[@AnitabyDesign]

Yeeesss!!! 🤗🙌🏽 And I love having you here.

[@tammiehutchison1194]

I would love to see this with sleeves and pockets. I loved how you made it so easy to understand.

[@barbaraness4507]

I love the saying on your T-shirt! I pray every time before I sew, or make crafts. I pray that I’ll remain focused, not make any major mistakes, and that I’ll have patience.

[@oliviamcadams3105]

I love your t-shirt!!!

[@MetroStitcher]

I am excited to find this tutorial! It just popped up in my feed out of nowhere. I quilt, not sew garments, but I also just learned English smocking. I had no idea JoAnn fabrics sold smocked fabric. With my sewing experience, making this dress will be no problem with your great tutorial. I may also try to add some smocking design to the front of the dress if the material lends itself to that. So thank you!

[@AnitabyDesign]

Yay! I'm so glad the video popped up for you. Have fun making your dress. 💕🤗💕

[@SewAndTellwithDori]

Back in the late '70s, my first job was working in a large fabric store in SoCal. We carried this same type of shirred fabric in several floral stretch polyester prints. We referred to the fabric as "Insta-Dress" material, for obvious reasons. It was very popular with the ladies back then. It didn't come folded on standard rectangular bolts, but unfolded on long, round tubes. Beautiful makes, Anita!

[@AnitabyDesign]

Oh wow! That's interesting information. I LOVE learning about sewing industry practices and products from the past. Thank you for sharing.

[@susanvik6856]

This is the best tutorial for this type of dress I have found. Thank you for sharing this! Since I wanted to be able to wear a regular bra with my dress, I added 1.5” wide straps to mine using leftover fabric with some added lightweight fusible interfacing. I also added bra strap keepers that snap under my bra straps at the shoulder so that the dress and bra straps stay together. Love my new summer dress!

[@AnitabyDesign]

Wonderful! Love your additions.

[@eneal2056]

I saw that fabric while shopping for quilt fabric and couldn’t believe it. Thank you for your wonderful tutorial on making that dress. I’ve never thought of wearing it as a house dress since It’s not appropriate for me to wear outside at my age. I definitely going to make one, maybe two. .

[@jennifermartin4821]

Thank you. So detailed and calmed my jitters on making this dress for my self. I bought my material last summer thinking I can do this it’s one seem. It’s still in a bulk piece and an ufo( unfinished object) Now looking forward to going from material to summer dress!

[@AnitabyDesign]

Yay! I'm so glad you saw the video and find it helpful. Have fun sewing your summer dress. 🤗

[@tbg733]

This is beautiful!! Inserting pockets would be great. I can't wait to sew this dress. Thank you so much.

[@AnitabyDesign]

You are so welcome! Yes, pockets would be awesome.

[@lizzybliss4060]

I love the shirt you're wearing ❤

[@AnitabyDesign]

Thank you 💕

[@tanyag1160]

Even though I've been sewing for over 40 years I always enjoy your tutorials. You are an excellent teacher. Love the dresses.

[@AnitabyDesign]

Thank you so much for your comment. It makes my heart sing when I hear this from seasoned sewists. 💕

[@jenniferlittle6529]

Excellent tutorial! My 10 year old daughter loves to sew, and has mainly focused on bags. However, she found these dresses and really wanted to make one. Your tutorial helped her so much! The dress she made is beautiful and she was able to use the leftover fabric to make straps for the dress to make it more appropriate for her age. Thanks so much

[@AnitabyDesign]

Oh my goodness! This blesses my heart. Tell her I said Congratulations!

[@carolynkoster7311]

Love your channel! Thank you for everything you share!

[@AnitabyDesign]

You are so welcome!

[@NancyCampbell-hb9wp]

This tutorial inspired me to get back into sewing.❤

[@AnitabyDesign]

Awesome! Have fun getting back into sewing.

[@AnitabyDesign]

OMGosh! Nancy, I just realized who was commenting. Hiiiii! It's so nice to see you here. 💕💕💕

[@ermagibbs5240]

I absolutely love your sewing tutorials!! You are very thorough and I learn a lot.

[@AnitabyDesign]

Thank you so much!

[@georgiegurl3298]

Thank you, Ms Anita for walking us through this project. You are a God-send! Before I went to your site, I had previously purchased 3 shirred pre-cut dresses from Joann's. One has arrived --2 others are enroute. The finished product will be MUCH more professional with your tutorial -- than what I was intending. God bless you and your sewing business❤

[@MC1RPOSITIVESusieQ]

I wore this stuff all the time during the 70’s as a kid!

[@angelabraggs7614]

So beautiful Sis. I just love you and God's hand is surely upon your life

[@AnitabyDesign]

Ooohhh, I love you too, sis! You just made my heart smile. Thank you. 💕

[@PrayingWoman28]

I love your shirt !!! GLORY BE TO JESUS-CHRIST !! And thank you for the tutorial ❤

[@AnitabyDesign]

You are so welcome!

[@saraveradequinn]

love your t-shirt :)

[@AnitabyDesign]

Thank you. 💕

[@Crystal_Kauahquo]

Thank you so much for your content! You have provided a project for me and my 13 yr old to bond over. I am also signing up got your classes!

[@AnitabyDesign]

Oh, that makes my heart smile. Enjoy your bonding time with your 13 year old. 💕💕💕

[@Keshia_ZaziKCreations]

I never knew this one fabric piece! I thought it was the top (bodice) fabric and the bottom sewn together. Definitely making one for an upcoming vacay!

[@gwenstyles9025]

Hey Anita! You will teach all the beginners all the best sewing instructions! God bless you!

[@lexthegrayrose4778]

Perfect!

[@maegamble5230]

I enjoyed your sew long I think I'm going to try that but I'm going to make a skirt instead of a dress

[@deborahwoods2109]

This was great. Thank you

[@cynthiabirch6338]

I loved your tutorial. It was so helpful and I’m going to make one for two of my daughters. PS I want your shirt too.

[@AnitabyDesign]

Thanks so much 😊 Have fun making the dresses for your daughters. The t-shirts are no longer available. I closed my merch store last year.

[@latashajones3369]

I saw that fabric at JoAnne’s the other day. I will have to take my coupons and go buy me some. I wore sundresses like this as a child. Thank you.

[@Samiam173]

Beautiful, simplistic dress. It would be nice to show using the same dress (for a little more advanced sewers or as they become more skilled) how to add a side pocket, or a staps, or embellish the hem with a border; simple little add on tips to take a dress from here....to here. Just a thought.

[@ReadsTheLogs]

This is a really nicely paced tutorial. Some of the sewing teachers I follow gave up on finding comfortable bust support in stores, and started sewing red threaded patterns, or diy corded stays.

[@auntdee9678]

I love your t shirt!!

[@judyhamNOTES]

Like the 3 mats together idea.

[@debraeverett5557]

I love that. A so along is what I like,helps me to get motivated

[@dollysadlak5242]

I loved it❤. I saw that fabric at joanns

[@sharonbailey116]

So cute and easy. Thank you Anita

[@jacquelinesmith3450]

That looks really easy.

[@anainjamul2056]

Hi Anita! Joann's came out with the smocked fabric and I'm so glad you did this video! You are such an excellent teacher! I'm a beginner to sewing clothes and I bought some of this fabric for my granddaughter and myself. I love Jesus and your shirt! And you are amazing!

[@AnitabyDesign]

Yaaaayyy! Have fun sewing your dresses.

[@bpdesigns4u]

Loved your video!

[@Handlehere256]

I love the strapless bra from third love. I’ve never had a strapless bra that fits so well!

[@lelacoleman7956]

The dress is so pretty

[@JosieStev]

Iv’e had a smocked panel for a dress for over three years. I will make it today. Thank you 😊

[@AnitabyDesign]

Oh perfect! Have fun making your dress.

[@annconroy9159]

I'm an advanced seamstress, but I absolutely loved watching this video!

[@AnitabyDesign]

Oh wow! Thank you so much. I'm glad you enjoyed watching.

[@patriciablack5791]

Thank you!!

[@AnitabyDesign]

You're welcome!

[@shorinehargrove6984]

Thanks Anita I love that dress

[@AnitabyDesign]

You're very welcome.

[@cecit.8588]

Great project. Thank you Anita

[@AnitabyDesign]

You are so welcome

[@csparks9602]

I may actually try this. Thanks for sharing.

[@AnitabyDesign]

Yay! It's a fun project.

[@cyndi8799]

Love Your channel and YOUR SHIRT!!! Your shirt is exactly my heart!!! Thank you!

[@AnitabyDesign]

You are so welcome! I'm glad you hear that you're enjoying the channel. Yeeesss! JESUS & a Sewing Machine! 🙌🏾

[@cheryloconnell8615]

So pretty, going to make this for my granddaughter. Tutorial is great! Thank you

[@arlene4766]

Love watching all your videos.

[@AnitabyDesign]

Oh, I’m so glad you like my videos. Thank you.💕

[@AnnAnonyme]

That dress looks amazing on you! I've seen that fabric in my local fabric store and wondered what the finished dress would look like.

[@joellenroberson6759]

I love love this. Will be making it. Thank you for all you do.

[@AnitabyDesign]

You are so welcome!

[@maryhayes8974]

I love those dresses and the ease of putting them together.

[@rhondabarlow860]

Good video. Learned how to do the project I wanted to do.

[@DeCampbell]

This is needed for the hot, humid weather we're having! New beginners will have fun making this and will be happy about the finished product.

[@AnitabyDesign]

Yes, indeed. 💕

[@kimbwf629]

Fun video Anita!

[@AnitabyDesign]

Thank you!💕

[@ThePrettyPoint]

Thank you so much for this!! You make getting started so much less intimidating!

[@AnitabyDesign]

You're very welcome. Have fun making your dress.

[@nancygamble6540]

I really enjoyed this tutorial. I love Jesus! I love you too Mrs. Anita, I have been following you for about 3 or 4 years, it may be more. I always give beginners your information and I tell about you and tmyour style of teaching.

[@AnitabyDesign]

Oh may goodness! Thank you so much! I love you too and I really appreciate you for being here and sharing with others. Have a beautiful weekend. 💕💕💕

[@nancygamble6540]

@@AnitabyDesign Thank you, likewise.

[@teresamassey2162]

I love this video and the dress! I will be making this one’

[@AnitabyDesign]

YES!! Have fun making your dress. 💕

[@TCREGAN1]

Perfect! Thank You So Very Much! I wish I would have found this a few weeks ago as I started exactly this without much direction. I see a better way here for sure & will follow you on my next one for sure! Beautiful process & instruction was as I said perfect! 🥰

[@sandrawhite3596]

I like your video and you look great in your dress.

[@AnitabyDesign]

Thank you so much

[@keshnadonia]

oh my goodness i know i can make this!!! Thank you!!

[@AnitabyDesign]

You are so welcome! I'm excited for you. Have fun!!!

[@gladysscott526]

Hi Anita I enjoyed the sew along and would love to see more. Have a blessed evening

[@sherryssweetsensationz2623]

Absolutely gorgeous as you are. I actually think I can do this 😊

[@AnitabyDesign]

You can do it! 🤗

[@hettiehogan8457]

This was a great sew-along. Thanks for sharing your talent!

[@AnitabyDesign]

You are so welcome!

[@PhilbrookHandcrafted]

Thanks for such a detailed tutorial. I saw this fabric at JoAnn, but didn't know if I could make a dress. You have given me the confidence to give it a try.

[@farrahrogers280]

Thank you so much. I purchased a sewing machine last year for Christmas and just took it out the box yesterday. You videos are amazing and very easy to follow.

[@sonyasew2]

I have some smock cotton fabric. I have had for years. Thanks for video.

[@AnitabyDesign]

You're very welcome. 💕

[@marywilliams6421]

Great video! I plan to make this dress.

[@AnitabyDesign]

Yay! Have fun making your dress.

[@bdee3207]

Wow, I had no idea that you could purchase this type of fabric with the shirring already done for you. I will certainly try this out. It's so easy to make... Thanks again Anita 👏👏👏👏🙏🙏🙏🙏

[@AnitabyDesign]

You are very welcome. I’ve been ignoring this fabric for YEARS. Until I saw these colors. 💕

[@Stumble.guy2]

Hello,I loved watching your dress sew a long. I’m recouping from a knee replacement so no sewing yet for me but I did really enjoy watching you sew. You are the best ever!!! Take care dear. Nancy from Fort Wayne, IN ,

[@AnitabyDesign]

Hi Nancy! Thank you so much. I'm glad to hear you're resting and enjoying sewing videos.

[@yvettefeyjoo-booth2670]

Sew along was fantastic. Can’t wait to get started on it. Thank you for this video. And your book.

[@AnitabyDesign]

Hi Yvette! Thank you so much. Have fun making your dress and thank you for reading my book.

[@deveeda56]

Thank you all ur the outfits I have seen look lovely and right on point for you

[@AnitabyDesign]

Thanks so much.💕

[@dbillingsley2012]

Amen!

[@lindaduke13]

❤thank you so much I bought some of this fabric to sew myself a summer dress. It was very easy to follow your video! I’m so excited to go and make the dress! I can’t wait to watch more of your sewing videos! 😊🤩💫

[@AnitabyDesign]

You are so welcome! Have fun making your dress.

[@sandrat.4010]

I love love love the dress and the simplicity of making it. I haven't tried making it yet, but it really does look like a good beginner project. Thanks!!!!

[@AnitabyDesign]

Thanks so much 😊

[@variniaharris1949]

Thank you so much for doing this video. I bought some of the fabric and have been trying to figure out the best way to cut it.

[@AnitabyDesign]

You are so welcome! I'm glad you caught the video. Have fun using your fabric.

[@user-ms5ph6eh8q]

I love your videos thank you

[@AnitabyDesign]

You are so welcome!

[@janiewarre9941]

I really love all your videos and I must have the t shirt!

[@AnitabyDesign]

Thank you! 💕

[@MyJuicyqueen]

There should be more likes on this video. She did a great job. I didn't know the fabric came made like that.

[@AnitabyDesign]

Thank you so much. I'm very happy you enjoyed the video.

[@rtblade4]

I just love your channel! Everything you sew is so beautiful

[@AnitabyDesign]

Oh my goodness! Thank you so much, from my heart! 💕

[@lucyfabbri8865]

It’s so cute. Thank you, been wanting to make this. Looks beautiful on you. Love that shirt!

[@AnitabyDesign]

You’re welcome 😊

[@MargaretLAllen]

Hi Anita! that was beautiful ❤️

[@AnitabyDesign]

Thank you! 🤗

[@marybaldon3612]

Very cute dress, it’s looks very pretty on you.Blessings ❤

[@AnitabyDesign]

Thank you ❤

[@TomDober-fn2fz]

Nicely done and the explanation was clear and easy to follow. Loved it!!

[@AnitabyDesign]

Glad it was helpful!

[@maryhinojosa5975]

The Drees came out beautiful and I did enjoyed the sewing along and thank you for sharing!

[@AnitabyDesign]

You are so welcome! I'm glad you enjoyed the sew along.

[@sarahrichards1557]

I love your video's they are so helpful ❤

[@AnitabyDesign]

I'm so glad to hear that, Sarah! 💕

[@dressyfoote8538]

Waiting on my fabric to arrive but I’m Making 3 of these!!!! Thank you for sharing!!!!❤

[@AnitabyDesign]

Yaaayyy!!! I’m so happy you’re joining the sew along.

[@CharleneStallworth-ro7yp]

Love this dress, I am thinking of all the girls/ladies I could make this for ❤thank You Anita👌🏾

[@AnitabyDesign]

Yes, you're very welcome. Have fun sewing the dress for all the girls/ladies. 💕

[@trudymiller635]

Thank you for this awesome video! Great instructions!,I wasn't aware of this fabric. I purchased the fabric in Pink, Blue, and Wild Flower. I made 1 dress and will make the other 2 soon. Thanks again! ❤❤❤

[@AnitabyDesign]

Yeeesss, Trudy! I'm so happy you enjoyed the video. Have fun wearing your dresses. 🤗💕🤗

[@deborahcotton5143]

This video is EXCELLENT! Can’t wait to get home and start sewing. I’m excited because I am a beginner and this would be my first project on my own.❤❤❤❤

[@AnitabyDesign]

Yaaaayyy!!! I'm so excited for you. Have fun making your first project.🤗

[@vanessaknight7129]

Thanks for taking time out of your busy schedule, love this dress, very easy for a beginner. I am definitely going to make one.

[@AnitabyDesign]

You are so welcome! Have fun making your dress.

[@DebraBrown-fs2ci]

I enjoy the video and going to try this

[@AnitabyDesign]

Awesome@ Have fun sewing your dress.

[@benitaeverett5392]

I happened upon your video and enjoyed the step by step instructions. I will have to give this dress making a try.

[@AnitabyDesign]

I'm so glad you enjoyed the video. Have fun sewing your dress.

[@jenniferbrown483]

I just found your channel and I am so grateful for all of your hard work. I've barely started sewing and aspire to sew my own clothes as well as my daughters. Thank you!

[@AnitabyDesign]

You are so welcome!

[@user-tp7hm2ig9h]

Hello Anita, I appreciate watching your videos. I so like the fact that you keep sewing relevant. Inspiring all of us to learn how to sew. Thankyou for challenging us.

[@AnitabyDesign]

You are so welcome! Thank you for sharing your appreciation because it makes me smile. I really do enjoy sharing.

[@lynetterene]

I just love the idea of this. It makes it possible for new sewist to have a beautiful finished garment to wear proudly.

[@AnitabyDesign]

Yes, exactly! A simple project that doesn't require a lot of seams.

[@lynetterene]

@@AnitabyDesign just sent you a note 😊

[@jenniferdieudonne1664]

Excellent video. Thank you! I was just at Joann's and saw the bolts of the smocked fabric (they were on sale!). However, I could not figure out how much to buy to make a dress. I found your video. Now, I must go back and buy some fabric. Wonderful.

[@AnitabyDesign]

Awesome! Yes, they have some cute prints and colors right now. Have fun making your dress.🤗💕