Prom Patterns 2012

McCall's 6283

Photo: McCall.com

Prom season 2012 is upon us and many sewing moms, aunts, and even young sewers, are working away to create that special gown. Traditional long gowns continue to be popular, however short dresses with various skirt shapes are also a big hit. Styles have changed over the years, but sparkles, tulle, satin, and anything girly remain standard.

Key styles include dresses with pick-ups (the popular cloud-like poufs adorning many formal gowns), such as McCall's 6283 and Simplicity 1875. These patterns also include more subdued, straight or A-line versions.

One shoulder dresses, especially in straight or fitted styles, are a leading look on the runways and can be recreated with Simplicity 1874.

Short, strapless dresses, such as Simplicity 1876 and Vogue 1273, are particularly popular especially for junior proms.

Chiffon gives a sweet, girly look to McCall's 6508, a draped dress with an empire bodice. Chiffon is also a great choice for Burda 7262, a short or long A-line dress with seven-panels.

Lace has made a comeback in young fashion and is stunning on Burda 7258, a dress with short- or long sleeves and a boat neckline, or McCall 6505, a fitted short-sleeved lace dress. A front lace panel on Marfy 2867 gives a high-fashion appearance. However this dress is not for the faint of heart--Marfy patterns do not come with directions or seam and hem allowances.

Are you making a prom dress this year? What pattern and fabric are you using?

Annie O'Connor, assistant editor
Posted on Apr 26th, 2012 in patterns, prom

Comments (5)

Marilyn1951 writes: I am not making a prom dress this year. My kids and grandkids are grown also. But, the patterns I have seen are just fabulous.
Posted: 1:48 pm on June 2nd

VictoriaNorth writes: You can post photos in our reader's closet gallery (link for gallery) at the top of the page next to how-to.
Posted: 8:14 am on May 3rd

dori writes: I recently made a strapless dress for my Granddaughter, I hated it. I used Macalls 6283, My granddaughter is very bustie and after I got the bust line to fit the dress just looked off. I would like to try again but need some hints from anybody about refitting the rest of the dress.
Posted: 11:35 am on May 2nd

sewingsabo writes: Is there a place to post photos? I'd love to see what others have created as well?
Posted: 10:23 am on May 2nd

sewingsabo writes: I made a beautiful dress for my daughter using Simp 1874 view B but without the floral appliques. She attended 2 proms - one in Florida at her old high school (we moved between her junior and senior year) and one where we live now. I made it out of a turquise sequin fabric and at each band seam on the bodice I attached a line of sparkly black beads. Crazy to do sequins in a pattern with soooo many seams but the beading helped cover the sequin issue. I had to adjust the fit tremendously (she's petite but athletic) and changed some of the bands in the front. Once again not the best pattern for the fit issues. But she loved it and I'm always up for a challenge. We also found the prettiest focus bead to make custom earrings that matched the dress perfectly. Her favorite part of the dress is the back.
Posted: 10:19 am on May 2nd

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