Patterns and DIY sewing of boho style dresses

Boho is one of the most distinctive styles in clothing, which ideally reflects a certain style of life, worldview, rules and preferences. It originates from the people from Bohemia, who were nomadic gypsies and wandering artists. Later, this was also the name for free-thinking people of art, where "poverty and splendor" coexisted.

What is this style?

This is a mix of several styles at once: country, vintage, grunge, hippie, ethnic. The latter is especially noticeable, as it combines bright details of the national clothing of the inhabitants of America and Australia.

Previously, boho clothing was worn mainly by artists and creative thinkers who, through clothing, tried to express their disagreement with generally accepted norms.

Basic principles:

• a combination of the incompatible in one image;
• use of ethnic decorative elements;
• priority use of natural materials;
• muted natural palette of shades, but rich colors are also allowed;
• Most of the clothing, its elements and accessories are handmade;
• Accessories are always used and there are a lot of them - chains, bracelets, earrings, headbands, bags;
• lightness, comfort and layering - draperies, folds, ruffles.

Recently, individual elements of this style have firmly established themselves on the world's catwalks. Such wardrobes are increasingly worn by celebrities, which is why they are increasingly acquiring a bohemian look: Johnny Depp, Kate Moss, Vanessa Paradis, Mischa Barton, etc.

DIY Boho Clothing

In order for the result of painstaking work on clothes in the boho style to please, it is initially necessary to determine the concept of the dress - whether it will be an everyday or evening option, where and when it is planned to wear it. The answers to these questions will determine the pattern itself, the material used, as well as the appropriate decor and accessories.

As a decoration for the boho style, a win-win option would be to use embroidery - you can do it yourself or buy ready-made in a specialized store. In addition, lace braid and crocheted elements are perfect. Beads and sequins also have a place to be, but you need to be careful with them - if you overdo it just a little, a stylish thing turns into bad taste.

Features of boho that are worth paying special attention to:

• the waistline is defined by belts rather than darts;
• silhouettes are straight or flared towards the bottom;
• texture - pile, scuffs, knitted elements, fringe, lace.

Choice of fabric color

• White is a very delicate and feminine option, a wonderfully refreshing look. You need to take a closer look at the maxi length with lace, or a knee-length dress with open shoulders.
• Black is a classic color for women's outfits, especially if you complement it with lace inserts or bright patterns.
• The motley colors of delicate chiffon are used to sew light, airy dresses. Bright colors are used in combination with a pastel base, so as not to go to extremes.
• Floral motifs have been popular for several seasons. Semi-transparent fabrics with unobtrusive floral patterns, seasoned with ruffles and lace, will create a very romantic image.
• The cage is perfect for both more classic outfits - midi, and sophisticated flowing maxi. Therefore, you can safely choose the style and the appropriate length, complement the outfit with flounces or bell sleeves - and go to the party.

How to sew a boho dress with your own hands

First, you need to decide on the model of the future dress. Undoubtedly, this style is more in demand among girls with curvy shapes and middle-aged women. This is due to the fact that there is no need to emphasize the figure, the clothes are loose and multi-layered, so it easily hides all the "flaws" and emphasizes the advantages.

Here are some tips for choosing the right cut:

• the model should “stretch” the figure and in no way resemble a bag;
• A-line silhouettes, which flare out towards the bottom, trapezoids and dresses with a high waist are considered universal;
• If you have a full figure, it is better to avoid the mini length and focus on midi and maxi;
• you can safely use asymmetry, which distracts from the flaws;
• Petite women are not recommended to wear large prints and long dresses.

Then the appropriate fabric is determined depending on the purpose and season:

• linen - easy to wash, not hot in summer; before work, it is necessary to carry out WTO, as the fabric shrinks after washing;
• silk - chiffon, taffeta, crepe are quite difficult to work with due to their flowability; ideal for evening wear;
• cotton calico, satin, poplin and others also require WTO before starting work; they are quite susceptible to wrinkling, but in the boho style this is not a fundamental issue;
• six use not pure, but with the addition of viscose for greater elasticity;
• Knitwear is perfect for cold seasons.

Summer Dress Patterns in Boho Style

The pattern is probably the most important stage in making clothes. You can make a pattern for a boho dress yourself or choose a ready-made one. The first option is suitable for experienced dressmakers, and the second - for beginners.

To work you will need:

• ready-made pattern;
• sharp scissors;
• textile;
• a special marker for transferring the pattern onto the fabric, or a piece of chalk or soap;
• needle and thread;
• sewing machine;
• fastener fittings if necessary;
• additional decor for decoration - ribbons, braid, sequins, knitted ornaments, etc.

The sequence of work is no different from the classic sewing pattern:

• selection of style and pattern;
• taking basic measurements: chest, waist, sleeve length, skirt length, etc.;
• adjusting the pattern to your measurements;
• preliminary canter;
• directly sewing the skirt and bodice, the sleeves are sewn in;
• processing of edges and hem;
• decorating the finished product with suitable decor.

Linen dress in boho style: pattern

A loose linen tunic is a great option for summer evenings. It will be appropriate for any age and body type, and it is not difficult to sew at all. First, you need to adjust the standard pattern from the master class to your size. The basic pattern is based on the simplest straight silhouette without darts, so this model is designed for a small chest.

Next, you need to take the necessary measurements. The boho dress pattern already has allowances in its base. For example, for the full chest circumference, an allowance of 10 cm is assumed. For this model, this will not be enough, so the volume of the product is increased independently. To do this:

• the pattern is printed out and the required length of the product is marked out, the excess is cut off;
• the shelf and back are cut in the middle, the required 1.5 cm are added to them;
• the sleeve pattern is also adjusted separately according to your measurements;
• the neck widens (by 4.5 cm) and deepens (by 2.5 cm);

the armhole should be deeper (by 2 cm), looser, and a new sleeve cap is formed accordingly;

• the armhole changes not only on the sleeve, but also on the back and front;
• in the hip area the pattern widens by approximately 4 cm.

The hardest stage of the work is over! All that remains is to transfer the pattern to the fabric, not forgetting to make allowances for the seams and assemble all the parts together. The oversized model is very simple, so even a beginner can handle it.

Boho dress with long sleeves

A dress with sleeves can be sewn not only for cold weather from knitwear, but also for cool summer evenings, for example, from linen.

The stages of work are similar:

• the pattern is constructed according to the sample, but with its own dimensions, where GG1 is the chest circumference, TT1 is the waist circumference;
• length of the product as desired - BH1;
• the pattern is transferred onto the fabric;
• all the details are cut out, and the front and back are sewn together step by step;
• the collar consists of 2 parts that are sewn together on 3 sides; the seams must be processed and the part turned inside out;
• in this state the collar is sewn to the neck;
• work with sleeves begins with darts (darts are located on the back side of the sleeve);

The work is completed by processing all the seams and decorating the finished dress.

Russian style boho dress

It is interesting that the original Russian sarafans and dresses are very reminiscent of boho dresses, so to sew such a thing you just need to remember the past a little. There may be several options here, but let's consider one.

The necessary materials are prepared in advance and work begins:

• the pattern is transferred to paper, the size and length are adjusted if necessary, and you can also make the skirt more fluffy;
• the finished version is transferred onto the fabric with the necessary seam allowances;
• all parts are cut out;
• the darts, back and front are sewn together, and a zipper is placed on the side if necessary;
• the skirt is sewn separately;
• the skirt is connected to the top with even gathers along the top edge;
• This version includes a frill along the bottom of the skirt - you need to carefully distribute the folds;
• all seams need to be processed;
• If necessary, the finished dress is decorated, but only if a single-color material is used. Variegated fabric is decorated to a minimum.

And yet the secret of this style's popularity lies in its casual chic and comfort, which open up freedom of expression. Its versatility also plays a significant role, as it can be worn by women of almost any size and shape, as we ourselves saw when sewing the dress.