Making your own clothing is so fun and rewarding. For one, it guarantees that your outfit will be one-of-a-kind. It is like British fashion designer Tilly Walnes puts it, "The joy of stitching is knowing that no one else in the world has the same outfit as you."

When you make your own clothes, every single aspect of your outfit is under your control. There is a level of customizability that is simply not available in off-the-rack fashion.

That means you can make your own dresses in stunning African print fabrics. Today, we are going to give you some ideas about making a senior portrait dress using African print fabrics.

1. Look For Inspiration

Before you begin, you will need to know what kind of dress you want to make. It is difficult to know what kind of African print fabrics you want if you don't know the final form they're going to take.

Fashion inspiration can come from absolutely anywhere. Inspiration boards are always a good first option. There are loads of amazing African print fabric dress boards on Pinterest, for instance.

2. Take Some Measurements

Once you have got an idea of what kind of dress you are going to be making, the next step is to take some measurements. Measure your chest at its widest point. Double this and add 13 inches to it. This measurement is the width of fabric that you will need.

Next, you will need to figure out the length. Measure from the nape of your neck to the back of your heels. Then add 2 inches. This measurement will be the length of your dress.

It might be helpful to have someone help you with the measurements. It is far easier with two pairs of hands. It is also far easier reaching hard-to-reach parts of your body.

3. Look For A Pattern

Once you have got an idea of what kind of dress you would like to make, it is a good idea to take a look at some of the patterns out there. Having a pattern can make your DIY sewing project infinitely easier.

There are nearly as many kinds of dress patterns as there are stars in the Milky Way. This Vintage pattern from McCall's, McCall 8689, is one example of an African dress style.

4. Start Cutting

Once you have chosen a style of dress, picked out a style of African print fabric, and taken measurements, it is time to start making your dress.

Flip your fabric over and trace your pattern. Then cut out the pieces you have traced. Now you are ready to begin assembling.

If you do not have a pattern, you can still make all kinds of simple dresses, like a simple African wrap dress.

Once you are comfortable with DIY fashion, not even the sky's the limit on what you can make. You can make the dress of your dreams for your senior portrait photo, truly expressing your unique self and creating something the world has never seen!

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With 20 years of experience in the African fabrics market, AKN Fabrics guarantees you the best product, selection, price and overall service. We are specialists in the finest fabrics from Holland, London, African Gambia, West Africa, Nigeria, Ghana, and India. We specialize in Jacquards, hand embroidery, silks, seersuckers, cottons, quilting fabrics various other West African fabrics.