How to Make a Pageant Dress
Behind the Seams with My Pageant Sewing Planner
If you’re wondering how to make a pageant dress that truly stands out, it starts with more than just fabric and a sewing machine. It takes planning. In this video, I walk you through how I use my Pageant Sewing Planner to stay focused, stay inspired, and turn creative ideas into winning designs. Whether I'm sewing for my own daughter or creating a custom dress for a client.
Watch below to get a peek inside my process, then scroll down for tips, tools, and details on choosing the right planner for your sewing goals.
Why Planning Matters When Making a Pageant Dress
Making a pageant dress is a creative process but it’s also a technical one. You need a plan to manage fabrics, rhinestones, trims, and fittings without losing your mind or your deadline.
My planner helps me:
Stay organized from the first idea to the final hem
Avoid waste by ordering the right amount of materials
Feel confident in my timeline and design choices
If you’re looking to learn how to make a pageant dress with less stress and more joy, having a solid system like this makes all the difference.
Which Planner is Right for You?
I offer two versions of my sewing planner so you can choose what works best for your journey:
Pageant Sewing Planner
This planner is perfect for parents or grandparents sewing for a child they love. With 21 thoughtfully designed pages, it helps you sketch, plan, and track your project every step of the way—from mood board to final fitting.
Business Sewing Planner
This one includes everything in the Pageant Sewing Planner plus 19 extra pages designed for sewists who are running a business. It includes client order forms, invoicing pages, inventory tracking, and even marketing checklists to help keep your sewing business running smoothly.
My Step-by-Step Planning Process
When I’m getting ready to make a pageant dress, here’s exactly how I use the planner to organize my ideas and get clear on every detail:
1. Mind Map
I always start with a mind map. It helps me get all my ideas down without worrying about how “pretty” or perfect they are. I jot down pageant themes, favorite colors, fabrics I want to use, and any little ideas that come to mind.
2. Mood Board
Next, I pull together visual inspiration fabric swatches, rhinestones, lace trims, and photos. This page in the planner helps me figure out the overall look and vibe I’m going for.
3. Croquis Sketches
Using the croquis (those little blank dress outlines), I sketch out my design. This helps me work out proportions and start thinking about construction details.
4. Project Specification Sheet
This is where it all comes together. I write out the dress description, design notes, materials needed, and embellishments. I also include budget info and timelines here so I stay on track.
📏 Pro tip: Use the Measurement Form alongside the Project Specification Sheet. It helps you figure out how much fabric and trim you’ll actually need based on the wearer's size and the style you’re making.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Here are a few things I’ve learned the hard way—and how the planner helps me avoid them now:
Jumping into fabric shopping without a plan
→ Use your mood board and spec sheet to stay focusedForgetting to measure before buying supplies
→ Always fill out the measurement form firstOver-decorating early on
→ Wait until the structure is sewn before finalizing bows, appliques, or rhinestones
Want Help Planning Your Next Dress?
I’d love to hear what you’re working on! Leave a comment on the video or come join us in the Pageant and Dance Sewing Circle on Facebook. It’s a great place to learn, ask questions, and find inspiration for your next look.
Final Thoughts: How to Make a Pageant Dress with Confidence
If you're ready to stop feeling overwhelmed and start feeling confident about your sewing projects, using a planner is the best place to start. Whether you're sewing for fun or for clients, planning your pageant dress step-by-step helps bring your full vision to life.
Ready to stay organized and sew with confidence?
👉 Click here to shop the Pageant Sewing Planner and Business Sewing Planner
I can’t wait to see what you create next!