Welcome! It seems you've moved on to a new project, and I'm happy to provide a detailed sewing pattern for an elegant and timeless piece. This pattern is inspired by the simple, beautiful dress you've shared. It's designed to be a straightforward project that results in a flowing, comfortable, and sophisticated garment.
This pattern is best suited for an intermediate sewer. It requires accurate measurements and careful attention to detail, but the techniques are manageable and the result is a dress you can be proud of.
Materials
Fabric: A flowing, lightweight fabric like crepe, satin, or silk (or a satin-back crepe for a more structured look). You'll need approximately 2.5 to 3 yards, depending on your measurements.
Elastic: A 1/2-inch wide strip of non-roll elastic, long enough to go around your bust.
Ribbon: 1 to 2 yards of ribbon or self-fabric for the sash.
Thread: All-purpose thread that matches your fabric.
Basic sewing supplies: Sewing machine, scissors, pins, measuring tape, and an iron.
Measurements & Cutting Guide
This pattern is based on your specific body measurements for a custom fit.
Bust Measurement (A): Measure the fullest part of your bust.
Desired Skirt Length (B): Measure from your armpit to where you want the hem to fall.
Bodice Height (C): Decide how tall you want the bodice section to be (approximately 5-7 inches is a good starting point).
Cutting List:
Bodice Piece: Cut one rectangle of fabric that is (A + 10 inches) wide by (C + 2 inches) tall. The extra width allows for gathering.
Skirt Piece: Cut one rectangle of fabric that is (A x 2) wide by (B + 2 inches) tall. This will create a full, flowing skirt.
Sash: Cut a long strip of fabric that is 4 inches wide by 70 to 80 inches long.
Sewing Instructions
Note: Use a 1/2-inch seam allowance throughout the pattern unless otherwise noted.
Step 1: Prepare the Bodice
Take your Bodice Piece. Fold it in half lengthwise, with right sides facing, and sew the short edges together to form a tube.
Press the seam open. Turn the tube so that the wrong side is facing out.
At the top edge, fold down 1 inch and press. This will create a channel for the elastic.
Stitch along the folded edge, leaving a 1-inch opening for inserting the elastic.
Step 2: Insert the Elastic
Attach a safety pin to one end of your elastic.
Thread the safety pin through the channel you just sewed. Push it all the way through until it comes out the other side.
Overlap the ends of the elastic by 1/2 inch and sew them together with a zigzag stitch.
Gently tug the fabric to tuck the elastic inside the channel. Hand-sew the opening closed with a slip stitch.
Step 3: Sew the Skirt
Take your Skirt Piece. Fold it in half lengthwise, with right sides facing, and sew the short edges together to form a large tube.
Press the seam open.
Adjust your sewing machine to a long stitch length (4.0 or 5.0).
Sew two parallel lines of gathering stitches along the top raw edge of the skirt, about 1/4 inch apart. Do not backstitch.
Gently pull the bobbin threads of both stitch lines to gather the skirt fabric. Gather it until the width of the skirt's top edge matches the width of the bodice's bottom edge.
Step 4: Join the Bodice and Skirt
Turn the bodice inside out. Place the skirt inside the bodice, so that the right sides are facing each other.
Align the side seam of the bodice with the side seam of the skirt. Pin the top, gathered edge of the skirt to the bottom raw edge of the bodice. Adjust the gathers as needed so they are evenly distributed.
Sew the two pieces together with a strong, secure stitch.
Step 5: Create and Attach the Sash
Take your Sash strip. Fold it in half lengthwise, with right sides facing. Sew along the long side and one short side, leaving the other short side open for turning.
Trim the corners and turn the sash right-side out. Use a point turner or a knitting needle to get sharp corners.
Press the sash flat, and hand-sew the open end closed with a slip stitch.
Optional: You can either attach the sash to the dress by sewing it to the side seams, or leave it as a separate piece to be tied around the waist.
Step 6: Hem and Finish
Put on the dress and mark the desired hem length.
Press a double-fold hem at the bottom of the skirt. Sew the hem in place with a straight stitch.
Give the entire dress a final press with a warm iron.
Your elegant strapless dress is now complete!
No comments:
Post a Comment