Front Zipper Sheath Dress with Short Sleeves
A fitted sheath dress showcasing elegant princess seams, practical short sleeves, and a chic full-length front zipper for a contemporary touch.
When To Wear
This dress is versatile for various occasions, offering a polished look for:
- Professional Settings: Ideal for office wear, business meetings, and professional events.
- Smart Casual Outings: Perfect for daytime events, brunches, or elevated casual gatherings.
- Semi-Formal Occasions: Suitable for luncheons, receptions, or events requiring a polished yet comfortable look.
Key Design Features
Silhouette: a flattering, fitted sheath silhouette shaped by vertical princess seams on both the front and back.
Neckline: a classic, gently rounded jewel neckline.
Closure: Features a full-length, exposed separating zipper down the center front, adding a modern and functional detail.
Sleeves: Short, set-in sleeves ending above the elbow for comfort and versatility.
Waist Details: Horizontal decorative welt-style panels are integrated into the front princess seams at the natural waistline.
Back: Defined by graceful princess seams and a central back seam, creating a tailored fit.
Hem: Straight, knee-length hem with a functional front vent for ease of movement.
Level Of Difficulty
Intermediate. Involves precise construction of princess seams, attaching a separating zipper, setting sleeves, and finishing the neckline with facings.
Fabric Recommendations
Choose dress fabrics that offer structure and drape beautifully:
- Dress fabrics made from natural or blended fibers
Additional Supplies
- Fusible interfacing
- 1 separating zipper
Cutter's Must
If the patterns have a double contour, they include seam allowances. If the contour is single, the patterns do not include seam allowances. Seam allowances: Hem allowance for the bottom edge of the garment and sleeve hem – 2.0 cm. Other allowances – 1.0 cm. Attention! First, print out the paper patterns and lay them out on the fabric width (fabric width can be from 90cm to 150cm) to determine how much material you will need (don't forget to account for paired and symmetrical pieces). When stitching pieces, pay attention to the notches - they must match!
- From main fabric:
- Center back piece - 2 pieces
- Side back piece - 2 pieces
- Center front piece - 2 pieces
- Side front piece - 2 pieces
- Sleeve – 2 pieces
- Front facing - 2 pieces
- Back neckline facing - 1 piece
- Belt – 2 pieces
- From fusible interfacing:
- Front facing - 2 pieces
- Back neckline facing - 1 piece
Sewing Instructions
- Fuse interfacing to the designated pieces.
- Fold the belt piece in half lengthwise, right sides together, and stitch along the long side. Turn the belt right side out, straighten, and press. Topstitch 0.5 – 0.7 cm along the long sides.
- Stitch the side seams, press allowances towards the back and serge. Place the belt on the garment and secure it along the princess seams.
- Stitch the center back seam, press allowances to the left side and serge. Stitch the back princess seams, press allowances towards the center and serge.
- Fold the front pieces right sides together and align the edges, measuring the length of the front edges. Attach the separating zipper to the edge of the front opening.
- Stitch the front princess seams, press allowances towards the center and serge.
- Stitch the shoulder seams, press allowances towards the back and serge.
- Stitch the shoulder seams of the front facings and back neckline facing, press allowances open. Serge the outer edge. Place the front facings with the garment right sides together and stitch the front edge, neckline edge, and bottom corner of the front opening. Clip allowances at curves, trim at corners, turn pieces right side out.
- Stitch the sleeve seams, press allowances towards the back and serge. Set sleeves into armholes, matching notches, serge allowances and press.
- Serge the hem allowance of the garment and sleeve hem, press to the wrong side and topstitch.
