Collared Zipper Front Full Skirt Knee Length Dress
This sophisticated dress pattern features a neat collared neckline, a practical zipper front closure, and a voluminous full skirt creating an elegant knee-length silhouette.
When To Wear
This versatile dress is perfect for a range of occasions, offering a polished yet comfortable style:
- Office & Professional Settings: Its structured collar and modest length make it suitable for a polished work look.
- Everyday Elegance: An ideal choice for daytime events, lunch meetings, or stylish casual outings where refinement is key.
- Semi-Formal Gatherings: Can be dressed up with accessories for dinners, receptions, or other smart-casual social events.
Key Design Features
Silhouette: An a-line cut, fitted through the bodice with a full, gathered skirt for a flattering and comfortable fit.
Neckline & Collar: a classic pointed collar frames a subtle V-neck opening, leading to the center front closure.
Closure: a functional full-length zipper extends down the center front bodice, allowing for easy wear and adjustable styling.
Sleeves: Three-quarter length set-in sleeves with a gentle puff at the shoulder, adding a touch of feminine detail.
Pockets: Discreet in-seam pockets are integrated into the side seams of the skirt for practicality.
Back: The back features shaping seams through the bodice, transitioning into a gathered skirt at the natural waistline.
Waist: a defined waistline, accentuated by a narrow belt (as styled), cinches the silhouette before the skirt flares.
Length: a versatile knee-length hemline provides a sophisticated and appropriate look for various settings.
Level Of Difficulty
Intermediate. Requires skills in collar construction, zipper insertion, setting in sleeves, and managing gathers.
Fabric Recommendations
Achieve the best drape and structure with medium-weight woven fabrics:
- Dress fabrics made from natural or blended fibers
Additional Supplies
- Fusible interfacing
- Zipper
Cutter's Must
- From main fabric:
- Upper back – 2 pieces
- Lower back – 2 pieces
- Upper front – 2 pieces
- Lower front – 2 pieces
- Sleeve – 2 pieces
- Collar – 2 pieces
- From fusible interfacing:
Sewing Instructions
When stitching pieces, pay attention to the notches - they must match!
- Fuse interfacing to the designated pieces.
- Stitch waist darts on the upper back pieces, press depths towards the center. Along the upper edge of the lower back piece, stitch with loosened upper thread and gather. Stitch the upper and lower back pieces together, press seam allowances upwards and overlock.
- Stitch the center back seam, press seam allowances to the left side and overlock.
- Stitch bust darts on the front pieces, press depths upwards. Along the upper edge of the lower front piece, stitch with loosened upper thread and gather. Stitch the upper and lower front pieces together, press seam allowances upwards and overlock.
- Overlock the center front edges separately. Stitch the center front seam from the zipper mark to the bottom, press seam allowances open. Insert the zipper.
- Stitch side and shoulder seams, press seam allowances towards the back and overlock.
- Fold collar pieces right sides together and stitch along the ends and outer edge (start and end stitching at the marked collar attachment seam). Clip curves and trim corners. Turn the collar right side out, straighten, and press. Attach the undercollar to the neckline, turn under the open edge of the upper collar and topstitch into the attachment seam.
- Along the sleeve cap, stitch with loosened upper thread and gather. Stitch the sleeve seam, press seam allowances and overlock. Set sleeves into armholes, press seam allowances and overlock.
- Overlock the hem allowance for the garment bottom and sleeve hem, press to the wrong side and topstitch. Tip: The dress is recommended to be worn with a belt.
