Gathered Bodice and Skirt Dress
Introducing a charming women's dress pattern featuring a beautifully gathered bodice, a flattering wide waistband, and a gracefully flowing gathered midi skirt.
When To Wear
This versatile dress is perfect for warm weather and offers a charming look for a variety of occasions:
- Daytime Socials: Ideal for garden parties, brunches, or leisurely outings thanks to its comfortable and airy design.
- Summer & Vacation Wear: a perfect companion for holiday strolls and sun-drenched resort days.
- Effortless Elegance: Easily dressed up for semi-formal gatherings or evening events with the right accessories.
Key Design Features
Silhouette: a classic fit-and-flare silhouette, with a fitted bodice and waistband transitioning into a full, gathered midi skirt.
Neckline: a wide, elasticated neckline designed with soft gathers, offering the versatility to be worn off the shoulder or as a chic square neckline.
Sleeves: Puffed short sleeves, gathered at the shoulder and elasticated at the cuff for a charming, voluminous look.
Waist: a defined, wide waistband cinching the waist for a flattering and comfortable fit.
Bodice: Both the upper and lower edges of the bodice feature delicate gathers, creating a soft and flowing effect.
Skirt: a voluminous skirt with gathers at the waist, providing graceful movement and a comfortable midi length.
Closure: An invisible zipper neatly placed at the center back ensures a smooth and discreet fastening.
Back: Features a center back seam and a construction mirrored to the front, with gathering details and an invisible zipper.
Level Of Difficulty
Intermediate. Involves techniques such as creating gathers, inserting elastic into casings, and setting an invisible zipper.
Fabric Recommendations
Achieve the best drape and comfort with dress fabrics that hold gathers well:
- Dress fabrics made from natural or blended fibers
Additional Supplies
- Elastic tape, 0.9 – 1.0 cm wide
- Invisible zipper
Cutter's Must
If the patterns have a double contour, seam allowances are included. If the contour is single, the patterns are without seam allowances. Seam allowances: hem allowance — 2.5 cm, allowance for the upper edge of the front, back, and lower edge of the sleeve – 1.5 cm; other seams 1 cm. Attention! First, print out the paper patterns and lay them out on the fabric width (fabric width can be from 90 cm to 150 cm) to determine how much material you will need.
- From main fabric:
- Upper back – 2 pieces
- Back waistband — 2 pieces
- Lower back — 2 pieces
- Upper front — 1 piece on fold
- Front waistband — 1 piece on fold
- Lower front — 1 piece on fold
- Sleeve — 2 pieces
Sewing Instructions
When stitching pieces, pay attention to the notches - they must match!
- Along the lower edge of the upper front, stitch with loosened upper thread and gather. Attach the front waistband to the upper. Overlock the allowance and press it towards the waistband. Along the upper edge of the lower front, stitch with loosened upper thread and gather. Attach the lower to the waistband. Overlock the allowance and press it towards the waistband.
- Along the lower edge of the upper back, stitch with loosened upper thread and gather. Attach the back waistband to the upper. Overlock the allowance and press it towards the waistband. Along the upper edge of the lower back, stitch with loosened upper thread and gather. Attach the lower to the waistband. Overlock the allowance and press it towards the waistband.
- Overlock the center back edges separately. Stitch the center back seam from the zipper mark to the bottom. Press open the allowances of the center seam, pressing the slit for the zipper. Insert the zipper.
- Attach the sleeve to the front and back. Overlock the allowances and press them towards the sleeve.
- Stitch the side seams, simultaneously with the sleeve seam. Press the allowances towards the back and overlock.
- Overlock the upper edge of the dress. Fold the allowance to the wrong side and topstitch, forming a casing. Insert the elastic tape and secure the ends.
- Overlock the lower edge of the sleeve. Fold the allowance to the wrong side and topstitch, forming a casing. Thread the elastic tape and secure the ends.
- Overlock the lower edge of the garment, press it to the wrong side and topstitch.
