Fitted Strappy Princess Seam Dress
A stylish women's sewing pattern for a fitted strappy dress featuring elegant princess seams and a flattering a-line silhouette.
When To Wear
This versatile dress pattern is perfect for a variety of occasions, making it an ideal choice for:
- Casual Outings: Ideal for relaxed daytime wear, picnics, or strolls during warmer months.
- Summer Events: An excellent option for garden parties, outdoor gatherings, or vacation attire.
- Layered Styling: Can be effortlessly dressed up or down, paired with a jacket or cardigan for versatile year-round appeal.
Key Design Features
Silhouette: The dress features a fitted bodice that gracefully flares into a comfortable a-line skirt.
Neckline: a sweetheart-style neckline elegantly frames the décolletage.
Straps: Slim shoulder straps provide support and a delicate aesthetic, with their length customizable during construction.
Seams: Defining princess seams extend from the bust to the hem on the front and from the armhole to the hem on the back, ensuring a tailored and flattering fit.
Closure: a discreet center back zipper allows for easy wear and maintains a smooth back profile.
Back: a straight back bodice is shaped with princess seams and features the functional zipper closure.
Length: The pattern is designed for an above-the-knee length, offering scope for customization to achieve a longer, midi silhouette if desired.
Level Of Difficulty
Intermediate. Requires skills in assembling princess seams, inserting a concealed zipper, and precisely finishing a faced neckline and armholes.
Fabric Recommendations
Choose dress fabrics that offer good drape and structure, made from natural or blended fibers:
- Dress fabrics made from natural or blended fibers
Additional Supplies
- Fusible interfacing
- Zipper
Cutter's Must
Attention! First of all, 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 (do not forget to account for paired and symmetrical pieces).
- From main fabric:
- Back placket – 4 pieces
- Center back – 2 pieces
- Side back – 2 pieces
- Front placket - 2 pieces
- Center front - 1 piece on fold
- Side front – 2 pieces
- Strap - 2 pieces
- From fusible interfacing:
- Back placket – 2 pieces
- Front placket - 1 piece
- Strap – 2 pieces
Sewing Instructions
When stitching pieces, pay attention to the notches - they must match!
- Interface the back and front plackets with fusible interfacing.
- Fold the strap lengthwise in half, right sides together, and stitch the long edge. Turn right side out, positioning the seam on the fold, and press. Topstitch 0.2 cm from the edge.
- Stitch the back princess seams, press allowances towards the center and overlock.
- Stitch the un-interfaced back placket to the back, press allowances onto the placket.
- Stitch the center back seam from the mark downwards, press allowances open. Insert the zipper.
- Stitch the front princess seams, press allowances towards the center and overlock.
- Stitch the un-interfaced front placket to the front, press allowances onto the placket.
- Stitch the side seams, press allowances towards the back and overlock.
- Stitch the side seams of the interfaced back and front placket pieces, overlock the bottom edge. Place the plackets with the garment and stitch the top edge, inserting the straps on the front. Clip allowances, turn the placket to the wrong side, and press. Turn the center edges inwards and secure to the zipper tape. Topstitch the placket into the attachment seam.
- Put on the sundress, adjust the strap length, overlock the bottom edges and secure them to the back placket above the princess seams. Overlock the bottom edge of the garment, press to the wrong side and topstitch.
