Contrast Trim Sheath Dress with Pockets
This made-to-measure sheath dress features elegant contrast trim detailing, charming flap pockets, and a refined, figure-flattering silhouette.
When To Wear
This sophisticated sheath dress is designed for a variety of polished occasions, making it an excellent choice for:
- Business & Professional Settings: Its tailored silhouette and refined details are perfect for the office, meetings, or professional gatherings.
- Daytime Social Events: Ideal for luncheons, garden parties, or upscale daytime gatherings where elegance is key.
- Smart Casual Occasions: A versatile and polished option for refined social engagements or tasteful outings.
Key Design Features
Silhouette: A tailored sheath silhouette, gracefully contoured to the body and falling to a refined knee-length.
Neckline: A classic round neckline, elegantly finished with contrast trim.
Closure: A concealed zipper closure is positioned along the center back seam for a seamless finish.
Sleeves: Short, set-in sleeves feature subtle gathering at the shoulder crown and are finished with contrast trim cuffs.
Pockets: Four decorative flap pockets adorn the front: two on the upper bodice and two at the hip line. The hip pockets are detailed with contrast trim and secured with a small button.
Front Details: The center front bodice features elegant vertical contrast trim, extending from the neckline to the waist seam.
Back: Features a clean center back seam and includes a discreet vent at the lower hem for ease of movement.
Waist: A horizontal seam, highlighted with contrast trim, defines the natural waistline, creating a flattering proportion.
Hem: A straight hemline lands at the knee, completed with a crisp band of contrast trim.
Level Of Difficulty
Intermediate. Requires skills in handling multiple pattern pieces, constructing flap pockets, precise application of decorative trim, and invisible zipper insertion.
Fabric Recommendations
Choose dress fabrics that hold their shape well, suitable for a tailored silhouette:
- Dress fabrics made from natural or blended fibers
Additional Supplies
- Fusible interfacing
- 1 concealed zipper
- Decorative braid for trim (approximate length indicated on the pattern piece)
- 2 buttons
Fabric & Materials
Fabric recommendations: dress fabrics made of natural or blended fibers. YOU WILL ALSO NEED: fusible interfacing; concealed zipper; decorative trim for finishing (approximate length indicated on the lower front pattern piece); 2 buttons. IF THE PATTERNS HAVE A DOUBLE CONTOUR, SEAM ALLOWANCES ARE INCLUDED. IF THE CONTOUR IS SINGLE, SEAM ALLOWANCES ARE NOT INCLUDED. SEAM ALLOWANCES: all seams 1 cm; hem allowance for dress bottom and sleeve bottom – 2.5 cm.
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). WHEN STITCHING PIECES, PAY ATTENTION TO THE NOTCHES - THEY MUST MATCH!
- From main fabric:
- Upper center back part - 2 pieces
- Upper side back part - 2 pieces
- Lower back part - 2 pieces
- Upper center front part - 1 piece on fold
- Upper side front part - 2 pieces
- Lower front part – 1 piece on fold
- Sleeve – 2 pieces
- Back neckline facing – 2 pieces
- Front neckline facing – 1 piece
- Upper flap – 4 pieces
- Lower flap – 4 pieces
- From fusible interfacing:
- Back neckline facing – 2 pieces
- Front neckline facing – 1 piece
- Upper flap – 2 pieces
- Lower flap – 2 pieces
Sewing Instructions
- Fuse interfacing to the designated pieces. Also fuse the seam allowance of the slit on the lower back part.
- Stitch the princess seams of the upper back part, press seam allowances towards the center, serge. Stitch the darts on the lower back parts, press depths towards the center. Stitch the upper and lower back parts, press seam allowances upwards and serge.
- Serge the center back edges separately. Stitch the center back seam from the zipper mark to the slit mark, press seam allowances open. Stitch a reinforcing line along the slit 0.2 cm from the edge. Insert the zipper.
- Stitch the darts on the upper and lower front parts, press depths towards the center. Stitch the princess seams of the upper front part, press seam allowances towards the center, serge. Topstitch decorative trim along the center of the upper front part.
- Place flap pieces right sides together and stitch along the outer contour. Clip seam allowances at curves, turn pieces right side out, smooth, press. Topstitch decorative trim along the contour. Serge the upper edge. Place flaps on the front according to markings and stitch (serged edge facing down). Fold flaps down and topstitch to the front along the stitching line.
- Stitch the upper and lower front parts, press seam allowances upwards and serge. Topstitch decorative trim onto the seam.
- Stitch the side and shoulder seams, press seam allowances towards the back and serge.
- Stitch the shoulder seams of the neckline facings, press seam allowances open. Serge the outer edge. Place facings with the garment right sides together and stitch the neckline edge. Clip seam allowances, turn facing to the wrong side, smooth, press. Secure to the main garment at the shoulder seams and zipper tape.
- Topstitch decorative trim onto the sleeve. Stitch the sleeve seam, press seam allowances towards the back and serge. Along the sleeve cap, stitch with loosened upper thread and gather. Set sleeves into armholes, press seam allowances and serge.
- Serge the hem allowance of the dress and sleeve, press to the wrong side and hem with blind stitches.
- Sew buttons onto the flaps.
- Topstitch decorative trim along the bottom edge of the garment and along the neckline edge.
