Knit Wrap Dress with Gathered Front

Cutting Plan

• From knit fabric:
  • Back - 2 pieces
  • Front upper right part – 1 piece
  • Front upper left part – 1 piece
  • Front lower part – 1 piece
  • Sleeve – 2 pieces
  • Back neckline facing – 1 piece
  • Front right neckline facing – 1 piece
  • Front left neckline facing – 1 piece
• From suiting fabric:
  • Front insert – 1 piece
• From fusible interfacing:
  • Front insert – 1 piece
  • Back neckline facing – 1 piece
  • Front right neckline facing – 1 piece
  • Front left neckline facing – 1 piece

Tip: Cut pieces from knit fabrics should be sewn with a special elastic or narrow zigzag stitch. The hem allowance should be topstitched with a twin needle or on a coverstitch machine to maintain elasticity. Alternatively, you can sew the pieces directly on a 3- or 4-thread overlocker.

Sewing Instructions

1. Fuse interfacing to the designated pieces.
2. Stitch the center back seam. Overlock the seam allowance and press to the left side.
3. Along the edge between marks “o” of the front upper right part, sew a basting stitch with loosely pulled threads and gather. Overlock the outer edges of the neckline facings. Finish the neckline edge of the front upper right part with its facing, turn the facing to the wrong side, and press. Finish the neckline edge of the front upper left part with its facing, turn the facing to the wrong side, and press. Fold the gathered edge of the front upper right part with the upper edge of the insert from the corner to the mark, place the front upper left part on top, and stitch. Press and overlock the seam allowances. Along the lower edge of the front upper left part, sew a basting stitch with loosely pulled threads and create a small gather. Secure the lower edges of the front upper parts together.
4. Along the edge between marks “o” of the front lower part, sew a basting stitch with loosely pulled threads and gather. Attach the front lower part to the insert, press and overlock the seam allowances. Stitch the front upper part to the front lower part, press and overlock the seam allowances.
5. Finish the back neckline with its facing. Fold the shoulder edges right sides together, placing the front shoulder edge between the back and the facing, and stitch. Press and overlock the seam allowances. Turn the facing to the wrong side.
6. Set the sleeves into the open armholes, matching the marks. Press and overlock the seam allowances.
7. Stitch the side seams and the sleeve seams in one continuous seam. Press and overlock the seam allowances.
8. Overlock the bottom edge of the dress and the sleeves. Fold to the wrong side, press, and topstitch.