Short Strappy Surplice Bow Dress
This elegant short dress features a flattering surplice bodice, a wide defined waistband with a charming decorative bow, and a gently pleated skirt.
When To Wear
This charming dress is perfect for occasions that call for a stylish yet comfortable look, making it ideal for:
- Cocktail Parties & Semi-Formal Events: a sophisticated choice for social gatherings or evening receptions.
- Summer Celebrations: Its light design and bow detail make it suitable for garden parties or daytime events.
- Date Nights & Special Dinners: Offers an elegant and flattering silhouette for memorable evenings.
Key Design Features
Silhouette: a flattering a-line silhouette with a fitted bodice and a gently draped skirt.
Neckline: a chic V-neckline created by the surplice wrap front bodice.
Straps: Wide, supportive shoulder straps provide comfort and elegance.
Waist: a prominent wide waistband accentuates the natural waistline.
Bow Detail: a charming decorative bow is tied at the left front of the waistband, adding a playful touch.
Skirt: The front skirt features delicate pleats originating from the waistband, while the back skirt is shaped with darts for a smooth fit.
Closure: An invisible zipper at the center back ensures a seamless and secure fit.
Length: Designed to fall gracefully at the knee.
Level Of Difficulty
Intermediate. This pattern requires attention to detail for the surplice bodice construction, managing pleats, inserting an invisible zipper, and working with lining.
Fabric Recommendations
Choose dense dress fabrics with a beautiful drape, suitable for both structure and flow:
- Dense silk dress fabrics
- Natural or blended fiber dress fabrics
Additional Supplies
- Invisible zipper
- Lining fabric
Cutter's Must
If the patterns have a double contour, they include seam allowances. If the contour is single, the patterns do not include seam allowances. Seam allowances: 2 cm for the bottom hem, 1 cm for all other seams. 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. When stitching pieces, pay attention to the notches - they must match! Inscriptions on the patterns are made on the right side!
- From main fabric:
- Upper front piece – 2 pieces
- Middle front piece – 1 piece
- Lower front piece – 1 piece
- Upper back piece – 1 piece
- Middle back piece – 1 piece
- Lower back piece – 2 pieces
- Strap – 2 pieces
- Bow – 1 piece
- From lining fabric:
- Upper front piece – 2 pieces
- Upper back piece – 1 piece
Lining pieces are cut according to the main fabric patterns.
Sewing Instructions
- Stitch the darts on the lower back piece. Press the darts towards the center back. Stitch the center seam of the lower back piece. Overlock and press the seam. Attach the middle back piece to the lower back piece. Press the seam upwards and overlock.
- On the lower front piece, create pleats and secure them along the upper edge. The depths of all pleats are directed towards the right side seam. Attach the middle front piece to the lower front piece. Press the seam upwards and overlock.
- On the main fabric and lining pieces of the upper front, create and stitch pleats according to the markings. The depths are directed towards the center front.
- Stitch the right side seam separately on the upper and lower parts of the dress. Overlock and press the seam towards the back. Overlock the left side edges separately. Stitch the left side seam on the lower: from the mark to the bottom; on the upper: from the upper edge to the mark.
- Process the lining side seams similarly to the main fabric pieces.
- Fold the strap in half lengthwise, right sides together, and stitch the longitudinal edge. Turn the strap right side out and press. Attach the strap to the front piece, positioning the fold closer to the neckline.
- Place the lining with the main fabric pieces and stitch the wrap-around edge, the upper edge of the front piece (strap), the armhole of the front piece, and the section of the upper back edge from the side seam to the first strap mark. Clip the seam allowances at the curves, turn the pieces right side out, and press. Clip the seam allowance of the lower lining edge at the mark. Align the main fabric and lining pieces along the lower front edge from the wrap-around edge to the mark.
- Attach the upper of the dress to the main piece. Begin attaching from the right upper front piece. From the wrap-around to the mark, attach the piece together with the lining; then fold back the lining and attach only the main fabric pieces. Similarly, attach the left upper front piece. Overlock and press the seam downwards.
- Insert the concealed zipper only into the main fabric pieces. Press the seam.
- Attach the strap to the back, after adjusting the strap length. Stitch the upper back edge with the lining. Turn the pieces right side out and press.
- Fold the lower edge of the lining inwards and topstitch into the seam of the middle piece attachment. Fold the left side edge of the lining and sew it to the zipper tape.
- Overlock the bottom edge of the garment and hem with blind stitches.
- Fold the bow in half lengthwise and stitch the short edges and the long edge, leaving an opening in the middle 10-15 cm long for turning. Turn the bow right side out, press, and stitch the opening closed. Tie the bow and sew it to the dress as shown in the illustration.
