Cowl Neck Draped Front A-Line Dress

Cowl Neck Draped Front A-Line Dress

A women's A-line knit dress to the knee with a cowl neckline, cut-on short sleeves and a diagonal pleated insert across the front. Made from four pattern pieces.

When To Wear

• For work and everyday wear, with flat shoes or low heels.
• In spring and summer on its own, in cooler months with a cardigan and tights.

Key Design Features

Silhouette: A-line, widening from the bust to the hem.

Length: About knee length.

Neckline: Cowl neckline draping in folds at the front; the neck edge is overlocked, turned in and topstitched.

Sleeves: Short sleeves cut in one with the bodice, hemmed and topstitched.

Front: Upper front and lower front joined by a diagonal insert running from the shoulder side down to the opposite side seam. Pleats on the insert are laid by the markings, pressed downwards and caught in the side seam.

Back: Two pieces with a centre back seam.

Closure: None; the dress pulls on.

Finishing: Hem and sleeve edges turned up and topstitched; a twin needle keeps the hems stretchy. Seams can be sewn with a stretch or narrow zigzag stitch, or on a 3- or 4-thread overlocker.

Level Of Difficulty

Beginner. Few pieces and no closure; the only detail needing care is laying the pleats on the insert. Experience with knit fabric helps.

Fabric Recommendations

For knit fabric only: medium-stretch jersey of natural or blended fibres.

Additional Supplies

• None besides fabric and thread.