Sleeveless Dress Pleated Skirt Contrast Bands
Introducing a versatile sleeveless dress pattern featuring a fitted bodice, a classic pleated a-line skirt, and a striking contrast band at the hem.
When To Wear
This elegant and comfortable dress is perfect for a variety of occasions:
- Daytime Events: Ideal for luncheons, garden parties, or smart casual gatherings.
- Business Casual Settings: a refined choice for a professional yet relaxed office environment.
- Weekend & Vacation Wear: Comfortable and chic for exploring new places or leisurely outings.
Key Design Features
Silhouette: a tailored a-line silhouette with a fitted bodice and a gently flared skirt.
Neckline: a classic jewel neckline provides a clean and elegant finish.
Sleeves: Sleeveless design, perfect for warmer weather or layering.
Waist: a defined horizontal waistline accentuates the figure.
Skirt: The a-line skirt features a series of crisp, wide pleats for graceful movement and volume.
Hem: Finishes above the knee with a distinctive broad contrast band.
Back: Features a center back seam through the bodice and a matching pleated skirt construction.
Closure: a discreet concealed zipper is integrated into the center back seam.
Level Of Difficulty
Intermediate. This pattern involves skills such as setting in a concealed zipper, precise pleat construction, and accurate bodice assembly with facings.
Fabric Recommendations
Select medium-weight dressmaking fabrics with some body to hold the pleats, and a suitable contrast fabric for the hem band:
- Dress fabrics made from natural or blended fibers
- Contrast fabric for the trim
Additional Supplies
- Concealed zipper
- Fusible interfacing
Cutter's Must
- From main fabric:
- Back upper - qty 2
- Back lower - qty 1 on fold
- Front upper - qty 1
- Front lower - qty 1 on fold
- Back neckline facing – qty 1
- Front neckline facing – qty 1
- From contrast fabric:
- Back insert - qty 1
- Back trim - qty 1 on fold
- Front insert - qty 1
- Front trim - qty 1 on fold
- From fusible interfacing:
- Back neckline facing – qty 1
- Front neckline facing – qty 1
Sewing Instructions
- Fuse fusible interfacing to neckline facing pieces.
- Stitch darts on upper back PANELs, press dart depths towards the center seam. Stitch the center seam of the upper back, press seam allowances to the left side and serge. Attach the back insert to the upper back, press seam allowances towards the insert and serge.
- Attach the back trim to the lower back, press seam allowances towards the trim and serge. Form and secure inverted pleats according to markings. Attach the lower back to the upper, press seam allowances upwards and serge.
- Stitch darts on the upper front, press waist dart depths towards the center, bust darts upwards. Attach the front insert to the upper front, press seam allowances towards the insert and serge.
- Attach the front trim to the lower front, press seam allowances towards the trim and serge. Form and secure inverted pleats according to markings. Attach the lower front to the upper, press seam allowances upwards and serge.
- Serge left side seams separately, stitch them from the notch downwards, press seam allowances open. Insert the zipper. Stitch the right side seam, press seam allowances towards the back and serge. Stitch shoulder seams, press seam allowances towards the back.
- Stitch shoulder and right side seams of the FACINGs. Press seam allowances open. Serge left side and outer edge of the facing. Place the dress and facing right sides together and stitch the neckline. Clip seam allowances at curves, turn out the facing, straighten and press. Stitch the armhole in two steps: first the back, then the front. Clip seam allowances at curves, turn out, press. Secure the facing to the garment at the right side and center seam allowances. Attach the facing to the zipper tape.
- Serge the bottom edge of the dress, press to the wrong side and topstitch.
