Sheath Dress Asymmetrical Flounce
Elegant and sophisticated, this women's sheath dress pattern features a fitted bodice and skirt, highlighted by a graceful waist peplum and a distinctive asymmetrical flounce detail.
When To Wear
This sophisticated sheath dress is perfect for a variety of occasions demanding polished elegance, including:
- Professional Settings: Ideal for office wear, business meetings, and corporate events.
- Cocktail Parties & Dinners: Its refined design and unique flounce make it suitable for semi-formal gatherings.
- Special Occasions: a chic choice for weddings, graduations, or any event where a stylish, tailored look is desired.
Key Design Features
Silhouette: a tailored sheath silhouette that gently skims the body, offering a sophisticated and streamlined look.
Neckline: Features a graceful round neckline, creating a soft and elegant frame for the décolletage.
Sleeves: Short, cap sleeves with a slight puff at the shoulder, adding a touch of classic femininity.
Waist: a defined waistline accented by a fitted waistband that transitions into a flattering peplum.
Flounce: The standout feature is an asymmetrical flounce cascading down the front-right side of the skirt, creating dynamic movement and visual interest.
Back: Designed with elegant princess seams and a center back seam, ensuring a perfect fit, and includes a concealed zipper closure.
Length: Finishes at a modest knee-length, suitable for both professional and semi-formal wear.
Level Of Difficulty
Intermediate. This pattern involves precise fitting with darts and princess seams, attaching a peplum and an asymmetrical flounce, and inserting a concealed zipper.
Fabric Recommendations
For best results, select dress weight fabrics with good drape and structure:
- Dress fabrics made from natural or blended fibers
Additional Supplies
- 1 concealed zipper
- Fusible interfacing
Cutter's Must
- From main fabric:
- 1. Center upper back - 2 pieces
- 2. Side upper back - 2 pieces
- 3. Back insert - 2 pieces
- 4. Center lower back - 2 pieces
- 5. Side lower back - 2 pieces
- 6. Center upper front - 1 piece
- 7. Side upper front - 2 pieces
- 8. Front insert - 1 piece
- 9. Right lower front - 1 piece
- 10. Left lower front — 1 piece
- 11. Left flounce - 1 piece
- 12. Right flounce — 1 piece
- 13. Sleeve - 2 pieces
- 14. Back neck facing – 2 pieces
- 15. Front neck facing – 1 piece
- From fusible interfacing:
- 1. Back neck facing – 2 pieces
- 2. Front neck facing – 1 piece
Sewing Instructions
- Fuse fusible interfacing to the neck facing pieces.
- Stitch darts on the center upper back, press seam allowances towards the center. Stitch the princess seams on the upper back pieces. Press seam allowances towards the center and serge. Stitch the back insert to the back. Serge the seam allowance and press upwards.
- Stitch the princess seams of the front, serge seam allowances and press towards the center. Stitch the front insert to the front. Serge the seam allowance and press upwards.
- Stitch the side and shoulder seams of the upper bodice, press seam allowances towards the back and serge.
- Stitch the princess seams of the lower back. Press seam allowances towards the center and serge. Stitch the dart on the right front. Stitch the side seams of the lower section, press seam allowances towards the back and serge.
- Serge the lower seam allowances of the flounces with a narrow rolled hem. Place the right flounce on the lower right front, and secure along the princess seam of the front. Serge the princess seam. Align and secure the upper edges along the front and back. Prepare the left side similarly. Stitch the princess seam of the lower front from the top to the notch. Press seam allowances open. Arrange the flounce pleats. If necessary, press to secure the pleats. Stitch a securing seam along the slit 0.2 cm from the edge.
- Stitch the upper and lower parts of the dress. Serge the seam allowance and press upwards.
- Serge the center back seam separately on each piece. Stitch the center back seam from the zipper notch to the hem. Insert the zipper.
- Stitch the shoulder seams of the facings. Press seam allowances open and serge. Serge the outer edge of the facings. Place the dress and facing right sides together, aligning the neckline edges. Fold back the facing 5 mm from the edges of the concealed fastening and pin to the upper edge of the dress. On the right side of the dress, fold back the seam allowances along the zipper and pin to the neckline edge over the facing. Stitch the neckline edge. Clip the seam at the curves, turn the pieces right side out and press. Topstitch the seam allowances to the facing. Attach the facing to the zipper tape.
- Serge the lower edge of the sleeve, press to the wrong side and topstitch. Form and secure the pleats on the sleeve cap. The pleat depths are directed towards the bottom of the sleeve. Set the sleeves into the armholes, matching notches. Serge the seam allowance.
- Cut a bias binding 4 cm wide and a length equal to the length of the lower armhole + 6 cm. Fold the bias binding in half lengthwise, right side out, and press. Place the binding with the armhole edge on the right side, extending the tails, and stitch. Fold the binding to the wrong side, clip the seams, and topstitch along the fold to the main piece. Press the seam.
- Serge the hem allowance of the dress, press to the wrong side and hem with blind stitches.
