Utility Shirtdress
This made-to-measure pattern offers a classic utility shirtdress, distinguished by its structured shirt collar, full front button placket, and gathered waist.
When To Wear
This versatile shirtdress is perfect for a variety of settings, making it an excellent choice for:
- Casual Everyday: Ideal for comfortable and stylish daily wear, from errands to relaxed outings.
- Smart Casual Gatherings: Easily dressed up or down for brunches, garden parties, or informal social events.
- Travel & Exploration: a practical yet chic option for sightseeing and comfortable movement while on holiday.
Key Design Features
Silhouette: Features a relaxed bodice that gently gathers at the waist, flowing into a comfortable, softly flared skirt.
Neckline & Collar: Designed with a classic shirt collar and stand, providing a polished V-neck opening when unbuttoned.
Closure: a full-length front button placket allows for adjustable styling and easy wear.
Sleeves: Short, set-in sleeves feature a clean-finished hem, with delicate gathers at the front shoulder seam for a touch of softness.
Pockets: Two functional patch pockets are thoughtfully placed on the chest, each detailed with a distinctive shaped upper edge.
Back: Constructed with a clean center back seam and gathers at the waist, mirroring the front's shaping for a cohesive look.
Waist: a defined waistline is created by horizontal seams with gathers on both the front and back bodice, providing subtle shaping.
Length: Finishes gracefully at or just above the knee, offering a flattering and versatile length.
Level Of Difficulty
Intermediate. This pattern requires skills such as collar and stand construction, button placket application, setting sleeves with gathers, and attaching patch pockets.
Fabric Recommendations
Choose fabrics that offer both drape and some structure, suitable for a dress:
- Dress fabrics made from natural or blended fibers
Additional Supplies
- Fusible interfacing
- 10 buttons
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: all seams 1 cm. Hem allowance for the garment bottom and sleeve hem – 2.5 cm. Attention! First, print out the paper patterns and lay them out on the fabric width (fabric width can be from 90cm to 150cm) to determine how much material you will need (do not forget to account for paired and symmetrical pieces). When stitching pieces, pay attention to the notches - they must match!
- From main fabric:
- Upper back – 2 pieces
- Lower back - 2 pieces
- Lower front – 2 pieces
- Upper front – 2 pieces
- Placket – 4 pieces
- Collar - 2 pieces
- Collar stand - 2 pieces
- Pocket - 2 pieces
- Sleeve - 2 pieces
- From fusible interfacing:
- Placket - 2 pieces
- Collar - 1 piece
- Collar stand - 1 piece
Sewing Instructions
- Interface the designated pieces with fusible interfacing.
- Stitch darts on back pieces and upper front pieces, press allowances towards the center of the pieces.
- Stitch the center seams of the upper and lower back pieces, press allowances to the left side and overlock. Stitch the upper and lower back pieces together, press allowances upwards and overlock.
- Press the upper pocket allowance along the marked line to the wrong side, fold in 1 cm and topstitch. Press the side and lower pocket allowances to the wrong side. Place pockets on the front according to markings and topstitch.
- Form and secure pleats on the lower front piece. Stitch the upper and lower front pieces together, press allowances upwards and overlock.
- Fold plackets right sides together and stitch the outer edge. Clip allowances at curves, turn placket right side out, and press. Attach the outer side of the placket to the front, press allowances towards the placket. Fold the inner edge of the placket in 1 cm and topstitch in the attachment seam. Stitch a decorative topstitch 0.1 cm from the attachment seam and fold.
- Along the shoulder edge of the front piece, stitch with a loosened thread and gather. Stitch shoulder and side seams, press allowances towards the back and overlock.
- Fold the upper collar with the undercollar right sides together and stitch the ends and outer edge. Trim allowances at corners, turn collar right side out, shape, and press. Fold collar stand pieces right sides together, insert the prepared collar between them, align notches and stitch, simultaneously stitching the ends of the collar stand. Start and end the stitching strictly at the marked line of the collar stand attachment seam. Turn the finished collar right side out and press.
- Attach the outer collar stand with collar to the neckline, fold the open edge of the inner collar stand and topstitch in the attachment seam. Stitch a decorative topstitch 0.1 cm along the collar and collar stand.
- Stitch the sleeve seam, press allowances towards the back of the sleeve and overlock. Set sleeves into armholes, matching notches, press allowances and overlock.
- Press the bottom edge of the dress and sleeve hem to the wrong side by 1 cm, then by another 1.5 cm and topstitch.
- On the right placket, make buttonholes; on the left placket, sew on buttons. Tip: The dress is recommended to be worn with a belt.
