Drawstring Dolman Shirtdress
Introducing a charming women's shirtdress pattern, featuring a wide drawstring neckline, comfortable dolman sleeves, a full button front, and an elasticated waist for a relaxed yet defined silhouette.
When To Wear
This versatile shirtdress is perfect for a variety of casual and warm-weather occasions, including:
- Casual Daytime Outings: Ideal for relaxed strolls, lunch dates, or everyday errands.
- Summer & Resort Wear: Its breathable fabric and easy fit make it a go-to for warmer climates.
- Everyday Comfort & Style: a versatile piece that combines comfort with a put-together look for daily wear.
Key Design Features
Silhouette: Relaxed a-line shirtdress with a comfortable, easy-wearing fit.
Neckline: Wide, adjustable drawstring neckline with a decorative tie detail at the front.
Closure: Full button-front placket extending from the neckline to the curved hem.
Sleeves: Short, integrated dolman sleeves offering ease of movement and a relaxed aesthetic.
Pockets: Functional patch pockets at the bust and larger, spacious patch pockets on the skirt.
Waist: Elasticated waistline creating soft gathers and defining the figure.
Hem: Stylishly curved hemline, slightly longer at the back, finishing around knee-length.
Level Of Difficulty
Intermediate. Involves techniques such as button placket construction, elastic casing, drawstring channel creation, and patch pocket application.
Fabric Recommendations
Choose lightweight to medium-weight dress fabrics with good drape from natural or blended fibers:
- Cotton
- Linen
- Rayon/Viscose
- Tencel/Lyocell
- Blended fabrics
Additional Supplies
- Fusible interfacing
- 9 buttons
- Elastic tape
- Decorative cord
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 bottom edge of the garment – 1.5 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 (don't forget to account for paired and symmetrical pieces). When stitching pieces, pay attention to the notches - they must match!
- From main fabric:
- Back yoke – 1 piece
- Back - 1 piece on fold
- Front yoke – 2 pieces
- Front - 2 pieces
- Placket - 2 pieces
- Cuff - 2 pieces
- Upper pocket - 4 pieces
- Lower pocket - 2 pieces
- Casing - 1 piece
- Neckline facing - 1 piece
- From fusible interfacing:
- Placket - 2 pieces
- Cuff – 2 pieces
Sewing Instructions
- Fuse interfacing to the designated pieces.
- Stitch the back yoke to the back, press seam allowances towards the yoke and overlock.
- Overlock the side and bottom edges of the upper pockets. Stitch the pocket piece to the front yoke, right sides together, press seam allowances towards the yoke. Stitch the pocket piece to the front, right sides together. Clip seam allowances at the pocket marking. Stitch the front yoke to the front from the edge to the pocket mark and from the second mark to the armhole, press seam allowances towards the yoke, overlock. Topstitch the pocket bags to the wrong side of the front.
- Overlock the opening edge of the lower pocket, press to the wrong side and topstitch. Press the free pocket allowances to the wrong side. Place the lower pocket on the front according to the markings and topstitch.
- Stitch side and shoulder seams, press seam allowances towards the back and overlock.
- Overlock buttonholes at the upper edge of the front for the decorative cord. Place the neckline facing and the garment right sides together and stitch the upper edge. Clip seam allowances, turn the facing to the wrong side. Press the lower edge of the facing inwards and topstitch, forming a casing.
- Press the inner edge of the placket to the wrong side. Place the placket and the front right sides together and stitch the edge of the front opening and the upper corner. Turn the placket to the wrong side and topstitch onto the front along the inner edge.
- Press the casing allowances around the perimeter to the wrong side. Place the casing on the wrong side of the garment and stitch along the marked lines. Thread elastic tape through the casing and secure with vertical stitches at the beginning of the casing.
- Stitch the cuff into a loop, press seam allowances open. Fold the cuff in half lengthwise, right side out. Stitch the cuff to the wrong side of the sleeve, overlock seam allowances. Turn the cuff to the right side.
- Overlock the bottom edge of the garment, press to the wrong side and topstitch.
- On the right placket, overlock buttonholes, on the left, sew on buttons. Thread the decorative cord through the upper casing.
