Criss-Cross Halter Maxi Dress

Sewing Instructions

1. Fuse fusible interfacing to the front neckline facing, cut-on-strap, front panel, upper back panel, back trim, front trim, and lower back panel facing.
2. Stitch darts on the front panel of the main fabric and lining. Stitch side seams of the front panel and upper back panel. Place lining and main fabric right sides together and stitch armhole edges and upper back edges. Fold the lining to the wrong side and topstitch onto the seam allowance 1 mm from the seam. Baste the front, back, and lower edges.
3. From the bias binding, create a narrow rouleau loop, cut it in half, and shape each piece into a loop.
4. Place one strap detail on each front panel half, right sides facing inward, and stitch according to markings. Press the strap seam allowance towards the strap. Baste the loops to the end of the left strap: the tops of the loops lie on the strap, and the ends on the seam allowance. Place the free straps right sides together with the already attached ones and stitch the neckline and strap edges. Trim seam allowances, clip corners diagonally. Turn straps right side out, baste. Turn under open edges and stitch above the attachment seam.
5. Stitch the center seam on the lower back panel, leaving an opening for the zipper. Stitch the side seams, stopping 10 cm before the hemline. Form and baste a double inverted pleat.
6. Stitch the front center and side seams on the decorative trims. When stitching the center seam, do not catch the seam allowances along the upper and lower edges. Place the trim and skirt right sides together and stitch according to markings, with the trim directed downwards! Press the trim upwards. Baste the upper edges of the skirt and trim. Attach the skirt to the bodice of the dress.
7. Press the seam allowances for the closure to the wrong side. Place the zipper under the edges of the opening and stitch so that the teeth are not visible, folding under the edges of the tape.
8. Stitch the center seam on the lower facings. Place the facing and skirt right sides together and stitch along the lower edge. Fold back the facing and topstitch onto the seam allowance, press. Stitch the open sections of the side seams and, without breaking the stitching, stitch the vertical edges of the facing and the hem allowance of the front panel. Fold the facing and hem allowance to the wrong side and hem with blind stitches.
9. Sew buttons onto the right strap corresponding to the buttonholes.