Cap Sleeve Cheongsam Sheath Dress
Introducing a women's sewing pattern for a classic cheongsam sheath dress, distinguished by its elegant mandarin collar, fitted silhouette, and decorative front closure.
When To Wear
This cheongsam sheath dress is a sophisticated choice, perfect for:
- Formal Events: Ideal for elegant gatherings, cocktail parties, and special occasions.
- Cultural Celebrations: a beautiful garment for traditional events and festive occasions.
- Stylish Everyday Wear: Elevate your daily wardrobe with its unique blend of classic charm and modern tailoring.
Key Design Features
Silhouette: a close-fitting sheath silhouette that accentuates the figure.
Neckline & Collar: Features a classic stand-up mandarin collar.
Closure: The curved, bias-bound edge of the upper front overlaps the front and fastens with hidden hooks, decorated with three button-and-loop (frog-style) closures; an invisible zipper in the left side seam.
Sleeves: Short cap sleeves cut in one with the bodice; armhole edges turned and topstitched.
Back: Center back seam and waist darts for a tailored fit; the front is shaped with bust and waist darts.
Hem: Straight hemline with practical side slits for ease of movement.
Length: Knee length.
Level Of Difficulty
Intermediate. Requires skills in handling curved seams, setting a stand-up collar, inserting a concealed zipper, and applying decorative closures.
Fabric Recommendations
Choose elegant fabrics with good drape and a slight sheen for best results:
Additional Supplies
- Fusible interfacing
- Invisible zipper
- Bias tape
- 3 decorative hanging loops (for the button closures)
- 3 buttons
- 4 hooks
Cutter's Must
- From main fabric:
- Stand Collar – 2 pieces
- Back – 2 pieces
- Front – 1 piece
- Upper Front – 1 piece
- From fusible interfacing:
- Stand Collar (inner) – 1 piece
Sewing Instructions
- Fuse interfacing to the inner Stand Collar.
- Stitch and press down the bust dart on the front; stitch and press towards the center the waist darts on the back and front.
- Press the bias tape in half lengthwise, wrong sides together. Bind the lower edge of the Upper Front and the curved edge of the Front with it.
- Serge the side edges of the Back, Front and Upper Front, and the armhole edges of the Front, Upper Front and Back. Stitch and serge the shoulder seams. Press the shoulder seam allowances towards the back.
- Stitch the left side seam between the Upper Front and the Back and press open.
- Stitch the left side seam of the Front from the zipper mark to the side slit. Press the seam allowances open, pressing the edges of the zipper opening. Place the zipper under the slit so that the teeth are not visible and stitch. Stitch the right side seam down to the notch and press open, leaving the side slit unstitched. Fold and topstitch the armhole seam allowances.
- Stitch and serge the center back seam.
- Press under the lower edge of one Stand Collar by 1 cm. Stitch the Stand Collar pieces together along the outer contour. Trim the allowances at the rounded ends, turn right side out and press. Stitch the interfaced Stand Collar into the neckline and topstitch the pressed edge of the other collar piece over the seam. Topstitch around the collar.
- Measure the length of the slits. Trim and serge the hem of the dress. Stitch the lower corners of the slits, and turn out the corners, straightening them. Secure the slit seam allowances to the main pieces with fusible web. Fold and topstitch the hem of the garment.
- Sew the hook loops (eyes) to the Upper Front and the hooks to the Front. Sew the decorative loops and buttons onto the Front and Upper Front.
