Deep V-Neck Pleated Bodice Panel Dress
A striking women's dress pattern featuring a deep V-neckline, elegantly pleated bodice panels, a defined waist, and a chic a-line skirt with a distinctive front pleated hem.
When To Wear:
- Cocktail & Semi-Formal Events: The elegant V-neck and pleated details make it perfect for sophisticated gatherings.
- Upscale Resort & Vacation Wear: Its light design and flattering silhouette are ideal for stylish leisure by the water.
- Summer Celebrations: a graceful choice for garden parties, brunches, or daytime festive occasions.
Key Design Features
Silhouette: a sleek, fitted mini dress with a defined waist and a gently flared a-line skirt.
Neckline: a deep, flattering V-neckline at the front, complemented by a moderate V-neck at the back.
Bodice: The front bodice showcases intricate pleated panel details on the bust, extending into wide, supportive straps.
Waist: Features a distinct, seamed waistline that creates a fitted and flattering silhouette.
Skirt: An a-line mini skirt with a unique rectangular pleated panel detail positioned centrally on the front hem.
Closure: a practical center back zipper ensures a smooth fit and easy wear.
Straps: Wide shoulder straps provide elegant support and frame the V-necklines.
Level Of Difficulty
Intermediate. This pattern requires attention to detail for pleating, precise V-neckline finishing, and zipper insertion.
Fabric Recommendations
Choose light to medium-weight fabrics with good drape and body retention to best showcase the pleats:
- Thin fabrics made from natural fibers
Additional Supplies
Cutter's Must
- Back – 2 qty
- Center front – 1 qty
- Back skirt half – 2 qty
- Front skirt half – 1 qty
- Front insert – 1 qty
- Strap – 4 qty
- Cup – 2 qty
Sewing Instructions
- Stitch the front insert to the front skirt half, overlock the seam and press it open.
- Mark and stitch the darts on the back and on the center front. Press the darts towards the center.
- Mark and lay the pleats on the cup. Press and secure the pleats.
- Fold the strap pieces right sides together and stitch the outer edge of the strap. Topstitch the seam allowance to the lower strap at a distance of 0.2 cm from the seam and press the strap, straightening the edge.
- Cut a trim strip for the armhole and the back neckline. Fold the trim strip in half lengthwise and press. Stitch the folded trim strip to the back neckline edge and the armhole edge of the cup and back, with the fold of the trim strip lying on the garment at a width of 0.75 cm. Trim the seam allowances to a width of 0.5 cm. Turn the trim strip to the wrong side of the dress and topstitch along the back neckline, armhole of the cup and back.
- Stitch the unfinished edge of the upper strap to the outer edge of the cup. Fold under the edge of the lower strap and topstitch into the attaching seam.
- Stitch the back skirt half to the back. Overlock the seam and press it towards the back.
- Stitch the front insert into the front skirt half. Overlock the seam and press it.
- Stitch the front skirt half to the center front. Overlock the seam and press it towards the center front.
- Overlock the center back seam.
- Stitch the side and shoulder seams of the dress. Overlock the side and shoulder seams of the dress. Press the side and shoulder seams towards the back.
- Stitch the center seam of the dress up to the notches for the zipper. Press the seam open and press the slits for the zipper. Insert the zipper.
- Overlock the hem of the dress, fold it under, press and topstitch onto the dress.
