Flared Maxi Dress with Wide Collar
Introducing a sophisticated women's sewing pattern for a sleeveless maxi dress featuring a distinctive wide collar, a fitted bodice, and a graceful flared skirt created with integrated panels.
When To Wear
This elegant dress is perfect for a variety of warm-weather events and elevated casual occasions, making it an excellent choice for:
- Summer Gatherings: Ideal for garden parties, outdoor brunches, or semi-formal daytime events.
- Resort & Vacation Wear: A stylish option for leisurely strolls, dinners, or exploring picturesque destinations.
- Everyday Chic: Easily dressed up or down for a sophisticated and comfortable look in warmer climates.
Key Design Features
Silhouette: A flattering A-line maxi silhouette, fitted through the bust and waist, then flowing gracefully to a full, flared hem.
Neckline & Collar: Features a striking wide, flat collar that forms a V-neckline, creating a bold and distinctive frame for the décolletage.
Sleeves: Sleeveless design with neatly finished armholes, offering a comfortable and airy feel.
Closure: An invisible zipper is discreetly placed in the left side seam for a seamless fit.
Back: The back features a center seam and side back panels, contributing to the fitted bodice and flowing skirt shape.
Length: Maxi length, extending gracefully to the ankles for an elegant and elongating effect.
Level Of Difficulty
Intermediate. This pattern requires skills in invisible zipper insertion, collar construction, bias binding for armholes, and precise assembly of multiple skirt panels to achieve the desired flared silhouette.
Fabric Recommendations
Choose natural or blended fibers with some body and drape to best showcase the garment's silhouette:
- Cotton sateen
- Linen or linen blends
- Lightweight denim
- Poplin
- Broadcloth
Additional Supplies
- 25 cm invisible zipper
- Lining fabric
- Bias tape
- Fusible interfacing
Fabric & Materials
From main fabric:
From fusible interfacing: upper collar.
Cutting Plan
- 1. Upper collar – 1 piece
- 2. Undercollar – 2 pieces
- 3. Gore – 6 pieces
- 4. Center back piece – 2 pieces
- 5. Side back piece – 2 pieces
- 6. Side front piece – 2 pieces
- 7. Center front piece – 2 pieces
Sewing Instructions
- Fuse interfacing to the upper collar.
- Attach the gore to the center front piece, serge the attachment seam 4 cm above the notch. Stitch the center front edge and the side edge of the gore. Serge the center seam and the side edge of the gore. Press the center front seam towards the gore.
- Attach the gore to the side front piece, serge the attachment seam 4 cm above the notch. Stitch the front princess seam and the side edge of the gore. Serge the front princess seam and press it towards the gore.
- Attach the gore to the center back piece, serge the attachment seam 4 cm above the notch. Stitch the center back edge and the side edge of the gore. Serge the center back seam and press it towards the gore.
- Attach the gore to the side back piece, serge the attachment seam 4 cm above the notch. Stitch the back princess seams and the side edge of the gore. Serge the princess seam and press it towards the gore.
- Stitch and press open the center seam of the undercollar. Stitch the undercollar to the upper collar, turn the collar right side out and press.
- Fold and press the bias binding in half lengthwise. Finish the armholes of the front and back pieces with bias binding.
- Serge the side edges. Stitch and press open the side seams of the dress, leaving an opening for the zipper in the left side seam. Insert the zipper.
- Serge, stitch, and press open the shoulder seams of the dress.
- Attach the undercollar to the neckline, turn under the raw edge of the upper collar and topstitch it into the undercollar attachment seam.
- Serge the bottom edge of the dress, fold up and topstitch 1 cm from the bottom edge.
