Sheath Dress with a Flared Overskirt
Introducing a women's sewing pattern for a chic dress featuring a fitted, paneled bodice, elegant short sleeves, and a gracefully flared skirt creating an overskirt impression.
When To Wear
This dress is designed for a blend of elegance and comfort, making it a versatile choice for:
- Daytime Events: Perfect for brunches, garden parties, or afternoon social gatherings.
- Professional Settings: A sophisticated choice for office wear or business casual environments.
- Special Occasions: Suitable for semi-formal celebrations or cultural events.
Key Design Features
Silhouette: Fitted bodice transitioning into a full, flared skirt.
Neckline: Classic rounded boat neckline for a refined look.
Sleeves: Short, set-in sleeves for a polished arm line.
Bodice: Structured bodice with front and back panels, shaped with darts and princess seams for a flattering fit.
Waist: Defined waistline with a shaped waistband for enhanced silhouette.
Skirt: Flared skirt featuring a distinctive central front panel design that creates the appearance of an overskirt, adding volume and movement.
Back: Center back seam with princess seams on the bodice for shaping, extending into the skirt.
Closure: Invisible zipper closure neatly placed at the center back.
Length: Finishes at knee-length, offering a timeless and versatile silhouette.
Level Of Difficulty
Intermediate. Requires skills in dart manipulation, panel construction, zipper insertion, and setting in sleeves.
Fabric Recommendations
Choose lightweight fabrics with good drape for an elegant finish:
- Silk fabrics
- Viscose fabrics
Additional Supplies
- Fusible interfacing
- Decorative buckle
CUTTER'S MUST
- From main fabric:
- 1. Center BACK PANEL – 2 QTY
- 2. Side BACK PANEL – 2 QTY
- 3. Upper FRONT PANEL – 1 QTY
- 4. FRONT PANEL Yoke – 1 QTY
- 5. Side FRONT PANEL – 2 QTY
- 6. Center FRONT PANEL – 1 QTY
- 7. FRONT SKIRT HALF – 2 QTY
- 8. BACK SKIRT HALF – 2 QTY
- 9. SLEEVE – 2 QTY
- 10. FRONT PANEL neckline FACING – 1 QTY
- 11. BACK PANEL neckline FACING – 2 QTY
- 12. Belt – 2 QTY
- FROM FUSIBLE INTERFACING: FRONT PANEL neckline FACING, BACK PANEL neckline FACING.
Sewing Instructions
- Reinforce the BACK PANEL neckline FACING and FRONT PANEL neckline FACING with FUSIBLE INTERFACING.
- Mark and stitch darts on the center FRONT PANEL. Press darts towards the center of the FRONT PANEL.
- Attach the side FRONT PANEL to the center FRONT PANEL. Overlock the SEAM ALLOWANCES and press towards the center FRONT PANEL.
- Attach the yoke to the upper FRONT PANEL. Overlock the SEAM ALLOWANCES and press towards the yoke. Topstitch 0.5 cm from the seam.
- Attach the yoke to the side and center FRONT PANEL. Overlock the SEAM ALLOWANCES and press towards the side and center FRONT PANEL. Topstitch 0.5 cm from the seam.
- Stitch and overlock the princess seams on the BACK PANEL. Press the princess seams towards the center of the BACK PANEL.
- Overlock the center back edge of the BACK PANEL. Stitch the center back seam up to the NOTCHES for the ZIPPER. Press open the center back seam, press the ZIPPER openings. Insert the ZIPPER.
- Overlock, stitch, and press the shoulder seams towards the BACK PANEL. Overlock, stitch, and press the side seams towards the BACK PANEL.
- Stitch and press open the shoulder edges of the FACINGS. Overlock the outer edge of the FACINGS.
- Place the FACING and dress right sides together and stitch the neckline edge. Topstitch the SEAM ALLOWANCES to the FRONT PANEL and BACK PANEL FACING 0.2 cm from the stitching line.
- Stitch and overlock the SLEEVE seams.
- Set in the SLEEVES, easing the cap. Overlock the seam.
- Overlock the hem SEAM ALLOWANCES of the garment and SLEEVES, turn to the wrong side, and topstitch along the edge.
- Stitch the center edge of the BACK SKIRT HALF, overlock the seam, and press towards the right half.
- Stitch the side edges of the skirt, overlock the seam, and press towards the BACK SKIRT HALF.
- Overlock the center edge of the FRONT SKIRT HALF, fold, and topstitch.
- Stitch the center edge of the belt, press the seam open. Overlock the lower edge of the belt. Fold the belt in half lengthwise with wrong sides together. Attach the belt to the upper edge of the skirt. Turn out the belt and finish the ends of the belt. Press the belt and topstitch into the attachment seam. Tip: If desired, you can tie the belt ends into a bow or attach a buckle.
- Overlock the lower edge of the skirt, fold, and topstitch. Tip: For a fuller skirt, you can use TULLE in the upper part of the skirt.
