Criss-Cross Strap V-Neck Maxi Dress
Introducing an elegant women's maxi dress pattern featuring a sophisticated V-neckline, a flattering empire waist, and slim straps that criss-cross behind the neck.
When To Wear
This gracefully flowing maxi dress is perfect for a variety of special occasions, including:
- Gala & Formal Events: Its floor-length silhouette and refined design make it ideal for upscale gatherings.
- Weddings & Celebrations: a beautiful choice for bridesmaids or guests attending formal wedding ceremonies and receptions.
- Evening Soirées: Suitable for elegant dinner parties or sophisticated evening engagements.
Key Design Features
Silhouette: a flowing maxi dress with a fitted bodice and a gently flared, floor-length skirt that drapes elegantly.
Neckline: a deep V-neckline at the front, edged with front facings that frame the bodice.
Straps & Back: Slim straps sewn to the front neckline cross behind the neck and are attached to the straight-cut back bodice, leaving the shoulders bare.
Waist: a high, empire waistline, designed to flatter the figure by accentuating the narrowest part of the torso.
Length: Maxi length, designed to gracefully sweep the floor for a dramatic and elegant presentation.
Closure: An invisible zipper neatly integrated into the side seam, ensuring a seamless and polished finish.
Level Of Difficulty
Intermediate. Requires experience with invisible zipper insertion, handling multiple bodice pieces, and lining construction.
Fabric Recommendations
Choose medium-weight fabrics with good drape, allowing the skirt to flow beautifully:
- Fabrics made from natural or blended fibers
Additional Supplies
- Contrast trim fabric
- Invisible zipper
- Fusible interfacing
- Lining fabric
Cutter's Must
- From main fabric:
- Back – 1 piece
- Center Front – 1 piece
- Middle Front – 2 pieces
- Side Front – 2 pieces
- Back Facing – 1 piece
- Front Facing – 2 pieces
- Front Skirt – 1 piece
- Back Skirt – 1 piece
- Strap – 2 pieces
- From lining:
- Back – 1 piece
- Center Front – 1 piece
- Middle Front – 2 pieces
- Side Front – 2 pieces
- Back Facing – 1 piece
- Front Facing – 2 pieces
- From fusible interfacing:
- Back – 1 piece
- Center Front – 1 piece
- Middle Front – 2 pieces
- Side Front – 2 pieces
- Back Facing – 1 piece
- Front Facing – 2 pieces
Main fabric can be used as lining.
Note: This style features a raised waistline.
Sewing Instructions
- Fuse interfacing to the bodice pieces.
- Stitch the Side Front to the Middle Front. Overlock the seam allowances and press towards the Middle Front. Stitch the Front Facing to these pieces. Overlock the seam allowances and press towards the facing.
- Stitch the Center Front to the Middle Front pieces. Overlock the seam allowances and press towards the Middle Front.
- Stitch the Back Facing to the Back. Overlock the seam allowances and press towards the facing.
- Fold each Strap lengthwise, right sides together, and stitch 0.5 cm from the fold. Turn the straps right side out and press. Sew the straps to the neckline of the front.
- Stitch the front lining pieces together and the back lining pieces together. Overlock the seam allowances and press. Stitch the right side seam on the lining. Overlock the seam allowances and press. Overlock the bottom edge of the lining.
- Stitch the side seams of the skirt, leaving an opening for the zipper in the left seam. Overlock the seam allowances and press open, pressing the zipper opening allowances.
- Stitch the right side seam of the bodice.
- Stitch the bodice to the skirt. Overlock the seam allowances and press towards the bodice. Insert the zipper. Press the seam.
- Try on the sundress, adjust the length of the straps. Sew the straps to the back.
- Place the bodice and lining right sides together. Stopping 5 mm short of the zipper edges, fold back the lining and pin to the upper edge of the dress. On the right side of the dress, fold back the seam allowances along the zipper and pin to the upper edge over the lining. Stitch the upper edges. Fold the allowances along the zipper to the wrong side. Fold the lining up and topstitch onto the seam allowance 1-2 mm from the seam. Fold the lining to the wrong side and attach it to the zipper tape. Press the pieces.
- Topstitch the bottom edge of the lining into the seam joining the bodice and the skirt.
- Overlock the bottom edge of the sundress, fold up, and topstitch 0.5 cm from the bottom edge.
