Gathered Bodice Sleeveless High-Low Dress
Discover a sophisticated sleeveless dress pattern featuring a beautifully gathered bodice, an elegant empire waistline, and a modern high-low hem for graceful movement.
When To Wear
This elegant dress is versatile for various occasions, making it perfect for:
- Semi-Formal Events: Its refined silhouette and unique hem make it suitable for garden parties, luncheons, or daytime celebrations.
- Evening Gatherings: Paired with elegant accessories, it transitions beautifully for dinners or evening receptions.
- Summer Celebrations: The sleeveless design and airy drape offer comfort and style for warmer weather events.
Key Design Features
Silhouette: A relaxed, flowing silhouette from an empire waist, complemented by a graceful high-low hem.
Neckline: A wide, gently scooped neckline featuring delicate gathers across the front bodice.
Sleeves: Sleeveless design with clean, faced armholes for a polished finish.
Bodice: Extensively gathered across the front for soft volume and drape.
Waist: Defined by a slim, fixed empire waist band positioned just under the bust.
Back: A clean back panel with a central seam.
Closure: Concealed zipper closure centered at the back seam.
Hem: Contemporary high-low hemline, gently curving to be shorter in the front and longer in the back.
Level Of Difficulty
Intermediate. Involves working with gathers, invisible zipper insertion, and clean-finishing armholes and neckline with facings.
Fabric Recommendations
Choose lightweight to medium-weight fabrics with good drape to enhance the gathered bodice and flowing skirt:
- Natural or blended fibers
- Suitable options include rayon challis, Tencel twill, silk blends, or crepe for an elegant drape.
Additional Supplies
- 1 concealed zipper fastener
CUTTER'S MUST
- From main fabric:
- 1. BACK PANEL - 2 QTY
- 2. FRONT PANEL – 1 QTY
- 3. BACK PANEL FACING – 2 QTY
- 4. FRONT PANEL FACING – 1 QTY
Sewing Instructions
- Overlock the center back edges of the BACK PANEL. Stitch the center back seam from the notch downwards. Press the seam open, pressing the SEAM ALLOWANCE for the closure.
- Place the ZIPPER under the SEAM ALLOWANCES so that the teeth are not visible and stitch it in place.
- Along the neckline edge of the FRONT PANEL, stitch with loosely tensioned stitches. Gather the neckline to the desired length.
- Stitch and overlock the side and shoulder seams of the dress. Press the shoulder and side seams towards the BACK PANEL.
- Stitch the shoulder and side edges of the FRONT PANEL and BACK PANEL FACINGS, press the seams open. Overlock the outer edge of the FACINGS. Place the FACING pieces right sides together with the garment and stitch the neckline edge of the FRONT PANEL and BACK PANEL. Stitch the armhole in two steps: first the upper armhole edge, then the lower armhole edge. Topstitch the SEAM ALLOWANCE to the FACING at a distance of 0.2 cm from the seam. Turn the FACING to the wrong side and press. Stitch the center edge of the FACING to the ZIPPER SEAM ALLOWANCE.
- Press the hem SEAM ALLOWANCE of the dress to the wrong side, fold, and topstitch.
- Cut a decorative belt of desired length and 9 cm width (cut size). Fold the belt lengthwise in half, right sides together, and stitch along the long and short sides. Turn the belt right side out, baste, and press. Fold the raw SEAM ALLOWANCES inwards and topstitch the belt 0.1 cm from the edge. Secure the belt to the dress under the bust.
- TIP: Depending on the body type, the belt can be placed at the waist or hips.
