Strappy Pleated Front Sundress
This made-to-measure sundress pattern features a V-neck formed by a pleated, overlapping front bodice, thin bias-cut straps and a gathered skirt for a comfortable yet elegant silhouette.
When To Wear
This versatile sundress is perfect for warm-weather occasions, offering effortless style for:
- Casual Summer Days: Ideal for relaxed outings, picnics, or everyday comfort during the warmer months.
- Vacation & Resort Wear: a stylish choice for beach holidays, cruises, and enjoying resort amenities.
- Garden Parties & Brunches: Elegant enough for daytime events, combining comfort with a chic aesthetic.
Key Design Features
Silhouette: fitted bodice joined to a gathered skirt that falls just below the knee.
Neckline: a V-neck formed by the overlapping front bodice.
Bodice: Pleated Front: the right front has soft pleats and overlaps the left front; the front armhole edges are lightly gathered.
Straps: thin straps made in one with the bias binding of the armholes and back neckline; their length is adjusted at a fitting.
Waist: a defined waist seam where the fitted bodice meets the gathered skirt.
Skirt: gathered front and back skirt panels, with a center back seam.
Back: a straight back neckline with a center back seam and zipper.
Closure: invisible zipper at the center back.
Level Of Difficulty
Intermediate. Requires skills in inserting a zipper, folding pleats, creating gathers, and finishing edges with bias binding.
Fabric Recommendations
Choose light to medium-weight woven fabrics that offer a beautiful drape for this sundress:
- Fabrics made from natural or blended fibers
Additional Supplies
Cutter's Must
- From main fabric:
- Back – 2 pieces
- Left Front – 1 piece
- Right Front – 1 piece
- Back Skirt – 2 pieces
- Front Skirt – 1 piece
- Additionally: 2 bias strips 4 cm wide, the length shown on the pattern pieces (for binding and straps).
Sewing Instructions
- Serge the upper edges of the Left Front and Right Front. Press the upper edges to the wrong side and topstitch.
- Fold the pleats on the Right Front. Place the right front over the left front and baste along the lower and side edges.
- Stitch the side seams of the bodice. Press the seams towards the back and serge.
- Stitch the side seams of the skirt. Press the seams towards the Back Skirt and serge.
- Sew a line of long, loose stitches along the upper edge of the skirt panels. Gather the edge to the length of the lower edge of the bodice, distributing the gathers evenly. Stitch the bodice to the skirt. Press the seam upwards and serge.
- Serge the center back edges. Stitch the center back seam from the mark downwards. Press the seam open, pressing the zipper allowances as well.
- Place the zipper under the seam allowances so that the teeth are not visible and stitch in place.
- Mark the finished armhole line on the front. Sew a line of long, loose stitches along it and gather the edge to the required length.
- Cut 2 bias strips 4 cm wide, about as long as indicated on the pattern pieces. Press each strip in half lengthwise, wrong sides together. Unfold and press the long edges to the center crease. Trim the seam allowance of the back neckline and front armholes and bind these edges with the bias strips, forming the straps at the same time.
- Try on the sundress, adjust the length of the straps and secure them to the back.
- Press the hem allowance to the wrong side, turn under and topstitch.
