Gathered Empire Waist Dress
Introducing a women's sewing pattern for a flowing empire waist dress, characterized by its elegantly gathered neckline and soft, relaxed silhouette.
When To Wear
This dress is perfect for warm weather and relaxed occasions, making it an excellent choice for:
- Casual Outings: Ideal for comfortable everyday wear, offering ease and style.
- Summer Holidays: Perfect for beach strolls, resort relaxation, or warm-weather travels.
- Daytime Events: Suitable for garden parties, brunches, or casual gatherings where comfort meets charm.
Key Design Features
Silhouette: Relaxed A-line silhouette, softly flowing from the high empire waist.
Neckline: Gently gathered scoop neckline, providing a comfortable and flattering fit.
Sleeves: Sleeveless design with wide, supportive shoulder straps.
Waist: High empire waistline, featuring soft gathers at the bodice for subtle volume and drape.
Closure: Invisible zipper located at the center back seam for a clean finish.
Back: Clean, straight back panel with a central seam.
Length: Above-knee length for a playful and breezy feel.
Level Of Difficulty
Intermediate. Requires skills in invisible zipper installation, working with lining fabric, and gathering techniques.
Fabric Recommendations
Choose lightweight, draping fabrics that will enhance the dress's flow and comfort:
- Thin, draping fabrics made from natural or blended fibers
Additional Supplies
- Invisible zipper
- Lining fabric
- 0.5 cm wide elastic tape OR elastic thread
CUTTER'S MUST
- From main fabric:
- BACK PANEL - 2 QTY
- FRONT PANEL – 1 QTY on fold
- From LINING fabric:
- BACK PANEL - 2 QTY
- FRONT PANEL – 1 QTY
Sewing Instructions
- Overlock the center back edges of the BACK PANEL. Stitch the center back edge of the BACK PANEL from the mark downwards. Press the seam open, pressing the SEAM ALLOWANCE for the fastener.
- Place the ZIPPER under the SEAM ALLOWANCES so that the teeth are not visible and stitch in place.
- Along the neckline edge of the FRONT PANEL, stitch with loosely tensioned stitches. Gather the neckline to the required length.
- Stitch and overlock the side and shoulder edges of the dress. Press the shoulder and side seams towards the BACK PANEL.
- On the wrong side of the FRONT PANEL, along the marked line, topstitch elastic TRIM STRIP of desired length or stitch using elastic thread.
- Stitch the darts on the LINING pieces; on the BACK PANEL, press the dart depths towards the center, on the FRONT PANEL – upwards. Stitch the shoulder and side edges of the LINING, the center back edge of the BACK PANEL from the mark downwards, press the seams open. Place the LINING right sides together with the garment and FACE the neckline edge of the FRONT PANEL and BACK PANEL. FACE the armhole in two steps: first the upper armhole edge, then the lower armhole edge. Topstitch the SEAM ALLOWANCE to the LINING at a distance of 0.2 cm from the seam. Turn the LINING to the wrong side and press. Stitch the SEAM ALLOWANCES of the LINING's center seam to the ZIPPER tape.
- Press the hem allowance of the dress and LINING to the wrong side, fold inwards and topstitch.
