Sleeveless Sundress with Inverted Pleat and Empire Waistband

Sleeveless Sundress with Inverted Pleat and Empire Waistband

A sleeveless women's sundress with a darted front bodice, a set-in band under the bust and a skirt with an inverted pleat at the centre front and centre back. One continuous bias-bound strap runs from the right front armhole through a casing at the top of the back to the left front armhole.

When To Wear

• Hot summer days, with sandals.
• Summer parties and holidays, with a light cardigan or shawl in the evening.

Key Design Features

Silhouette: Fitted bodice to a raised waistline, then a skirt widening to the hem.

Length: Below the knee.

Neckline: Low, slightly curved front neckline bound with bias binding.

Sleeves: Sleeveless. Back armholes are bound with bias binding; the binding of the front armholes extends into a narrow strap that passes through the back casing, so the strap length can be adjusted at fitting.

Front: Front bodice (yoke) with darts pressed towards the centre; lower front cut on the fold with an inverted pleat at the centre.

Back: Upper back with its top edge turned under 0.7 cm and 1.3 cm to form a casing for the strap, which gathers it; lower back with darts and an inverted pleat at the centre.

Waist: Separate front and back bands under the bust, seamed between the bodice and the skirt; both seams pressed towards the band.

Closure: Invisible zip in the left side seam at waist level.

Finishing: Seams overlocked; hem double-folded 1 cm and topstitched.

Level Of Difficulty

Intermediate. Bias-bound edges that continue into a strap, a back casing, inverted pleats, a set-in band and an invisible zip in a side seam.

Fabric Recommendations

Silk fabrics in natural or blended fibres.

Additional Supplies

• Invisible zip for the left side seam
• Bias binding (neckline, armholes and strap)