Sleeveless Sundress with Inverted Pleat and Empire Waistband
Discover a charming women's sewing pattern for a sleeveless sundress featuring a fitted empire bodice, a gracefully flared A-line skirt, and a distinctive inverted pleat at the center front.
When To Wear
This sundress is perfect for warm weather and relaxed occasions, offering a blend of comfort and style for:
- Casual Daywear: Ideal for daily outings, strolls, and leisure activities in sunny weather.
- Summer Gatherings: A lovely choice for garden parties, picnics, and outdoor brunches.
- Travel & Vacations: Lightweight and elegant, making it suitable for exploring new destinations or enjoying resort wear.
Key Design Features
Silhouette: Fitted through the empire bodice, gracefully flaring into an A-line skirt.
Neckline: Gently curved sweetheart/scoop neckline at the front, with a straight-across back.
Straps: Delicate spaghetti straps provide shoulder support and a light, airy feel, with adjustable length at the back.
Waist: Defined empire waistband positioned just below the bust, creating an elegant, elongated line.
Skirt: A-line silhouette with a prominent inverted box pleat at the center front, adding fullness and graceful movement.
Closure: An invisible zipper at the left side seam ensures a smooth, seamless fit.
Length: Midi length, falling below the knee for a classic and versatile look.
Level Of Difficulty
Intermediate. Requires skills in working with darts, inserting an invisible zipper, creating inverted pleats, and finishing edges with bias binding.
Fabric Recommendations
Choose lightweight, fluid fabrics with good drape to enhance the skirt's movement:
- Silk fabrics made from natural or blended fibers
Additional Supplies
- Hidden zipper
- Bias binding
CUTTER'S MUST
- From main fabric:
- 1. FRONT PANEL Yoke – 1 QTY
- 2. FRONT PANEL Waistband – 1 QTY
- 3. Lower FRONT PANEL – 1 QTY on fold
- 4. BACK PANEL Yoke – 1 QTY
- 5. BACK PANEL Waistband – 1 QTY
- 6. Lower BACK PANEL – 1 QTY
Sewing Instructions
- Stitch darts on the FRONT PANEL yoke. Press darts towards the center of the FRONT PANEL. Attach the FRONT PANEL waistband to the yoke. Press the SEAM ALLOWANCE towards the waistband and overlock.
- On the lower FRONT PANEL, create a box pleat and secure it along the upper edge. Attach the lower FRONT PANEL to the waistband. Press the SEAM ALLOWANCE upwards and overlock.
- Attach the BACK PANEL waistband to the upper part. Press the SEAM ALLOWANCE towards the waistband and overlock. On the lower BACK PANEL, stitch the darts. Press the darts towards the center of the BACK PANEL. Following the markings, create a box pleat and secure it along the upper edge. Attach the lower BACK PANEL to the waistband. Press the SEAM ALLOWANCE upwards and overlock.
- Finish the neckline of the FRONT PANEL and the armholes of the BACK PANEL with BIAS BINDING.
- Press the upper edge of the BACK PANEL first by 0.7 cm, then by another 1.3 cm, and topstitch. Finish the right armhole of the FRONT PANEL with BIAS BINDING, form a strap, thread the strap through the upper edge of the BACK PANEL, and bind the left armhole of the FRONT PANEL. Adjust the strap length during fitting.
- Overlock the edges of the left SIDE PANEL seam. Stitch the left SIDE PANEL seam, leaving an opening for the ZIPPER at waist level. Press the SEAM ALLOWANCE open. Insert the ZIPPER.
- Stitch the right SIDE PANEL seam. Overlock the SEAM ALLOWANCE and press it towards the BACK PANEL.
- Double-fold the bottom edge of the garment by 1 cm and topstitch.
