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 Yoke – 1 qty
- 2. Front Waistband – 1 qty
- 3. Lower front – 1 qty on fold
- 4. Back Yoke – 1 qty
- 5. Back Waistband – 1 qty
- 6. Lower back – 1 qty
Sewing Instructions
- Stitch darts on the front yoke. Press darts towards the center of the front. Attach the front waistband to the yoke. Press the seam allowance towards the waistband and overlock.
- On the lower front, create a box pleat and secure it along the upper edge. Attach the lower front to the waistband. Press the seam allowance upwards and overlock.
- Attach the back waistband to the upper. Press the seam allowance towards the waistband and overlock. On the lower back, stitch the darts. Press the darts towards the center of the back. Following the markings, create a box pleat and secure it along the upper edge. Attach the lower back to the waistband. Press the seam allowance upwards and overlock.
- Finish the neckline of the front and the armholes of the back with bias binding.
- Press the upper edge of the back first by 0.7 cm, then by another 1.3 cm, and topstitch. Finish the right armhole of the front with bias binding, form a strap, thread the strap through the upper edge of the back, and bind the left armhole of the front. Adjust the strap length during fitting.
- Overlock the edges of the left side seam. Stitch the left side seam, leaving an opening for the zipper at waist level. Press the seam allowance open. Insert the zipper.
- Stitch the right side seam. Overlock the seam allowance and press it towards the back.
- Double-fold the bottom edge of the garment by 1 cm and topstitch.
