Smocked Bodice Strapless Sundress

Smocked Bodice Strapless Sundress

A long, strapless women's sundress with no waist seam: the front and back are each cut in one piece on the fold, and rows of elastic-thread shirring from the upper edge to the waist form the bodice. Fully lined.

When To Wear

• Summer days in the city or on holiday, with flat sandals.
• Beach and resort wear, with a light cardigan or shirt over the shoulders in the evening.

Key Design Features

Silhouette: Shirred bodice from the upper edge to the waist; below the shirring the fabric falls into soft gathers and the skirt widens slightly towards the hem.

Length: Long, below the knee.

Neckline: Straight strapless upper edge, finished by stitching the dress and the lining together along the top and turning them through.

Closure: None; the shirring stretches, so the dress pulls on.

Back: Cut in one piece on the fold, shirred to the waist like the front.

Waist: No waist seam; the shirring ends at the waist level.

Finishing: Rows of shirring 1.5 cm apart; side seams overlocked and pressed towards the back; hems of the dress and the lining overlocked, turned up and topstitched separately.

Lining: Full-length lining cut from the same front and back pieces, joined to the dress only at the upper edge.

Level Of Difficulty

Beginner. Two seams in the dress and two in the lining, a turned upper edge and machine shirring with elastic thread; keeping the shirring rows straight and evenly spaced is the only part that needs care.

Fabric Recommendations

Silk dress fabrics in natural or blended fibres.

Additional Supplies

• Lining fabric
• Elastic thread for shirring