Draped Dolman Dress
Introducing a women's dress pattern featuring a soft, gathered neckline, a beautifully draped front bodice, and practical integrated side pockets.
When To Wear:
- Casual Chic Outings: Its relaxed elegance makes it perfect for everyday wear with a stylish twist.
- Semi-Formal Gatherings: Easily dressed up with accessories for lunches, brunches, or relaxed evening events.
- Travel & Leisure: Comfortable and wrinkle-resistant (when made with suitable fabric), ideal for effortless style on the go.
Key Design Features
Silhouette: A relaxed, straight-cut silhouette that gently skims the body, finishing at knee length.
Neckline: Softly rounded neckline with delicate gathering at the front, creating a subtle drape.
Sleeves: Short sleeves with gathering along the raglan line, creating a soft, cap-sleeve effect.
Bodice: Features a unique draped front with soft pleats emanating from the gathered neckline, creating a fluid, comfortable fit.
Pockets: Functional and stylish integrated side pockets with a draped opening, adding a relaxed yet refined touch.
Back: A clean and smooth back panel ensures a streamlined look.
Hem: A straight hemline that finishes above the knee.
Level Of Difficulty
Intermediate. This pattern involves working with knit fabrics, managing drape and gathering, and constructing facings, which requires a moderate level of sewing experience.
Fabric Recommendations
Choose knit fabrics that offer good drape and a medium degree of stretch:
- Medium-stretch knit fabrics
- Well-draping knit fabrics
- Jersey, Interlock, Modal, Rayon blends
Additional Supplies
CUTTER'S MUST
- From main fabric:
- BACK PANEL – 2 QTY
- FRONT PANEL – 1 QTY on fold
- SLEEVE – 2 QTY
- FRONT NECK FACING — 2 QTY
- BACK NECK FACING — 2 QTY
- Draping - 1 QTY on fold
- From FUSIBLE INTERFACING:
- FRONT NECK FACING — 2 QTY
- BACK NECK FACING — 2 QTY
Tip: Cut pieces from knit fabrics are sewn with a special elastic or narrow zigzag stitch. When serging, trim SEAM ALLOWANCES to 0.7 cm. The hem allowance is topstitched with a twin needle or on a coverstitch machine to maintain elasticity. You can also sew pieces directly on a 3- or 4-thread overlock machine.
Sewing Instructions
- Mark and stitch darts on the FRONT PANEL. Trim the depths with an overlock machine. Stitch the center back seam of the BACK PANEL. Press the seam open and serge.
- Serge the slanted sides and the bottom edge of the draping, fold inwards, and topstitch. Along the top edge of the draping, sew a row of loosely tensioned stitches and gather. At the top edge of the draping, fold the slanted (finished) edge of the draping inwards by 1.5 cm. Attach the draping to the top edge of the FRONT PANEL. Secure the FRONT PANEL and draping at the side seams. Remember to account for the folded bottom edge of the draping.
- Stitch the side seams, serge, and press towards the BACK PANEL.
- Serge the bottom allowance of the SLEEVE, fold inwards, and topstitch. Gather the SLEEVE along the raglan line of the BACK PANEL and FRONT PANEL. Clip the allowance at the armhole of the BACK PANEL and FRONT PANEL near the NOTCH. Attach the SLEEVES to the BACK PANEL and FRONT PANEL. Press the seam towards the BACK PANEL and FRONT PANEL.
- Fuse the FACINGS with FUSIBLE INTERFACING. Stitch the FRONT PANEL and BACK PANEL neck FACINGS in pairs. Press the seam open. Fold the FACINGS right sides together and stitch the inner edge. Turn the pieces out and press. Attach the lower FACING to the neckline edge. Press the seam towards the FACING. Press the outer edge of the upper FACING inwards by 1 cm and topstitch into the seam of attaching the lower FACING.
- Serge the bottom edge of the garment and the bottom edge of the armhole. Fold to the wrong side, press, and topstitch.
