Fit and Flare Dress
This charming Fit and Flare Dress pattern features a flattering V-neckline, a functional button-front placket, and gracefully gathered bodice and skirt sections for an effortlessly chic silhouette.
When To Wear
This versatile dress is perfect for a variety of occasions, offering timeless style for:
- Casual Outings & Daytime Events: Its comfortable yet refined design is ideal for everyday elegance.
- Semi-Formal Gatherings: The structured waist and midi length make it suitable for dressier daytime affairs.
- Office Wear & Professional Settings: Crafted in appropriate fabric, it serves as a polished and comfortable choice for the workplace.
Key Design Features
Silhouette: a classic fit and flare silhouette, defined by a fitted bodice and a full, gathered skirt.
Neckline: a clean V-neckline at the front, complemented by a rounded back neckline, both expertly finished with facings.
Closure: a full button-front placket extends from the V-neckline to the hem, providing both style and functionality.
Sleeves: Three-quarter length, set-in sleeves with a simple, clean-finished hem.
Waist: a defined, fitted waist panel creates a flattering demarcation between the gathered bodice and the flowing skirt.
Back: a clean back design featuring a high, rounded neckline and a continuation of the fitted waist panel and gathered skirt.
Length: Midi length, falling gracefully below the knee for an elegant and versatile look.
Level Of Difficulty
Intermediate. Requires skills in gathering fabric, constructing a button placket, setting in sleeves, and finishing a V-neckline with a facing.
Fabric Recommendations
Ideal for woven dress fabrics with good drape and body, such as:
- Dress fabrics made from natural or blended fibers
Additional Supplies
- Fusible interfacing
- 8 buttons
Cutter's Must
When stitching pieces, pay attention to the notches - they must match!
- From main fabric:
- Upper back – 1 piece on fold
- Back insert – 1 piece
- Lower back - 1 piece on fold
- Lower front – 2 pieces
- Front insert – 2 pieces
- Upper front – 2 pieces
- Sleeve – 2 pieces
- Cuff – 2 pieces
- Placket – 2 pieces
- Back neckline facing – 1 piece
Sewing Instructions
- Interface the pieces with fusible interfacing.
- Stitch the darts on the upper back piece, press the fullness towards the center. Attach the back insert to the upper back, press allowances towards the insert and overlock.
- Along the upper edge of the lower back piece, stitch with a loosened thread and gather. Attach the lower back piece to the back insert, press allowances upwards and overlock.
- Along the lower edge of the upper front piece, stitch with a loosened upper thread and gather. Attach the front insert to the upper front, press allowances towards the insert and overlock.
- Along the upper edge of the lower front piece, stitch with a loosened thread and gather. Attach the lower front piece to the front insert, press allowances upwards and overlock.
- Stitch side and shoulder seams, press allowances towards the back and overlock.
- Stitch shoulder seams of plackets and facing, press allowances open. Fold plackets with the garment right sides together and stitch the front edges and neckline. Clip allowances at curves, trim at corners. Turn the placket to the wrong side, straighten and press. Fold under the allowance of the inner edge and topstitch to the main piece.
- Stitch the sleeve seam, press allowances towards the back and overlock.
- Stitch the cuff into a loop, press allowances open. Fold the cuff lengthwise in half right side out and press. Attach the outer side of the cuff to the sleeve, fold the allowance of the inner cuff inwards and stitch into the seam of the upper cuff attachment.
- Set sleeves into armholes, matching notches, press allowances and overlock.
- Overlock the bottom edge of the garment, press to the wrong side by 1 cm, then another 1 cm and topstitch.
- Overlock buttonholes on the right front. Sew buttons on the left front.
