This review was originally featured in Threads #169 (October/November 2013).

Decades of Style: 1925 Zig Zag Dress 2502

This dress, reminiscent of The Great Gatsby or Downton Abbey, is based on a 1925 design. Make it with or without the bishop sleeves. It has a round or V-neck, a neckband that releases into long ties, forward shoulders, shirring at the front shoulders, a dropped waist, and an eight-gore skirt that is appliquéd to the bodice. The gores have triangular tops that zigzag across the high hip. The instructions use authentic-to-the-period techniques to sew the gored skirt to the bodice. The gore seams are sewn first, then the seam allowances on the zigzag ends are turned under. The finished edges are lapped over the bodice seamline and edgestitched in place. This design is suitable for light- to medium-weight fabrics: silk chiffon, tissue wool crepe, Liberty of London cottons, chintz, and linen. The sample dress is silk charmeuse from Mood Fabrics (MoodFabrics.com).

(Sized A-C for busts 30-46 in. and hips 33-49 in.)

Sewing Tip: For larger cup sizes, make a bust adjustment and add a dart.

-Tested by Rachel Kurland, South Strafford, Vermont

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