Vintage Look Knit Dress

DesignerStitch.com

Skill Level:

Rated for “very advanced beginners” and above.

Size Range and Fitting:

Size key 1 to 13 (US 2 to 26, AU/UK 6 to 30, EU 34 to 58, B to DD cups) for busts 32 inches to 56 inches and hips 34 inches to 58 inches. Princess seams and the multipanel, flared skirt option may help with fitting.

Fabrics:

Knit fabrics with at least 25 percent stretch widthwise and 20 percent stretch lengthwise, including scuba knits, double knits, and ponte knits.

Style and Sewing Details:

This vintage-look knit dress has a semi-funnel collar, keyhole neckline, flared panel skirt, set-in sleeves with a gathered edge over the upper arms, center-back zipper, and optional self-fabric 4-inch-wide ruched belt. Options include a narrow skirt.

• The sewing instructions are detailed, and our tester had no difficulties in making this pattern. Seams matched perfectly. Read through the pattern and highlight key items, such as seam allowances and the button loop instructions for the keyhole opening.
• Cut seam allowances 1/8-inch wider than shown to allow for fabric movement—our tester recommends a rotary cutter. Then trim to the exact seam allowance width.
• Highlight all notches and pattern markings on each pattern piece and mark them on the fabric.
• Check seam allowances on the back neck facing and center-back bodice; they should match. Length measurements marked on the narrow skirt are reversed. On page 21 of the instructions, before step 2, sewing the bodice dart should appear here before the skirt is attached.
• Use a serger for speed, though a sewing machine also works well.
• Try adding embroidered beaded lace trim or pearl beads where desired. Replace the fabric button loop with a coordinating piece of round elastic, or use a bar tack to close the keyhole with a button sewn on top, or a brooch or decorative pin.

This review was originally published in Threads #219, Fall 2022. Have you made this pattern? If so, be sure to share pictures in our Readers Closet gallery.

Photos: Jack Deutsch. Illustrations: Cassandra Bernier.