I posted a step by step illustration on how to draft a shift dress pattern last week. Click here for the tutorial.
I made another shift green dress for myself with eyelet detailing and a ruffle bottom. It’s my new work/church dress. I love the texture of the fabric, so relaxing and hairy.
Today, we are going to learn how to sew a shift A-line dress.
What you’ll need;
2 yards fabric (I used cotton)
Sewing thread to match
Sewing machine
Contrasting fabric for the pockets
Sewing pattern
Scissors
Buttons or zipper
1) The first step is to cut your fabric using your already drafted pattern. Use the same pattern to cut out your facing.
2) Sew the front facing.
3) If you want to use a zipper for the back, attach the zipper on the back piece and stitch. (Click here to see how to attach and sew a back zipper).
For a button back, cut out ½ inch fabric of 3 inches long (length) and sew. Use a need and thread to turn it to the front.
4) Attach the hook fabric to the upper part of the back piece, place the back facing on the hook, pin and sew. (See pictures).
5) Trim and turn the facings, press both facing to make it smooth.
6) Sew the shoulders.
7) Fold in the armholes and sew.
8) For the pocket semi-circle, get a circle shaped object to create a perfect circle. I used a small bowl. Cut the pocket fabric and the facing.
9) Sew the facing of the pocket circle on the right side of the fabric.
Note: What I did before attaching and sewing my pocket, was that, I sewed the side seams, wore the dress then position the pocket when I wanted it, pin the pocket whilst wearing the dress.
10) position your pocket on both side of the dress, fold it in a little bit to form a semi-circle and then sew round.
11) Sew the side seams of the dress.
12) Hem the bottom of the dress.
13) Use a needle and thread to attach the button to the back of the dress, where the hook is placed.
