In the wardrobe of every representative of the fair sex there are dresses that can highlight all the advantages of their owner. One of the popular and successful types of such products is a sheath dress. Sometimes situations arise when it is quite difficult to find a suitable color, size or other characteristics of the dress. The solution to the problem can be self-sewing of clothes. In this case, you can choose any material, color, decorative elements and create a unique product that will look great on the figure. This article will share useful tips and options for patterns of the famous dress that will help you sew a wardrobe item at home.
Sheath dress
A sheath dress is a piece of clothing whose distinctive feature is its ability to fit a person's body. With the help of this wardrobe item, a girl can skillfully emphasize her advantages and create a stunning image for everyday or formal occasions.
The style appeared in fashion in the 30s of the 20th century. The advantage of the dress was considered to be the minimal material costs, since less fabric would be needed to create a tight-fitting wardrobe item than for lush and wide dresses and skirts. The pencil dress does not restrict a woman's movements, allowing her to feel comfortable when wearing the product.
There are different variations of the dress, which differ in design. Some models have a deep neckline, while others allow you to bare your shoulders. In addition, you can use different materials to create a dress, and also choose any length from "mini" to "maxi".
One of the popular varieties is the pencil dress, which has a transverse seam at the waist, which divides the garment into upper and lower parts. With its help, you can not only highlight the advantages of your figure, but also perfectly hide your own flaws.
Fitted dresses can have different colors. A well-known variety of the black version is called the Coco Chanel dress. Modern girls can afford to wear a product of any color, but brown, gray, blue and beige shades look best. Geometric patterns and designs are quite rare, this is due to the severity of the product.
Ready-made patterns
For those who do not want to waste time on creating patterns, there is a quick way with ready-made templates. The options may be different: the length of the product, the presence/absence of a sleeve, the length of the sleeve. On the Internet, you can find a large number of different patterns of a sheath dress and choose the best option for yourself.
Important! When sewing, it is important to know your size, so it is recommended to use European size charts. You need to measure your height, hips, waist and chest and choose the appropriate size.
Pattern construction plan
Before creating a pattern, it is necessary to take measurements. The model should stand exactly in the position that is most typical for her. At this time, the girl should only be wearing underwear. Measurements are taken at the protruding points on the body.
Basic measurements that need to be taken for sewing:
- neck;
- breast;
- waist;
- hips;
- shoulders;
- sleeve length;
- chest height;
- shoulder height;
- length of the product.
The easiest way to make a sheath dress pattern is on graph paper.
Pattern construction diagram:
- Draw a rectangular grid, the height of which is equal to the length of the product. As an example, it is better to take a rectangular frame ABCD, where AB and CD are equal to the width of the dress, and AD and BS are the length. AB = CD = ½ chest circumference + 4 cm for allowances.
- Divide the top half into three sections: back, armholes, chest.
- Back width = half back width;
- Armhole width = 1/4 chest circumference + 3 cm allowance;
- Chest width = remaining part.
- Create a neckline and shoulder line, as well as a dart for the shoulders. Neckline width = 1/6 neck circumference + 1 cm for allowances. It is recommended to raise the top by the value obtained by adding 1/20 neck circumference and 1 cm. The shoulder line is drawn at an angle. It starts from the end of the previous step with an angle of 2.5 cm. On the inclined line, measure the shoulder length + 2 cm for the dart. Mark 4 cm from the neckline and make a dart, 6 cm deep and 2 cm wide.
The neckline can be changed as desired. This will result in the product not being completely “pressed” to the neck, but being located at a distance. The neckline should not be smaller than the dimensions that were measured. The shoulder dart is necessary because with its help the dress will not look like a hump on the neck. The cut will help to make the product fit tightly and easily on the figure and repeat the curves of the body.
- Find the bust line. The lower border is located where the bust line is. Armhole height = 1/8 bust + 7 cm. This distance should be measured from the edge of the shoulder down. Measure the distance from the found line to the upper edge of the main rectangle. Put the resulting value on the sides and connect with a line.
- Construct the armhole line of the back and front. The armhole line is directed downwards from the edge of the shoulder. You need to divide the height of the armhole by 3 and mark the beginning of the bend of the armhole. The height of the armhole from the front is 2 cm lower than from the back. Height = 1/8 of the chest circumference + 5 cm. The distance must be measured upwards. The edge of the armhole is deflected to the side by a distance = half the chest circumference, divided by 10.
- Draw the neckline and bust dart. The bust line is the bottom edge for the armhole and bust dart.
- front neck width = 1/6 neck circumference + 1 cm;
- depth = 1/6 neck circumference + 2 cm;
- diagonal size = 1/6 neck circumference + 1 cm;
- point of the neck edge above the chest = a quarter of the chest circumference + 4 cm.
- Connect the edge of the neck with the edge of the front armhole. On the chest line, mark ½ of the measurement of the center of the chest + 1 cm = the top of the chest dart. The width of the chest dart = the length of the shoulder line - the shoulder measurement.
- Separate the back from the front. The border is slightly shifted towards the back. Border = 1/3 of the armhole area width. The border of the shelves passes through the point located to the left.
- Draw the waist and hip lines, and make a dart. The waist line is the segment drawn from the upper corner of the rectangle, the length of which is equal to the length of the back. The hip line = ½ the length of the back. The distance of the back dart line = ¼ the width of the back. The front dart line = continuation of the chest dart.
The waist dart allows the dress to be fitted evenly. Excess fabric is tucked inward when the edges of the dart are sewn. The waist line allows the dress to be narrowed at the sides.
- Draw the hip extension. Mark 1.5 cm from the side line on both sides. Mark 3 cm on the bottom line and connect the dots.
- Transfer the drawing onto copy paper.
This sheath dress template is a pattern for beginners.
Step-by-step sewing instructions
Before sewing a dress, you need to choose the right material. It is recommended to give preference to linen, knitted, cotton and suit fabrics. Such options are distinguished by their density, which will allow the product to retain its shape. Warmer materials: drape, boucle and knitwear, and the thinnest, suitable for the warm season - chiffon, silk, linen and cotton.
When the pattern of the product is ready, you can start sewing the product. For work you will need to take:
- main fabric 2x1.5 m;
- lining fabric 1.5x1.5 m;
- hidden zipper;
- a sewing machine with a special foot;
- threads;
- scissors;
- pins;
- chalk or a piece of soap.
It is best to take fabric with some extra, since a small part of it will go to seam allowances.
Progress of work:
- Sew the lining material to the main fabric.
- Place the top and bottom pieces together with the right sides facing each other and join the darts, tucking the fabric inside.
- After this, you need to sew the parts of the bodice and skirt together.
- Sew the zipper.
- Finish the neck and armholes. To do this, place the facing on the front side, then align all the edges, first baste, and then stitch.
- Iron the item.
Attention! It is not recommended for beginners to attempt to cut out and sew more complex versions of the product. It is best to contact a master in a salon and entrust the work to skilled, experienced hands.
What to wear with a sheath dress
A figure-hugging dress will suit almost every lady. When choosing an option for herself, a girl should start from her own body type.
Skinny girls with an hourglass figure type should give preference to pink, yellow, green and cream shades. It is best to buy items made of thick, heavy fabrics that can add volume in the right places.
Representatives of the fair sex with curvy shapes should opt for a loose dress that does not have a seam at the waist. This way, the figure will be visually toned and lengthened, which will complement the image with grace and elegance.
An important aspect is the woman's height. Short girls should buy short-length clothes, while tall girls are recommended longer options.
Attention! When creating a straight-cut look, it is important to choose the right accessories, shoes and jewelry.
- With a tight dress you can wear ankle boots, shoes and boots with heels. Flat shoes and platforms do not go with such clothes.
- Accessories play a significant role. They should be present in the image, but not in large quantities. A handbag, beads with small stones or pearls, as well as a watch or bracelet will do. It is highly undesirable to wear a belt with a dress.
- A jacket is suitable for creating a business style image.
- The romantic option will be complemented by beautiful jewelry.
- For everyday wear, it wouldn’t hurt to put on a warm jumper that will keep you warm during an evening walk.
The sheath dress has been consistently popular for several decades. The garment is considered a classic and is considered a necessary item of clothing for every lady.
