Deep sweetheart neckline sheath dress

(Scroll down to the end of the post for download links)

Hi there,

Let’s take a look at today’s dress pattern. Do you think that this darling is somewhat vintage looking? And it also looks like a lot of high-street fashion. If you do not believe me, just visit nordstrom.com, theoutnet.com, etc. to see the brands like Victoria Beckham, Roland Mouret, Stella McCartney or Michael Kors – you will find a lot of similar designs.

This dress features a deep sweetheart neckline, half sleeve and below the knee length. It is suitable for special events, so choose a luxury fabric to make it look classy and elegant. You will definitely feel confident in this dress!

The dress pattern I share in this post has a straight skirt. If you prefer a pencil design, narrow down the side seams, starting from the fullest part of the hip (marked with notches) down to hemline. It is a really quick modification, mark a point at the hemline at the desired width of skirt hemline and draw a straight line from the hip notch to the marked point. Then redraw the seam allowance and cut the pieces. It is similar to the demonstration below – the red lines are new side lines, the blue lines are new seam allowance lines.

And because this is going to be a high-class dress, I recommend that it be made with full lining or bodice lining. Be patient and extra careful when you sew the neckline – it will affect the whole look.

The pattern is created in pdf format using A4 paper. I can also create the pattern in other paper sizes (A0 to A4, Letter, Tabloid), so please inform me if you need them.

Print the patterns on A4 paper at actual size/no scaling/100%. Not sure how to print and cut the patterns? Check the guide here.

Do you want to add side seam pockets to the pattern for additional convenience? Just go ahead because it is too easy, just follow the quick instruction here.

Again, happy sewing! I look forward to seeing your masterpiece!

XOXO

Tiên the Little Sewist

Cutting instruction:

After taping down all the pages following the instruction, the overall layout of the pattern pieces is much like this (the arrangement of pattern pieces will vary a bit with sizes because I want to utilize all space to result in least number of pages):

A. Front Skirt - 1pcs

B. Back Skirt - 2pcs

C. Sleeve - 2pcs

D. Front – 1pcs + Lining – 1pcs

E. Back – 2pcs + Lining – 2pcs

F. Front Waistband – 1pcs

G. Back Waistband – 2pcs

Download links for the dress:

Check for your size in the Size Chart before downloading. Not finding your size? Comment your height, bust – waist – hip measurements in the comment box below and I will send you the custom-made pattern for you as soon as I can!

Petite XS	Regular XS
Petite S	Regular S
Petite M	Regular M
Petite L	Regular L
Petite XL	Regular XL
Petite XXL	Regular XXL

Sweetheart bateau neckline sheath dress pattern

Ahhh, I am in love with this beautiful sweetheart bateau neckline as soon as I stumbled upon this design by Goat Fashion on Pinterest. I decided to make myself one, and this is the pattern that came along with the pattern for myself. Hope you will enjoy it!

This dress has a sweetheart bateau neckline, below the knee length and 3/4 sleeves. I must say it is a formal meeting ready dress. Just put this dress on, choose a matching hat, and you can even go to the Royal Ascot! Of course, it is also quite moderate, so you can be confident to wear it to work or a professional meeting.

The dress pattern I share in this post has a straight skirt. If you prefer a pencil design, narrow down the side seams, starting from the fullest part of the hip (marked with notches) down to hemline. It is a really quick modification, mark a point at the hemline at the desired width of skirt hemline and draw a straight line from the hip notch to the marked point. Then redraw the seam allowance and cut the pieces. It is similar to the demonstration below – the red lines are new side lines, the blue lines are new seam allowance lines.

And if you find the length of the dress unflattering, just feel free to lengthen or shorten it to your taste. It’s always worthy to try.

The pattern is created in pdf format using A4 paper. I can also create the pattern in other paper sizes (A0 to A4, Letter, Tabloid), so please inform me if you need them. Print the patterns on A4 paper at actual size/no scaling/100%. Not sure how to print and cut the patterns? Check the guide here.

Do you want to add side seam pockets to the pattern for additional convenience? Just go ahead because it is too easy, just follow the quick instruction here.

Again, happy sewing! I look forward to seeing your masterpiece!

XOXO

Tiên the Little Sewist

Cutting instruction:

After taping down all the pages following the instruction, the overall layout of the pattern pieces is much like this (the arrangement of pattern pieces will vary a bit with sizes because I want to utilize all space to result in least number of pages):

The cutting instruction is for the garment with facings. If you choose to sew with bodice lining, skip the facing pieces and cut a set of front and back pieces in lining fabric instead.

A. Front - 1pcs

B. Back  - 2pcs

C. Sleeve - 2pcs

D. Front Facing – 1pcs + Fusible Interfacing – 1pcs

E. Back Facing – 2pcs + Fusible Interfacing – 2pcs

Download links for the dress:

Check for your size in the Size Chart before downloading. Not finding your size? Comment your height, bust – waist – hip measurements in the comment box below and I will send you the custom-made pattern for you as soon as I can!

Petite XS	Regular XS
Petite S	Regular S
Petite M	Regular M
Petite L	Regular L
Petite XL	Regular XL
Petite XXL	Regular XXL

Mandarin collar sheath dress

(Scroll down to the end of the post for download links)

Mandarin collar is a staple to any wardrobe with Asian influence. It is a stand up collar that gives the garment a nice new look. I have been interested in Mandarin collar for a long time, and I think this type of collar is really stylish. A simple dress can be upgraded to a formal event ready piece with this kind of collar. Modest, and still drawing attention to the graceful neck of the wearer.

I created a pattern for a sheath dress with this beautiful collar. I move the darts to the center neck to draw attention to the neckline. This dress can be made with solid color, or with prints – especially Asian style prints.

This dress is below the knee long, but you can lengthen or shorten it to your liking. You can even skip the kick pleat at the center back seam and make a slit at the side of the dress to make it look like a cheongsam – a traditional dress of Chinese women. For example, you can have a look at this beautiful piece here:

The dress pattern I share in this post has a straight skirt. If you prefer a pencil design, narrow down the side seams, starting from the fullest part of the hip (marked with notches) down to hemline. It is a really quick modification, mark a point at the hemline at the desired width of skirt hemline and draw a straight line (the red lines) from the hip notch to the marked point. Then redraw the seam allowance (the blue lines) and cut the pieces. You can see in the demonstration below:

The pattern is created in pdf format using A4 paper. I can also create the pattern in other paper sizes (A0 to A4, Letter, Tabloid), so please inform me if you need them.

Print the patterns on A4 paper at actual size/no scaling/100%. Not sure how to print and cut the patterns? Check the guide here.

Do you want to add side seam pockets to the pattern for additional convenience? Just go ahead because it is too easy, just follow the quick instruction here.

Again, happy sewing! I look forward to seeing your masterpiece!

XOXO

Tiên the Little Sewist

Cutting instruction:

After taping down all the pages following the instruction, the overall layout of the pattern pieces is much like this (the arrangement of pattern pieces will vary a bit with sizes because I want to utilize all space to result in least pages):

A. Front - 1pcs
B. Back - 2pcs
C. Sleeve - 2pcs
D. Stand Up Collar Outer - 2pcs
E. Stand Up Collar Inner - 2pcs

Download links for the dress:

Check for your size in the Size Chart before downloading. Not finding your size? Comment your height, bust – waist – hip measurements in the comment box below and I will send you the custom-made pattern for you as soon as I can!

Petite XS	Regular XS
Petite S	Regular S
Petite M	Regular M
Petite L	Regular L
Petite XL	Regular XL
Petite XXL	Regular XXL

Sheath dress with waist inset

(Scroll down to the end of the post for download links)

I am not going to talk much about this dress. I found the picture on the Internet and thought that it is really cool – with the bold contrast waistband inset. A great combination of black and red, and the result? A powerful woman who controls everything in her hands!

Of course many of us will not be brave enough to put on such bright red colors, so we can go with other options: Do you think of black and white prints and black waist inset? Or one brighter and one darker shade of a color (for example: green and dark green). There are countless options which depends on your creativity, so just try and be surprised with your own imagination.

The pattern is created in pdf format using A4 paper. I can also create the pattern in other paper sizes (A0 to A4, Letter, Tabloid), so please inform me if you need them.

Not sure how to print and cut the patterns? Check the guide here.

Do you want to add side seam pockets to the pattern for additional convenience? Just go ahead because it is too easy, just follow the quick instruction here.

Again, happy sewing! I look forward to seeing your masterpiece!

XOXO

Tiên the Little Sewist

Cutting instruction:

After taping down all the pages following the instruction, the overall layout of the pattern pieces is much like this (the arrangement of pattern pieces will vary a bit with sizes because I want to utilize all space to result in least pages):

The cutting instruction is for the dress with facings. If you choose to sew the dress with bodice lining, skip the facing pieces and cut a set of front and back pieces in lining fabric.

A. Sleeve - 2pcs
B. Front Skirt - 1pcs
C. Back Skirt - 2pcs
D. Front - 1pcs
E. Back - 2pcs
F. Front Facing - 1pcs
G. Side Front Waist Inset - 2pcs
H. Side Back Waist Inset - 2pcs
I. Center Front Waist Inset - 1pcs
J. Center Back Waist Inset - 2pcs
K. Back Facing - 2pcs

Download links for the dress:

Check for your size in the Size Chart before downloading. Not finding your size? Comment your height, bust – waist – hip measurements in the comment box below and I will send you the custom-made pattern for you!

Petite XS	Regular XS
Petite S	Regular S
Petite M	Regular M
Petite L	Regular L
Petite XL	Regular XL
Petite XXL	Regular XXL

Special occasion dress pattern

Another special occasion dress for you is here!

You are wondering about what to wear to the wedding of your best friend in the next few days? You have searched all the clothing stores for a suitable dress to impress in a party? Or you just want a new project to challenge? This dress can fulfill your need.

The dress features a tea length, deep V-neck and peasant sleeves. The column design helps elongate your figure and makes you look slimmer. The special positioning of darts and seamlines at the skirt makes it unique. Of course, you can lengthen or shorten the length of the dress to your liking.

This dress can be made using one color or print, but can also be made into a color block dress. You are free to choose from endless combos. However, before you choose to color-blocking, make sure it follows the principles of color combinations. This article is a useful guide to color combination for you to refer to: Fashion Colour wheel: 15 Colour combinations for Clothes.

The pattern is created in pdf format. You download the pattern of your size (check in the Size Chart) and print it on A4 paper at actual size/no scaling/100%. There is a test square where you can check if the pattern is printed true to size. If your size is different from the one shown in my blog, please comment your measurements below, and I will make a pattern closest to your measurements. I can create the pattern in other paper sizes (A0 to A4, Letter, Tabloid), so please inform me if you need them.

Again, happy sewing! I hope to see your masterpiece!

XOXO

Tiên the Little Sewist

Download links:

Petite XS	Regular XS
Petite S	Regular S
Petite M	Regular M
Petite L	Regular L
Petite XL	Regular XL
Petite XXL	Regular XXL

Instruction for printing:

Use a PDF reader to open the pattern file. You can use Foxit Reader or Adobe Reader, they are all free of charge.

Print the pattern at actual size (in the Printer setting, choose 100% or no scaling) on single sides of A4 paper. There is a test square on the first page where you can check if you have printed out the correct scale (the upper edge of the square is a centimeter scale while the bottom edge is an inch scale).

Trim off the left and right margins of the pages along the lines with the scissors symbols and then lay out all pages according to their numbers (the number of row and column of each page is printed in the center of each page, for example 2/4 means second row and fourth column). Tape them together and cut along the lines of the patterns.

All the patterns have seam allowances included.

Instruction for cutting:

A. Side Front Skirt - 1pcs

B. Center Front Skirt - 1pcs

C. Back Center Skirt - 2pcs

D. Back Side Skirt - 2pcs

E. Front - 2pcs

F. Back - 2pcs

G. Front Facing - 1pcs + 1pcs Interfacing

H. Back Facing - 2pcs + 2pcs Interfacing

I. Peasant sleeve - 2pcs

V neck basic sheath dress pattern

(Scroll down to the end of the post for download links)

I am sharing the pattern for a basic piece – a V neck sleeveless sheath dress. It has a deep V neck to add sexiness to the very common sheath dress, and also to those who has heavy top, it helps flatter your body shape. You can also make a really small and easy modification to the shoulder darts to add something special to this staple garment: instead of sewing it into a dart, make it a little box pleat, or gather it to create a ruched shoulder detail. Be adventurous, and you will be surprised with how creative you are!

The dress pattern I share in this post has a straight skirt. If you prefer a pencil design, narrow down the side seams, starting from the fullest part of the hip (marked with notches) down to hemline. It is a really quick modification, mark a point at the hemline at the desired width of skirt hemline and draw a straight line (the red lines) from the hip notch to the marked point. Then redraw the seam allowance (the blue lines) and cut the pieces. You can see in the demonstration below:

The pattern is created in pdf format using A4 paper. I can also create the pattern in other paper sizes (A0 to A4, Letter, Tabloid), so please inform me if you need them.

Print the patterns on A4 paper at actual size/no scaling/100%. Not sure how to print and cut the patterns? Check the guide here.

Do you want to add side seam pockets to the pattern for additional convenience? Just go ahead because it is too easy, just follow the quick instruction here.

Again, happy sewing! I look forward to seeing your masterpiece!

XOXO

Tiên the Little Sewist

Cutting instruction:

The cutting instruction is for the garment with facings. If you choose to sew it with bias binding, skip the front facing and back facing pieces. If you choose to sew with bodice lining, skip the facing pieces and cut a set of front and back pieces in lining fabric.

A. Front - 1pcs

B. Back  - 2pcs

C. Front Facing - 1pcs

D. Back Facing - 2pcs

Download links for the dress:

Check for your size in the Size Chart before downloading. Not finding your size? Comment your height, bust – waist – hip measurements in the comment box below and I will send you the custom-made pattern for you as soon as I can!

Petite XS	Regular XS
Petite S	Regular S
Petite M	Regular M
Petite L	Regular L
Petite XL	Regular XL
Petite XXL	Regular XXL

The short sleeve sheath dress

I have a habit - I must admit - of spending a lot of time looking at the fashion icons' news to see what they would wear everyday. And because of this habit, my standards for my self-made clothing gets higher and higher. I now cannot find any piece to pick up at the low price stores - because the seams are not carefully sewn, the darts are not straight or the hemlines are not hidden. I've become too picky, I know, haha. That's why I have to sew most of my clothes. Luckily, I do not need too many pieces in my closet. Just a few dresses, tops and bottoms, and I can last for a long time - the items that I made myself can last longer than the store-bought ones, of course - look how careful you are when you think the dress is made for yourself, you can understand my feeling. Each time I start sewing, I always choose my most favorite style at the time - and many times I have chosen the short sleeve sheath dress.

There are many reasons the short sleeve sheath dress is one of my most preferred one. First, it is easy to make - it takes me only a few hours to get a brand new dress! Second, it looks modest and not frumpy at all. Third, I can wear the dress from 9 to 5, and from work to cinema, just change the shoes and the makeup. And lastly, it doesn't require much mixing and matching - only a necklace or a belt , or the dress only, would work. I have a petite body type, and you can imagine how I would disappear under layers of clothing - even if it is really a hot fashion trend.

As you can see from a few examples above, the dress can be made with different fabrics and prints and can be easily mixed with other accessories to get a complete outfit for work, parties or simply a day date. I remember a saying that I read somewhere: "Detail is king". Choose this simple dress and add a distinctive detail, and you will not look boring at all.

I have a pattern for the sheath dress, and each time I try a bit of modification to make the new dress slightly different than the older ones. For example, choose a V neckline instead of jewel neckline, or change the length of the dress and the sleeves. No one can say you are wearing the same dress, only different fabrics.

I'd love to share in this post my favorite sewing pattern - The Short Sleeve Sheath Dress. Like usual, the pattern is made using A4 paper format, with different sizes. Please check for your size in the Size chart here.

Just download the pattern, print it out at actual size/no scaling/100% and enjoy your sewing journey!

XOXO

Tiên the Little Sewist

Download links:

Petite size XS	Regular size XS
Petite size S	Regular size S
Petite size M	Regular size M
Petite size L	Regular size L
Petite size XL	Regular size XL
Petite size XXL	Regular size XXL

The basic straight skirt pattern

I'm posting this basic straight skirt pattern because it is one of the easiest pattern to sew, and because it is used a lot in every day life, especially for those who work. It can be paired with button down shirts and jackets for a formal meeting, or with a t-shirt for a more casual feeling. 

This is one of the first patterns that I used to create my own clothes, and I am now so used to making it that I can finish a straight skirt in just 45 minutes. Making it in such a breeze can also cool me down when I have a complicated project to work on. After all, finishing one simple skirt like this can give you the feeling of achievement and boost your spirit (haha). If you are not such a sew-aholic like me, it might take longer, but not too long. 

This pattern is also one of the basic blocks for making clothing patterns. If you are interested in making your own patterns, you can use this pattern (seam allowance removed) to modify to your taste.

The pattern is made with A4 paper format, and with petite and regular sizes. Please check for your size in the Size chart here.

The links for download are listed at the end of the post. Hope you enjoy your sewing journey! Please don't forget to share with me your projects!

XOXO

Tiên the Little Sewist

Download links:

Petite XXS	Regular XXS
Petite XS	Regular XS
Petite S	Regular S
Petite M	Regular M
Petite L	Regular L
Petite XL	Regular XL
Petite XXL	Regular XXL

Simple 3/4 sleeve sheath dress with waistband

Hi there,

I think many of you wonder why sometimes I use strange English huh? I am not a native English speaker, and writing this blog is one of the ways I use to practice my English which is not used much in daily life. So please don’t laugh at me if I write something weird!

Back to the topic about sewing your own clothes. I know that many of you visit my blog looking for a simple dress pattern to sew, and I have considered a lot about making the patterns both easy and classy. Easy meaning it needs to be simple with not too many details (because for inexperienced sewers, the more details, the more errors – I went through this stage so I really know it). And classy, of course, meaning it has to be flattering and fashionable. That is why you are going to see a lot of timeless classic designs on this blog, most of them are worn by celebrities and royals, some are designer dresses (which are sold on the high end fashion websites like Moda Operandi or Nordstrom for thousands of dollars).

You may notice that sometimes the patterns are not made exactly the same with the original designs, mostly because I changed some details to make them simpler for the less experienced sewers. I will try my best to keep them as close to the originals as possible and not to ruin the whole designs.

The pattern I am sharing today is yet another simple design – the 3/4 sleeve sheath dress with waistband. And of course it has a lot of space for you to improvise. You can either use the pattern as is, or add a bit of detail – like a flounce sleeve, or a contrast waistband – to make it more interesting. This dress is modest enough to wear to work or formal event. Of course you can even wear it to a party if you choose the appropriate fabric and prints.

This type of dress is worn a lot by the royals. I have seen Kate Middleton, queen Letizia of Spain, crown princess Mary of Denmark wearing similar style – only different in colors and fabrics. So if you want to look elegant like them, pick up your scissors and start cutting your own dresses!

The pattern is created in pdf format using A4 paper. I can also create the pattern in other paper sizes (A0 to A4, Letter, Tabloid), so please inform me if you need them.

Not sure how to print and cut the patterns? Check the guide here.

Again, happy sewing! I look forward to seeing your masterpiece!

XOXO

Tiên the Little Sewist

Download links for the bateau neckline 3/4 sleeve sheath dress:

Check for your size in the Size Chart before downloading. Not finding your size? Comment your height, bust – waist – hip measurements in the comment box below and I will send you the custom-made pattern for you!

Petite XS	Regular XS
Petite S	Regular S
Petite M	Regular M
Petite L	Regular L
Petite XL	Regular XL
Petite XXL	Regular XXL

Instruction for cutting:

A. Front Skirt - 1pcs
B. Back Skirt - 2pcs
C. Sleeve - 2pcs
D. Front - 1pcs
E. Back - 2pcs
F. Front Facing - 1pcs
G. Back Facing - 2pcs
H. Front Waistband - 1pcs
I. Back Waistband - 2pcs

Boat neck sheath dress pattern

(Scroll down to the end of the post for download links)

This is yet another basic piece – the boat neck half sleeve sheath dress. You can find lots of dresses this style on Asos – and I must admit that they do have beautiful sheath dresses. However, I rarely buy one, because I can sew this type of dress in no time Don’t say I am stingy – I come from a middle income country with GDP per capita at 2000 USD per year, I don’t want to spend too much on things I can make. This modest dress is an office ready baby. Just mix it with black or nude high heels and a silver necklace, you will have a complete outfit for any professional meeting.

The dress pattern I share in this post has a straight skirt. If you prefer a pencil design, narrow down the side seams, starting from the fullest part of the hip (marked with notches) down to hemline. It is a really quick modification, mark a point at the hemline at the desired width of skirt hemline and draw a straight line (the red lines) from the hip notch to the marked point. Then redraw the seam allowance (the blue lines) and cut the pieces. You can see in the demonstration below:

The pattern is created in pdf format using A4 paper. I can also create the pattern in other paper sizes (A0 to A4, Letter, Tabloid), so please inform me if you need them.

Not sure how to print and cut the patterns? Check the guide here.

Do you want to add side seam pockets to the pattern for additional convenience? Just go ahead because it is too easy, just follow the quick instruction here.

Again, happy sewing! I look forward to seeing your masterpiece!

XOXO

Tiên the Little Sewist

Cutting instruction:

After taping down all the pages following the instruction, the overall layout of the pattern pieces is much like this (the arrangement of pattern pieces will vary a bit with sizes because I want to utilize all space to result in least pages):

The cutting instruction is for the dress with facings. If you choose to sew the dress with bias binding, skip the front facing and back facing pieces. If you choose to sew the dress with bodice lining, skip the facing pieces and cut a set of front and back pieces in lining fabric.

A. Front Skirt - 1pcs
B. Back Skirt - 2pcs
C. Front - 1pcs
D. Back - 2pcs
E. Sleeve - 2pcs
F. Front Facing - 1pcs
G. Back Facing – 2pcs

Download links for the dress:

Check for your size in the Size Chart before downloading. Not finding your size? Comment your height, bust – waist – hip measurements in the comment box below and I will send you the custom-made pattern for you!

Petite XS	Regular XS
Petite S	Regular S
Petite M	Regular M
Petite L	Regular L
Petite XL	Regular XL
Petite XXL	Regular XXL

Basic dress block #2

I am posting here the basic dress block with the shoulder darts moved to the armhole and a half sleeve. The basic dress block with shoulder darts and long sleeve has been posted on my blog here. I am calling it dress block #1.

I plan to make some tutorial on pattern drafting, and that’s why I am going to post all the basic dress blocks with the darts moved around so that you can download whatever pattern you want and draft along – just to save you a lot of time drafting the basic blocks. And to save you some more time, I removed the seam allowance. You will not need to cut it off like the basic dress block #1 before starting to modify the pattern to your ideas.

This block has the front darts moved to armhole, and back shoulder darts removed. Although it is a basic dress block, you can also sew it into a sheath dress. It still looks really nice! I still make the kick pleat so that anyone who wants to make a dress from this block can use them if you want. Just add seam allowance, and it is ready to go!

PLEASE REMEMBER: THIS BASIC DRESS BLOCK DOES NOT HAVE SEAM ALLOWANCE! ADD SEAM ALLOWANCE BEFORE YOU SEW!

The pattern is created in pdf format using A4 paper. I can also create the pattern in other paper sizes (A0 to A4, Letter, Tabloid), so please inform me if you need them.

Print the patterns on A4 paper at actual size/no scaling/100%. Not sure how to print and cut the patterns? Check the guide here.

Do you want to add side seam pockets to the pattern for additional convenience? Just go ahead because it is too easy, just follow the quick instruction here.

Again, happy sewing! I look forward to seeing your masterpiece!

XOXO

Tiên the Little Sewist

Cutting instruction:

After taping down all the pages following the instruction, the overall layout of the pattern pieces is much like this (the arrangement of pattern pieces will vary a bit with sizes because I want to utilize all space to result in least number of pages):

The cutting instruction is for the garment with facings. If you choose to sew it with bias binding, skip the front facing and back facing pieces. If you choose to sew with bodice lining, skip the facing pieces and cut a set of front and back pieces in lining fabric.

A. Front - 1pcs
B. Back - 2pcs
C. Sleeve - 2pcs
D. Front Facing – 1pcs + Fusible Interfacing – 1pcs
E. Back Facing – 2pcs + Fusible Interfacing – 2pcs

Download links for the dress:

Check for your size in the Size Chart before downloading. Not finding your size? Comment your height, bust – waist – hip measurements in the comment box below and I will send you the custom-made pattern for you as soon as I can!

Petite XS	Regular XS
Petite S	Regular S
Petite M	Regular M
Petite L	Regular L
Petite XL	Regular XL
Petite XXL	Regular XXL

V neck 3/4 sleeve sheath dress pattern

(Scroll down to the end of the post for download links)

I am sharing the pattern for another office ready dress – the V neckline sheath dress inspired by the owner of the blog 30 Dresses in 30 Days.

This dress features a V neckline which is not too deep to ensure the dress is modest enough for professional setting. Although it is a basic piece, the dress gives the wearer the feeling of a confidence and power. I can imagine the office lady wearing this in an important meeting with clients – mixing it with neat hair updo, document files and black high heels – and impress the people in the meeting room. Or if you want to soften the image of a powerful woman, let your hair fall on your shoulder in soft curls, just like the girl in the image did.

One reason that inspire me to make the pattern for this dress is its color. I love cobalt blue. It is the royal color which gives the wearer the feeling of superiority and confidence. It is also not too bright, not too bold to make you look out of place in a serious professional event. Of course, if you prefer another color, just go with it. I am sure this baby will be great in almost any color!

This dress pattern has a straight skirt. If you prefer a pencil design, narrow down the side seams, starting from the fullest part of the hip (marked with notches) down to hemline. It is a really quick modification, mark a point at the hemline at the desired width of skirt hemline and draw a straight line (the red lines) from the hip notch to the marked point. Then redraw the seam allowance (the blue lines) and cut the pieces. You can see in the demonstration below:

The pattern is created in pdf format using A4 paper. I can also create the pattern in other paper sizes (A0 to A4, Letter, Tabloid), so please inform me if you need them.

Not sure how to print and cut the patterns? Check the guide here.

Do you want to add side seam pockets to the pattern for additional convenience? Just go ahead because it is too easy, just follow the quick instruction here.

Again, happy sewing! I look forward to seeing your masterpiece!

XOXO

Tiên the Little Sewist

Cutting instruction:

After taping down all the pages following the instruction, the overall layout of the pattern pieces is much like this (the arrangement of pattern pieces will vary a bit with sizes because I want to utilize all space to result in least pages):

The cutting instruction is for the dress with facings. If you choose to sew the dress with bias binding, skip the front facing and back facing pieces. If you choose to sew the dress with bodice lining, skip the facing pieces and cut a set of front and back pieces in lining fabric.

A. Front Skirt - 1pcs

B. Back Skirt - 2pcs

C. Sleeve - 2pcs

D. Front - 1pcs

E. Back - 2pcs

F. Front Facing - 1pcs

G. Back Facing - 2pcs

Download links for the dress:

Check for your size in the Size Chart before downloading. Not finding your size? Comment your height, bust – waist – hip measurements in the comment box below and I will send you the custom-made pattern for you!

Petite XS	Regular XS
Petite S	Regular S
Petite M	Regular M
Petite L	Regular L
Petite XL	Regular XL
Petite XXL	Regular XXL

The basic dress block #1

(Download links at the end of the post)

I would love to post here the basic dress block, which is the start of all kinds of dresses. If you are a just a bit familiar with sewing, you may have heard of this already.

When I first started sewing about thirteen years ago, I struggled with drafting a correct basic dress block for my figure because I was just a self-taught designer. I read a lot of designing books, and it finally became easier for me to draft the block for myself (at first, I was only thinking of sewing my own dresses). Gradually, I got more ‘customers’ who were my mother, my sisters, friends and their mothers. They all loved to have the custom-made dresses that I sew for them. Choosing between a dress made exactly for your figure and a store bought one, you know the result!

The hobby then became a small business. At peak time, I had customers waiting for 1 month to get their desired dress. I always draft a personal basic dress block for each of my customers and save it for the next time they come to me. As I had more customers, it took me more and more time to start from scratch, and I understand the feeling of those who must spend a lot of time beginning. That is why I turned to digital designing. And now I just need to input the measurements and print out the blocks. Next, I just need to modify it to make the styles to customer’s ideas.

A basic dress block is surely a great time-saver. From this you can easily modify and create all kind of styles and designs. If you are a newbie, just this block can turn into a great sheath dress! If you are already familiar with designing using blocks, you will find it enjoyable just copying it to drafting paper, then draw and cut them to your ideas. There are a lot of books about pattern drafting, and all of them start with a basic block. You can also find on the Internet a lot of blogs talking about pattern modification – I sometimes take ideas from them. Pinterest is also a good source for ideas – I have a board named Sewing where I put a lot of pictures related to sewing and pattern drafting. Surfing Pinterest has also become one of my favorite leisure time activity!

That’s enough with the blabbing! Now turn to the pattern pieces that I am sharing today!

The basic dress block is, um, up to its name, basic! And it is important – I must say it is the foundation of fashion designing. You cannot have a good dress if you do not have a good basic block – of course there are some dresses that do not require patterns, I will write about them some day.

As I am short and curvy, I love to make petite patterns to share with those who has the same problem with me. That is why this basic dress block is created for both petite size and normal size. It is also created without any seam allowance. When you finish modifying the block, add seam allowance as you love to.

The pattern is created in pdf format using A4 paper. The patterns use the sizes in the size chart here. If your size is different from the one shown in my blog, please comment your measurements below. I will make a pattern closest to your measurements. I can also create the pattern in other paper sizes (A0 to A4, Letter, Tabloid), so please inform me if you need them.

Not sure how to print and cut the patterns? Check the guide here.

Again, happy sewing! I hope to see your masterpiece!

XOXO

Tiên the Little Sewist

Download links for the basic dress block:

Check for your size in the Size Chart before downloading.

Petite XS	Regular XS
Petite S	Regular S
Petite M	Regular M
Petite L	Regular L
Petite XL	Regular XL
Petite XXL	Regular XXL