If you are looking for the perfect summer mini dress pattern to sew then you are in the right place! I designed this cowl neck mini dress pattern after being inspired by so many beautiful silk dresses on the market. I wanted to encompass elements from some of my favourite designs like the low v-back and the multi-tie straps.
The Perfect Summer Mini Dress Pattern
Step 1 - Fabric
The fabric I used for drafting this pattern is a satin backed faille that cost £18 per metre. I will be honest; this is the most expensive fabric I have every bought! But after seeing it in my local fabric shop, I simply couldn’t resist. Firstly, it is the most beautiful lemon colour. Secondly, when I cut it out on the bias it draped so perfectly. Finally, it makes the perfect summer mini dress fabric!
Step 2 - Straps
Firstly, I wanted customers to be able to play around with the dress to suit their style a little. So, I decided to make the straps long enough to be tied in different ways. My personal favourite way to tie this dress is like a halter. Each shoulder strap goes behind the neck and ties in a bow. While the low back straps tie together in the centre back. This helps cinch the dress in at the waist and gives a gorgeous open back look.
Step 3 - Closure
Next, after establishing I wanted tie straps, I started thinking about the closure of the dress. I know how off putting the thought of an invisible zipper can be so I made this dress without one! To get around using woven fabric and no zipper, I made the pattern to be cut on the bias. Since you cut the dress on the bias it has a lot more stretch to it than it would if you cut it straight on the grain. This way it is easy to slide on and off and drapes across the curves of the body without needing any darts!
Finally - The Perfect Summer Mini Dress Pattern!
I hope you enjoy making the dress as much as I did, and I can’t wait to start seeing all your wonderful creations! It really is such a gorgeous design and is easy to dress up or down depending on your mood! So far, I have worn mine on a walk through the park, a poker night, a trip to the supermarket and to my birthday brunch!
The pattern is available on Etsy worldwide and just needs to be printed and taped together before being cut out and used like any other pattern would be! It is available in UK sizes 4-26 and US sizes 0- 22.