The pattern for women’s dress SILHOUETTE with a slimming effect
- The dress is of a close-fitting silhouette, it has raglan sleeves and a boat neck.
- The neckline is finished with facing, the side parts and sleeves are deliberately sewn from a fabric of a dark muted color, this gives the dress a slimming effect.
- If you sew the side parts from a light-colored fabric, the slimming effect will disappear.
- The pattern for women’s dress SILHOUETTE is constructed in a professional program for clothing pattern development and it is available in sizes 32–60 (find size charts below).
- Every pattern has multiple PDF files (A4 all sizes, A4 individual sizes, A1/A0, General Info, etc.) so the files are delivered as a single ZIP archive. You can unzip the archive online or download special software to unzip the files (such as WinRAR for Windows or The Unarchiver for Mac). Please use a computer to unzip and print the pattern, there might be issues with printing on mobile devices.
- When printing, be sure to select "Poster" and size "100%" to print the pattern correctly.
UPDATE:
This pattern was recently updated. The design is almost the same, but I changed the size of the side parts. For larger sizes, the side parts now extend deeper into the front and back pieces to achieve an even more pronounced slimming effect. I also added 6 new sizes.
Sewing instructions:
You can find sewing instructions for this dress here:
Instructions for a simplified version of this dress can be found here:
Difficulty level:
- This pattern is suitable for advanced sewers.
- How do I know the level of my sewing skills?
Suggestion:
You can sew this dress on an overlock or a regular sewing machine. I recommend using flexible seams when sewing with a regular sewing machine (narrow zig-zag stitch, three-step straight stitch, etc.) so that the seams don’t tear. I also recommend lowering the foot pressure and reducing bobbin thread tension slightly if your sewing machine allows it. Before you start sewing, I recommend reading this article:
Recommended material:
- This pattern is designed for knits of medium thickness – elastic materials. Use thicker cotton knit with elastane, French Terry, thinner uncombed laid-in knit, Ponte Roma, etc. Make sure that your material contains elastic fibers.
The required amount of material:
Primary fabric (back & front piece):
- 1 m (40") for all sizes
Secondary fabric (side parts & sleeves):
- Sizes 32–40: 0.8 m (32")
- Sizes 42–50: 1 m (40")
- Sizes 52–60: 1.2 m (48")
There are four versions of this pattern:
(you will receive all of them after purchase)
- 1st version: PDF A4 - Individual sizes view (with seam allowances outlined)
This pattern version contains pattern pieces with their seam & hem allowances. The stitching line is drawn in red, and the overall outline in blue. When using this version, cut the pieces exactly according to the template - blue outer lines. Do not add seam & hem allowances. - 2nd version: PDF A4 - All sizes view (without seam allowances outlined)
This version shows all sizes "in one picture" without their seam & hem allowances - multicolored lines in the pattern file are stitching lines. When using this version, transfer the pattern to the fabric and add seam & hem allowances. Only then cut out the pieces. - 3rd version: PDF A1/A0 – Individual sizes view (with seam allowances outlined)
This pattern version contains pattern pieces with their seam & hem allowances. The stitching line is drawn in red, and the overall outline in blue.
This version is not included in the pattern files. If you would like to have this version of the pattern, please contact me at petra@picolly.com, I will immediately send you this large-format pattern in the required size free of charge. - 4th version: PDF A1/A0 - All sizes view (without seam allowances outlined)
You can choose what works best for you. One size view saves time during preparation - you do not have to think where and how much to add for the seams, because everything is already there. The large-format patterns do not need to be glued. You can print them on a home or office plotter or in one of the many copy centers.
When and how do I receive my pattern?
After the payment has been credited to the account, I will immediately send the pattern files and sewing guide to your e-mail address. Then you just need to print and assemble the pattern of the desired size. Check out my article on how to assemble the paper pattern from A4 pages.
Size charts:
You can find more info about the size charts here:
Declaration
Pattern, including instructions and all photographs, is a copyrighted work, and any distribution, copying, or disclosure to third parties is prohibited and will be considered a violation of the Copyright Act (Copyright Act, Act No. 121/2000 Coll. / Zákon o právu autorském – Zákon č. 121/2000 Sb., Česká Republika), which may be prosecuted. Contents of the pattern (and instructions) are based on the personal experiences of the author. Your successes and possible failures are in your hands and the author bears no responsibility for them. But that doesn’t mean you’re on your own. Whenever you need advice, please do not hesitate to contact me at petra@picolly.com
Notice to companies
The pattern is not intended for commercial use. If you are a tailor (for example) and you want to use any of my patterns for commercial purposes, please do not hesitate to contact me. I will be happy to discuss my options with you and create a bespoke offer for you.
For best results, please read the following:
- The patterns are constructed in ready-made sizes because it is not possible to construct a pattern for all body types (the size chart would get too congested).
- To make the clothes fit the individual figure perfectly, you need to carefully measure them first. Then compare measurements with the size chart and paper pattern. That is the only way to find the right pattern size.
- Besides, it’s almost always necessary to adjust the pattern slightly to make it fit perfectly. (Even if we have two women whose measurements are the same, they will differ in other ways – one of them may have a narrower back and a larger bust, the other may be more muscular with a smaller bust. One of them may also have wider hips and flatter buttocks, the other may have narrower hips and rounder buttocks…) Patterns (and their sizes) are only rough guidelines. If you are going for a perfect fit, you need to perform fitting tests and adjust the garments accordingly. Sewing is a creative activity and you need to take into account that each of us is built differently. THIS APPLIES TO CHILDREN’S AND MEN’S CLOTHES TOO – WE ARE ALL UNIQUE.
- If you are using some pattern for the first time, always sew a “test sample” from a cheaper fabric first. Mark any adjustments in the paper pattern and then use it to sew the final product. It is a classic tailoring method. No two fabrics are the same, therefore, please note that what works with one fabric may not work with another. That is why you should always sew test samples. Sewing is not like baking, you can’t just pick the pattern and expect the perfect results without some measuring, testing, and adjusting. That’s just how it works.
- I also recommend temporarily stitching all seams that affect circumferences (such as side seams, instep seams, etc.) before sewing. So, you can try the garment on and adjust it if necessary. Do not underestimate ironing and testing the clothes during the sewing process.
- Also, don’t forget to carefully mark seam allowances. Beginners often forget about them. It is necessary to measure seam allowances with the measuring tape around the entire pattern and then sew along the correct sewing lines – seam allowances width away from the cutting edges. Careless work with the seam allowances can result in large deviations in the overall widths and lengths of the individual pieces.
- When positioning the paper pattern pieces always make sure that the pieces are oriented correctly.
Free patterns:
Not sure whether to buy a pattern? Not sure what the pattern will look like and if you ever be able to put it together? Download one of my patterns for free and see what it looks like and try using it. Free patterns are in the same format as the patterns available in the store. You check them out here:
Worth reading:
- How to assemble the paper pattern
- How to transfer the paper pattern to the fabric
- How to adjust the pattern
- How to scale the pattern proportionally
- How to baste the fabric
- How to choose a sewing machine needle
- Sewing elastic fabrics with a regular sewing machine – 4 steps to success
- 5 sewing tools that you cannot buy in the haberdashery
- How to choose a sewing machine – 5 important tips
- Sewing tips and tricks.
If you want to take your sewing skills one step further, I suggest you go through:
