How to sew a sundress: patterns and master classes

A sundress is an indispensable element of a woman's wardrobe. It can be beach, home, city, office, and even evening. Patterns of sundresses will help you to create any of these options on your own.

The hot season requires light clothing, and a sundress is just right here. Natural, flowing, flying fabrics will help you feel comfortable and be irresistible both in your own garden and on the evening promenade along the streets of the resort town. Of course, there is nothing more comfortable than a sundress for going to the beach.

A beach model is easy to make at home in an hour using a minimal sewing kit and a primitive pattern.

For a "sundress-undershirt" you need to make only one measurement - the girth of the hips. The resulting figure must be multiplied by two, this will be the width of the sundress. The length is determined arbitrarily, the main thing is that it covers the bottom of the swimsuit. The best option is to mid-thigh.

The length and width should be marked on the fabric, carefully cut out a rectangle. If the material is synthetic, it is enough to cut it with hot scissors without processing the edges. In the upper right and upper left corners, cut two armholes with scissors, and the product is ready.

If the fabric is natural, you need to add one and a half centimeters per stitching to each edge on the pattern, additionally cut out two strips for the straps.

The straps are sewn to the upper corners of the overlocked product on all four sides.

It is very easy to put on a sundress-vest. Throw one strap over the right shoulder, pass the fabric in front under the left hand, bring it back, forward again, and put the second strap on the left shoulder. The fabric drapes nicely into the shape of the body and reveals a pretty cutout on the back.

This model can be worn in other ways as well. Wrap it around your body, in front of your chest, and tie a bow or nice knot. There should be enough material for the fabric to fall freely and completely cover the swimsuit. When walking, such a pareo sundress will flutter beautifully, showing a tanned body, but will not make the image too frivolous.

In the past few seasons, off-the-shoulder clothing has not gone out of fashion. To get into the trend, it is enough to slightly complicate the pattern of your summer sundress, and sew a product with a beautiful flounce on the shoulders.

For this you will need:

• the cloth;
• threads to match;
• crayon;
• safety pins;
• scissors;
• tape measure;
• notebook and pen;
• elastic band from 1 to 1.5 cm wide.

The work is carried out in stages:

• The first stage involves taking measurements. For a simple dress, traditionally you need to find out the half-girth of the chest, waist and hips. If the dress will not be fitted, it is enough to measure your chest and hips. If the breast is very lush, the extra centimeters for darts are taken into account when cutting the fabric.

• The second stage is drawing the pattern. You need 4 details: two for the base of the dress, two for the shuttlecock. The length and width of the dress are cut out in accordance with the measurements obtained, plus 3 centimeters for an allowance on each side. The dimensions of the shuttlecock depend on how draped it should be, plus 2 centimeters for the seams. A belt is cut out separately from the same fabric;

• The third stage is sweeping. It is necessary to reduce the excess or make a new pattern, if there is a risk that the thing will be too small. In addition, it is easier to work on a typewriter when the parts are already pre-seamed together. It is better not to sew the shuttlecock to the base, but to pin it with pins;

• At the fourth stage, a machine is used for the firmware. Two base rectangles should be sewn together, not reaching 25 cm to the top edge - these will be the armholes for the arms. On them you need to lay a finishing line.

Parts of the flounce are sewn along the side seams, then you need to connect the middle of the base dress and the middle of the flounce, so that the same amount of fabric protrudes along the edges. You should get a T-shaped dress with a margin for the fabric allowance on top. Then split the two pieces with pins and sew the shuttlecock to the base from armhole to armhole on both sides.

Now it's time to hem the top of the sundress with a hem seam with a closed cut, leaving a small area through which the elastic will be threaded. The width of the seam should be slightly larger than the width of the elastic, the length of the elastic should be equal to or slightly less than the circumference of the shoulders.

To insert an elastic band, it will be convenient to fasten a pin to one end of it, stick it into the unstitched end and, gathering the fabric, stretch it along the entire circle until the next hole in the seam. The ends of the elastic can be swept away to make it easier to sew on a typewriter, and the pin can be removed.

When the top of the dress is ready, it remains to hem the hem and bottom edge of the flounce with a hem seam and overlock them.The belt is sewn last, and a sundress with a flounce on the shoulders is ready.

This model is suitable for girls with absolutely any figure. It can be modified with a belt and accessories to make it your favorite outfit for a walk or a romantic date.

A frilly sundress can also be sewn from knitted fabric. It turns out very interesting and unusual models that are perfect both for a walk and for an evening out. The following video will tell you how to do this:

Boho is the name of a style that implies an abundance of cotton fabrics, floral motifs, bright colors, lace, long skirts to the floor, and other attributes of bohemia and “flower children”. All this is the best fit for summer sundresses.

The choice of fabric depends on the style. The classic-style model will be made of velvet or knitwear, boho glamor is embodied in lace and chiffon fabrics, hippie chic tends to burlap and suede, boho eco for naturalness. But the most versatile option for warm weather and everyday wear is a linen sundress.

Linen clothes are 100% natural, have unique hygienic properties, breathe, do not cause sweating, are pleasant to the skin. It is easy to clean, dries quickly, does not fade, does not fade, and is practical to wear. In addition, linen clothes look unusual, stylish, and, despite their brevity, are expensive.

The simplest pattern of a linen sundress in a boho style consists of the minimum number of details and does not require complex measurements. This is the so-called apron sundress with wide straps.

The pattern is assembled from three or four parts, depending on whether the back is planned for the sundress, or the straps will be sewn to the belt of the skirt. The classic apron sundress consists of a breast, crossed straps and a skirt.

To draw a pattern, you need to measure the width of the chest (breast part of the sundress) and the height of the breast part. The length of the straps is the sum of the back height and half the front height plus 2-3 centimeters for the seams. The width of the straps is freely selectable.

The pattern is presented below.

Sewing begins with the fact that the breast is cut off separately and the straps are sewn. The straps are sewn to the chest, then folds are gathered on the canvas of the skirt. On the back, you should arrange a belt for this, a strip of ten centimeters wide is cut out and sharpened.

The hem of the skirt is hemmed and overlocked. Last but not least, you need to sweep away the upper and lower parts of the sundress and sew everything on a typewriter.

The color of a summer sundress can be any: white, blue, green, blue, cherry, brown. Fabrics with small floral prints, corduroy and ethnic motifs will do.

It is important to wear a sundress apron over a T-shirt, T-shirt, blouse. As an outerwear, it will be complemented by a chunky knit cardigan, a thin parka or a jacket made of faux suede.

This model is specially designed for the changes that have occurred to the figure. She sits quite freely, without hugging her belly and without constraining, and emphasizes the beauty of a woman during pregnancy.

Modeling a pattern is very simple. A classic sundress with wide straps consists of only two fragments: the base and the straps themselves.

For the base, you need to measure two parameters: the length from the armpit to the knees, calves or ankles, if desired, and a width equal to the circumference of the waist at the point where the belly protrudes most.

For a cool time, stock up on a model with large semi-woolen pockets. It will go well with turtlenecks and blouses. A sundress will look different if it is sewn from jeans, velvet or any other dense fabric.

In addition to the main fabric with a length of 120 cm, you will also need a lining for the pocket and an adhesive, as well as an elastic band, a drawstring tape and standard sewing equipment.

Enlarge the details of the pattern below to the desired size and print.

Fold the fabric in half and distribute the patterns over it. The bottom is cut out separately. After securing the parts with pins, trace the outlines, add 1.5 cm allowances on the sides and 2 cm below, then cut out.

Two pockets are cut out of the lining fabric with allowances, which need to be pinned to the bottom of the front. For tightness, a keeper tape is glued on the seamy side.

Sew the middle cut of the upper parts of the front, process the allowances and straighten the seam (the last steps apply to each seam). Sew on the lower part, combining the pockets. Then we grind down the darts. Next, we connect the details of the back and shoulder sections.

We cut out trims from the remnants of the fabric and sew them on, having previously strengthened with glue material.

Having tried on a sundress, mark the line for the drawstring (approximately 10 cm from the chest line), grind the tape, grind the side cuts and thread the elastic into the drawstring. It remains to process the bottom edge and decorate the new thing with beads or any decor to your liking.

It is a mistake to think that dresses are the prerogative of exceptionally slender young ladies. There are a considerable number of models of sundresses that can emphasize appetizing forms that captivate men from the Renaissance to the present day.

At home, it is important to choose the right style. On a full figure, from size 52 and above, wide models look advantageous, but not shapeless robes, but with an emphasis on the upper body. Cuts with a V-neck, which emphasize a lush chest and visually lengthen the neck, as well as models with a cut-off waist, are considered successful.

There are several ways to model a bodice. Here we cannot do without a dress pattern basis.

Cut off the top of the preferably expanded pattern along the waist line. We close the breast undercut, and we will expand the waist. We make a cut to the top of the closed chest and put a point, as shown in the drawing.

We pass to the formation of the bodice. From the top point in the side cut, set aside 4 cm. From the resulting point to the right, set aside 1 cm (point 6) and draw a parallel line.

From point B4 (line of the middle of the front) on the pattern, 13-15 cm are measured (point K). You can do more. From the bottom top of the shoulder dart G7 we measure 10 cm upwards and get the second point (K1). Now we connect it with points K and 6. But since it is necessary to arrange the smell, the line K1K should go to the left shelf, at least 5 cm from the line of the middle of the front.

Now we need to model the back. From the top of the side cut, measure down 4 cm and to the left 1 cm. From the point obtained, draw a horizontal line to the line of the middle of the back, and also downward parallel, as in the pattern of the front. The waist dart is closed, and the cuts at the top and bottom are rounded with smooth lines.

The final version of the bodice without an odor.

In the second version, we reduce the side cut by 4 cm, and increase the length of the right rug by 5 cm. The lower dart does not close, but is pinched. Mark the beginning of the calyx by measuring from your shoulder line. Then, as shown in the pattern, connect the upper point with a straight line to the scent point and a smooth line with a side cut.

As for the skirt, it can be straight, flared or half sun.

There is also a third option. You can outline on paper an existing top with a smell, for example. If necessary, correct and transfer to fabric. After cutting, we gather the halves of the front and combine.

To make the model fit and hide unnecessary seams, we will cut out 2 pieces of the yoke 10 cm high.The "sandwich" of the yoke, bodice and the second piece of the yoke is sewn together. In this case, both should be facing out. We process the armholes with a bias tape.

The back will be gathered with an elastic band. For her, a rectangle is cut out 1.5 times wider than the size of the back and the length from the beginning of the armhole of the front to the end of the yoke.

Having made a hem and stitching the back with an elastic band, we grind it to the front. It remains to cut out the skirt and process the bottom.

For an example of modeling a chiffon sundress, see the following video.

A thin green linen dress with a slightly low waist will perfectly accentuate your tan. And it will also add brightness and a little extravagance to the image.

On the pattern-basis of the front of the dress, we transfer the breast dart to the relief as follows: divide the armhole line in half, put a point from which we draw a smooth line through the dart at the waist. The dart on the shoulder is closed. Then we increase the waistline by 2 cm, and deepen the armhole line.

On the back, we deepen the cutout and armhole, and transfer the dart at the waist to the side cut. The waistline is also lengthened.

For the skirt, we measure the circumference of the hips.

We draw a rectangle. Width - ¼ hip circumference, and length - 60 cm.For a loose fit, add 3 cm.

In the front of the skirt at the top, measure 10 cm to the right and 25 cm down. Cut off the side and cut it separately. We draw a pocket.

The final result is below.

In addition to linen, crepe, satin, poplin or any other cotton fabric is suitable for this sundress. The model fastens with a zipper on the back.

Also, when cutting all the details, be sure to make allowances for the seams.

For summer, a tied sundress is also suitable, completely exposing the back.

An open back is beautiful, feminine, and most importantly - appropriate in an everyday look in the summer heat. Another indisputable plus is that you can sew such a sundress yourself using a very simple pattern or without it at all.

The basis of the style is a rectangle of fabric, where the width is equal to the girth of the hips, plus 6 centimeters for processing the edge, and the length is measured directly on the figure from the level of the armpits.

When the base of the sundress is ready, it is spread on a flat surface to outline the lines along which the elastic bands will be sewn. It is important to keep in mind that ordinary linen gum is not suitable for this purpose. They will look rough, ugly wringing the fabric and squeezing the chest.

For a sundress, it is better to use an elastic thread, while the fabric must be stitched before the rectangle is sourced along the back line or the side seam into a full sundress.

There are two ways to sew an elastic thread to the fabric: sew it in a zigzag pattern, applying it to the wrong side of the garment, or insert it into a bobbin and use it like regular threads.

The second option is faster and easier, but in both cases it will be useful to outline the lines with a small ruler at the same distance so that the line turns out to be even and beautiful.

The horizontal gather on the elastic thread can fill the entire upper part of the sundress or be placed only above the chest and along the waist line. If it fills the top, then the distance between the lines should be about 1 cm.If these are two independent lines, 4-5 rows are enough at intervals of 1 cm.

A rectangle of fabric, gathered with an elastic band, is sewn from the wrong side. Then the bottom edge must be tucked up to the wrong side by 1 cm, sewn with a straight stitch, bend by another 1 cm, ironed, stitched from the front side of the product. This method is called double hemming.

The fabric for a dress with an elastic band is very diverse. A solid color option in a trendy color is easier to combine with other wardrobe elements.A sundress with a pattern is more self-sufficient and original. Floral motifs, ethnic and animal prints look beautiful from the patterns. Geometric patterns can be spoiled by the number of elastic bands, as they are hidden by numerous folds.

Straight silhouette cotton sundress is the embodiment of simplicity and femininity. This model is very versatile in combination with things of various textures and fabrics, practical, and suitable for owners of different shapes. A straight elongated sundress visually makes any woman taller and slimmer, and plain fabrics and a narrow vertical strip will help hide extra pounds.

You can draw a pattern immediately on the fabric, without resorting to the complex engineering and design method that a paper base requires:

• Measurements are taken first. Only three of them are required: chest, waist and hips. The length of a sundress is a purely individual matter.
• The simplest version with sewn-on straps consists of two halves. For the back, you need to mark the length, apply the measurements of OG, OT and OB, after dividing the value by 2, connect the points with a smooth line. For a slender figure, this will be enough; for a more complete one, waist and chest darts are needed.
• The top of a sundress can be straight, then the neckline will turn out to be square, V-shaped or round. Any of these options can be drawn in advance by hand.
• The width of the straps is also very variable. On thin shoulders, thin straps will look better, on sloping and full ones - moderately wide. Straps made of fabric of a different color, plain or lace, look interesting. Also, lace can hide minor imperfections in the upper part of a sundress and lengthen a too short hem.

Like any product, after sweeping, a straight-cut sundress is tried on and checked for cut imperfections. After that they are stitched on a typewriter and, if desired, decorated.

Another affordable way to sew a straight-cut sundress without drawing work is to build a pattern using a T-shirt that fits your figure well:

• A suitable T-shirt is applied to the fabric from which it is planned to sew a sundress;
• Pinned around the edges with safety pins and carefully outlined with chalk on both sides;
• Then finish the bottom to the desired length. To the resulting silhouette, you need to add 2-3 centimeters to the seams. Cut and stitch two one-piece pieces.
• You can also sew a straight cut sundress from a modified pattern of a straight sleeveless dress. It is enough just to widen the side seams of the base model so that it is easy to put on a sundress without darts, and insert a side zipper.

It is recommended to sew straight sundresses for the summer from light, breathable, airy fabrics of light colors or with a bright pattern.

The American armhole is a special cut of the upper part of a top, blouse or dress, sleeveless, implying a beautiful diagonal line from the armpits to the neckline. She completely opens her shoulders, while the neck can be shown too or covered with a stand-up collar.

The American armhole makes the thing more feminine, attractive and elegant. She emphasizes beautiful female shoulders, which are not only comfortable to demonstrate in summer, but also fashionable.

The following measurements will be needed:

• waist circumference;
• hip girth;
• the length of the product from the waistline to the floor;
• the length of the side from the bottom of the armhole to the waist.

As a result, you should get one large detail on which you need to mark the height of the neck, the depth of the cut on the back, the depth of the armholes and the cut line in the middle.Front and back can be cut separately.

The model is stitched according to the following scheme:

1. Along the line of the center of the front, the dress is cut to the cut mark, then the two halves are tucked in turn and sewn on a typewriter. The narrower the hem, the neater the neckline looks.
2. The armhole and cutout on the back are processed with an overlock, tucked in by 1 centimeter and sewn. If the stock of fabric allows, you can make a double hem. The neckline is made in the same way.
3. An elastic band is inserted into the drawstring along the back cutout (it should only be at the back), which must be pulled together a little and secured with a line seam. This is done so that the dress from the back sits on the figure, and does not dangle in a fold.
4. For the neckline drawstring, you need to sew a tape, which in finished form will not be wider than 1 cm, or pick up a beautiful braid. It performs the function of strings. A braid made of strips of fabric instead of a trim will look original.
5. Thread the finished drawstring into the drawstring of the neckline. You can tie it around your neck or cross it on the back and sew to the back cutout.

A sundress with an American armhole claims to be elegant, therefore it is recommended to opt for high-quality fabric in rich noble shades. A single-color model will be adorned with a belt, handmade jewelry, patches made of beads, beads or artificial stones in ethnic style.

The maxi length makes such a thing convenient to combine with flat shoes, heels and wedges. A simple model without decor will withstand a modern combination with white sneakers or lightweight sneakers.

A laconic cut dress in the shape of a trapezoid is a good basic item both in a summer wardrobe and in the cold season. The wide hem hides the tummy, wide hips, imperfect waist, and emphasizes slender legs. A simple top is equally suitable for owners of a neat chest and a magnificent bust, focuses on beautiful shoulders and arms.

A trapeze sundress can be with or without sleeves, with patch and secret pockets, with a varied neckline, with embroidery, lace, flounces on the hem and other decor. Sewing any model is so easy that even someone who has never attended a cutting and sewing course, and has not cut anything except a chintz apron in a technology lesson at school, can handle it.

Any color suits absolutely, but it is better to give preference to plain fabrics. The style is interesting in itself, and does not require additional measures to attract attention, so a fabric with a pattern can look clumsy.

You can cut out a sundress immediately on the fabric, taking as a basis, for example, dense knitwear with a stretch effect:

1. With a width of 1.5 meters, only 1 meter of length will be needed, since the style assumes a short length.
2. First you need to fold the fabric in half twice with the wrong side up (a pattern will be cut out on it) to get a rectangle with sides of 100 and 37.5 centimeters. Then, with the help of a chalk and a ruler, the construction of the pattern begins.
3. The first thing to do is the neckline. Depth and shape can be anything; the classic version is a narrow round neckline with a depth of 4 cm and a width of about 8 cm.
4. Further, from the top of the neckline, the height of the armhole is laid down, equal to half the girth of the armpit. Through the lower point of the resulting segment, from the right edge, a line is measured equal to one fourth of the volume of the chest.
5. If the model is planned without sleeves, 5-10 centimeters for the shoulder seam are measured from the point of the neck height to the left. The extreme point of the segment is connected by a smooth line with the extreme point of the exhaust gas - these will be the armholes.
6. Then the length of the product is postponed. It can be made as large as the supply of fabric allows. The average length is approximately 80-90 cm. The corners are smoothly rounded, forming a hem line with a margin for hem.
7. The last step in building the pattern is to draw one diagonal line from the end of the hem to the bottom edge of the armhole under the arm. The drawing is ready and can be cut. It turns out two parts, one of which is the front, and the second is the back. The neck of the front can be made a little deeper.
8. Further actions are predictable and simple: sweep two parts, try on a thing, correct if necessary and start sewing on a typewriter. All internal seams are overlocked. The hem is made as narrow as possible, so the product looks neater.

How to sew a trapeze sundress in just an hour is in the next video.

A trapeze sundress can be worn as an independent wardrobe item, or it can be introduced into sets over blouses, shirts, items with long sleeves and a high neck.

A business wardrobe doesn't have to be boring. A warm woolen sundress is able to dilute classic trousers and pencil skirts, adding a zest to the image of an office lady, which is acceptable even with a strict dress code.

The best fabrics for the autumn-winter wardrobe are wool, semi-wool, dense knitwear, viscose. They keep warm well, drape beautifully and take shape. In a monochromatic version of dark blue, brown, black, gray and anthracite, they are indispensable in a business style. With them, you can make multi-layer kits in which it will not be cold on the way to work and not hot in the office when the heating is on.

Sewing a sundress in a business style is also not difficult, although it will require more time, diligence and the correct construction of the pattern. A base pattern according to individual measurements is best suited.

In the drawing of the front of the dress, close the shoulder dart and open 2 grooves in the armhole and along the side cut. The latter should be directed to point A, which was obtained by increasing the chest dart by 2 cm.

Draw a new line of the armhole and remove the dart at the waist.

We reshoot the resulting pattern and cut along the waist line.

Modeling the collar shown below and reshooting separately. We cut off the coquette.

We pass to the back. We remove the dart at the waist, increase the armhole by 1 cm and deepen the collar, and glue the front yoke to the back shoulder.

As a result, such details are obtained.

When applying a pattern to fabric, add seam allowances.

Collar (4 pieces), belt, slanting trims for neck and armholes are cut out of leather. For a belt, 10 cm wide will be enough. And the length is equal to the waist circumference, to which 90 cm is added.

We hope that the master classes we have selected and examples of modeling simple summer and winter sundresses will help you sew the perfect model that will delight you for more than one season.

You can see master classes on sewing sundresses in the following videos.