The Belinda keyhole dress is a simple design, taking some twist from the basic knit dress to add some fun to the daily staple. It features a knee length, fitted silhouette, a V neckline with tear drop keyhole and short sleeves. It is a simple sewing project that you can make and wear outside during the summer.
Let’s have a look at the 3D visualizations of the design:
As usual, my pattern is made in 10 sizes from XXS to 5XL so you may find a suitable size for yourself. If you are not sure which size suits you, take a look at the measurement table before doing anything here: SIZE GUIDE.
The pattern is made using layered PDF, please check for your desired size before printing so you won’t waste your paper. I have included a first page with many details about sizing and printing, so please first read the first page and make sure you know what size you need! If you still do not know how to print a layered PDF, please check for the printing instruction in this post: PRINTING GUIDE.
My patterns are now made in both A4/Letter paper and A0 paper format so you can print at home or at any print shop!
For home printers, you can print this using your home printer and either A4 or Letter paper. I calculated the printing area so that you will be able to use either type of paper to print the pattern out perfectly. Always print the first page first and check with the test square if you are printing at the right scale before you print out the whole pattern – avoid waste of ink and waste of paper, save the earth!
Some PC may print smaller than actual size even when you choose 100% scale – I don’t know why this problem exist, but my HP laptop cannot print true to size. I have to scale up to 103% to get the right size. You may need to check with your PC to see if it prints true to size, if not, scale up a bit.
You will need
SEWING INSTRUCTION
- This pattern is made for knit fabric – you can use jersey or other fabric with subtle stretchiness.
- Scissors, pencil or fabric marker, ruler, pins
- Sewing machine/Serger or needle and thread
- Printed pattern
How much fabric do you need for this piece of garment? This garment is not going to need a lot of fabric. To be precise, you may need to check how much fabric you need before buying. It will depend on the selected pattern size, the width, and design of the fabric you plan to use. Just to be sure, print all the paper patterns and lay them out at the width of fabric you plan to use (usually from 90 to 150 centimeters or 35 to 60 inches). Measure how much fabric you will need. Don’t forget to account for pieces that need to be cut multiple times and pieces that are cut on the fold.
Cutting instruction:
After printing out and taping all the pattern pages together, you will get something similar to this:
You will see that there are 2 sets of lines on each pattern piece. The inner lines are sewing line (and you sew along these lines), and the outer lines are cutting lines (you cut the fabric along these lines, remember the folding lines where you have to fold the fabric before cutting). The distance between sewing line and cutting line is seam allowance, and it varies from point to point. For example, the side seam allowance is about 1/2 inch (1.2cm), and seam allowance at hemline is 1 inch (2.5cm). This is the reason why I do not remove the sewing lines from the pattern. Please use it as a guide to know how much seam allowance you need to give at each seam.
The fabric will be cut into following pieces:
- Front: cut 1 on the fold
- Back: cut 1 on the fold
- Sleeve: cut 2
- Neckline Binding: cut 1 on the fold
Place the pattern pieces on the fabric, pin the pattern pieces to the fabric to secure them in place. Using sharp scissors, carefully cut out the fabric pieces along the outer lines of the pattern. Take your time to ensure precise and clean cuts, as this will affect the fit and overall appearance of your garment.
Make sure to mark all notches and other design features such as darts, pleats, draw marks etc. from the pattern pieces onto your fabric. When sewing the garment, pay attention to notches, they must match up.
Sewing instruction:
The Belinda front keyhole dress is one of the best projects to try for those who are new to sewing with knits. If you are still not confident in sewing with stretch fabric, refer to some tips on How to sew stretch fabric here.
1. Serge/zig zag stitch the raw edge to prevent fabric from unraveling. Because you are using knit, serging may be optional, but will create a more professional look for the garment.
2. Place the Front and Back pieces right side facing. Sew the shoulder and side seams.
3. Sew the underarm seam of the Sleeve. Hem the Sleeve.
4. Turn the Sleeve inside out. Align the Sleeve to the armhole of the main garment, right side facing. Match the notches, pin and sew to attach the sleeve to the main garment.
5. Attach Neckline binding to the main garment. After finishing the neckline, hand stitch the two sides of the keyhole, between the two notches on the neckline.
7. Hem the dress.
You can also add a side slit to the Belinda dress. Just leave part of one or two side seams open and finish like you would do for the slit on the Lola t shirt dress.
And here is the download link:
BELINDA FRONT KEYHOLE DRESS (SIZE XXS-5XL) A4/LETTER PAPER
BELINDA FRONT KEYHOLE DRESS (SIZE XXS-5XL) A0 PAPER
To download just click on the link above and choose “Save link as”. The PDF file will be downloaded to your device.
Happy sewing! And don’t forget to share your project on my Facebook page: Tiana’s Closet Sewing Patterns
Tiana
