Leni V neck loose fitting dress is a simple and practical design. This beginner friendly dress features front V neck with plackets, extended shoulder, and curved front and back hem. It can be worn to work or to play, and the relaxed fit makes it great for summer!
Let’s have a look at the details:
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! I also included a projector file for those who are more tech savvy and have a projector at home!
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. I was informed by a reader that you can also print the pdf as image to get the right scale, however I never tested it on my computer.
SEWING INSTRUCTION
You will need:
- Fabric of your choice. This pattern is intended for WOVEN fabric.
- Some lightweight fusible interfacing
- 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? 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
The pattern pieces are as follows:
All my patterns already include 1cm (3/8in) seam allowance. Just cut the pattern pieces as is and use a 1cm seam allowance when you sew.
The fabric will be cut into following pieces:
- Front: cut 1 piece on the fold
- Back: cut 1 piece on the fold
- Front Placket: cut 2 pieces
- Back Neck Facing: cut 1 piece main fabric + 1 piece fusible interfacing
- Armhole Binding: cut 2 pieces on bias
- Waist Tie: cut 1 piece (the length depends on your preference, usually 1.5 to 2 times your waist measurement
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
1. Sew the placket on the Front
Video tutorial: https://tianascloset.com/index.php/2023/04/28/how-to-sew-placket/ (second video)
2. Sew the facing to the Back
– Apply fusible interfacing to Back Neck Facing
– Place Back Neck Facing and Back Dress right sides together, matching the neckline.
– Stitch the back neck seam. Trim off half of seam allowance and clip the curves. Understitch the seam allowance to the facing piece.
3. Sew main garment
– Place Front and Back dress right sides together, matching the side seams and shoulder seam.
– Flip the Back Neck Facing so that a part of the shoulder of the Front piece (from the neckline to the side) is sandwiched between the Back and Back Neck Facing. Make sure the neckline edges of the Front and Back align.
– Stitch the shoulder seams and side seams to get the main garment. You can also add inseam pockets if you like. Video tutorial: https://tianascloset.com/index.php/2018/02/22/adding-side-seam-pockets-to-the-dress/
4. Finish armholes with bias tape
Video tutorial: https://tianascloset.com/index.php/2024/02/16/how-to-sew-bias-facing/
5. Finish garment hem
Video tutorial: https://tianascloset.com/index.php/2023/12/14/how-to-sew-a-curved-hem/
6. Sew the tie straps
– Fold the tie strap in half lengthwise, right sides facing in, and stitch one short edge and the long edge.
– Turn fabric right side out, fold the tip of the open end to the inside of the tube and topstitch.
This is the download link:
LENI LOOSE FIT DRESS (A0 PAPER)
LENI LOOSE FIT DRESS (A4/LETTER PAPER)
LENI LOOSE FIT DRESS (PROJECTOR FILE)
To download just click on the link above and choose “Save link as”. The PDF file will be downloaded to your device. An advertisement may pop up, just close it and continue with your download. In case some ads attempt to make you enter your personal info, just ignore and close it. I do NOT require any kind of information to download my pattern files.
Happy sewing! And don’t forget to share your project on my Facebook page: Tiana’s Closet Sewing Patterns or tag me on Instagram #tianasclosetsewingpatterns, I will be thrilled to see the garment in real life!
