DOWNLOAD LINK AT THE END OF THE POST
I have been playing around with this design and find out I just love it! It has a V neckline for those who want to show of their sexy upper body part, and an empire waist to hide their tummies. I am expecting my second baby so empire waist design is a must for me! Unfortunately my sewing machine broke – I can just wait for the repair shop to help – and hopefully they don’t cut throats (praying).
Let’s take a look at the 3D simulation of this lovely dress:
I also love to play with more colors and patterns:
The Tammie V neck empire waist dress is created in 10 sizes from XXS to 5XL, which means even if you are skinny or chubby, you can find one that fits you best!
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 instruction here.
You can print this using your home printer and A4/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.
HOW TO SEW THE TAMMIE V NECK EMPIRE WAIST DRESS
The Tammie V neck empire waist dress is a bit tricky for beginners as it requires you to know how to sew invisible zipper. But don’t worry, you can make it!
You will need
- Fabric of your choice
- Fusible interfacing
- Invisible zipper
- Scissors, pencil or fabric marker, ruler, pins
- Sewing machine or needle and thread
What fabric can be used for this project? Although it depends on your choice, I recommend using woven fabric. If you want to use stretch fabric, go down one size for better fit. Opt for soft flowy fabric for a romantic look, solid color or fun prints, each will create a unique style.
How much fabric do you need for this piece of garment? 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 image:
You will see that there are 2 sets of lines on each pattern size. 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.
Fabric will be cut into following pieces:
- Front Bodice – 1 pc on fold
- Back Bodice – 1 pc on fold
- Front facing – 1 pc on fold + 1 pc fusible interfacing
- Back facing – 2 pcs + 2 pcs fusible interfacing
- Front Skirt – 1 pc on fold
- Back Skirt – 2 pcs
Make sure to mark all notches and other design features such as pleats etc. from the pattern piece onto your fabric. When sewing the garment, pay attention to notches, they must match up.
Sewing instruction:
1. Serge the fabric to prevent fraying. If you use non fraying fabric (like fleece or knitted fabric), you can skip this step.
2. Apply fusible interfacing to the front facing and back facing pieces.
3. Place the Front Bodice and Back Bodice right side facing. Pin and sew the shoulder seams. Repeat this with the Front Facing and Back Facing.
4. Place the joined Bodice and joined Facing right side facing. Pin to match all the notches and seams and sew the neckline. Trim and clip the curves. Turn the fabric toward the facing and sew a top stitch on the facing.
5. Sew two parallel lines on the lower edge of the Front Bodice using longest stitch length (only between the notches), pull to gather the fabric so it matches the top edge of the Front Skirt. Repeat to match the Back Bodice pieces and the Back Skirt pieces.
6. Place the gathered Front Bodice and Front Skirt right side facing. Pin and sew to get the Front Dress.
7. Repeat with Right Back Bodice and Right Back Skirt, and Left Back Bodice and Left Back Skirt.
8. Place Front Dress and Right Back Dress right side facing, match the waist seam. Pin and sew the side seam of the dress. Repeat with the other side.
9. Insert invisible zipper to the back of the dress.
10. Hem the sleeves and the skirt. All done!
And here is the download link:
TAMMIE V NECK EMPIRE WAIST DRESS (SIZE XXS-5XL)
Happy sewing!
Tiana
Congratulations!!!🍼💓 And thank you for this amazing pattern!