The Alira funnel neck knit dress is cozy and comfortable, a must have for winter. Make it with thick, soft knit fabric and wear it solo or layer it up however you like. This beginner-friendly project will take you only one or two hours to complete.
Let’s look at this design in more details:
Tiana’s Closet patterns are 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 KNIT fabric.
- Scissors, pencil or fabric marker, ruler, pins
- Sewing machine/Serger or needle and thread
- Printed pattern
Fabric requirement:
| Size | XXS | XS | S | M | L | XL | XXL | 3XL | 4XL | 5XL | |
| Fabric requirement (140cm/55″ fabric width) | cm | 222 | 224 | 226 | 228 | 230 | 232 | 234 | 236 | 238 | 240 |
| in | 88.8 | 89.6 | 90.4 | 91.2 | 92 | 92.8 | 93.6 | 94.4 | 95.2 | 96 | |
The amount of fabric needed will vary depending on the width of the fabric of choice. 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
Pattern pieces:
The fabric will be cut into following pieces:
– Front Dress: cut 2 mirrored pieces
– Back Dress: cut 2 mirrored pieces
– Sleeve: cut 2 mirrored pieces
– Inseam Pocket: cut 4 pieces into 2 mirrored pairs
– Neckband: cut 1 piece 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
Because you are working with knit fabric, make sure you know how to work with stretch fabric. This is a guide on How to work with stretch fabric.
1. Sew the inseam pockets to the front and back dress pieces
Video tutorial: https://tianascloset.com/index.php/2018/02/22/adding-side-seam-pockets-to-the-dress/
2. Sew the main garment
– Place two Front Dress pieces right sides together, match the center front seam and stitch to get the Front Dress.
– Repeat to get the complete Back Dress.
– Place the Front Dress and Back Dress right sides together, matching the shoulder seams, side seams and the pocket edges.
– When you stitch the side seam, start from the armhole, pivot fabric at the start of the pocket and go along the pocket edge then pivot fabric again at the end of the pocket. Backstitch at the corners of the pocket if necessary.
3. Sew the sleeves
– Fold the sleeves lengthwise, right sides facing. Match the sleeve seam and stitch.
– Set in sleeve. Video tutorial: https://tianascloset.com/index.php/2023/11/06/how-to-sew-set-in-sleeve/
4. Sew the neckband
– Fold the neckband in half, right sides together, along the vertical edges. Stitch to get a tube.
– Fold the neckband in half, matching the raw edges. Mark 4 equal sections on the raw edge.
– Mark 4 equal sections on the neckline of the garment with center front, center back and two other quarter points. Note that the two quarter points do not match the shoulder seam.
– Pin neckband and main garment right sides together, matching raw edges. Stitch neckline seam using stretch stitch.
5. Hem the garment
– Fold the 2cm (3/4”) hem allowance to the wrong side of fabric and press.
– Topstitch the hem at 1.5cm (5/8”) from the folded edge using twin machine needle.
– Stitch from the right side of the fabric at a straight stitch setting with two upper threads and one bobbin thread. The upper threads form parallel lines of stitching while the bobbin thread forms zigzag stitching and keeps the edge stretchy.
Below are the download links:
ALIRA FUNNEL NECK KNIT DRESS (A0 PAPER)
ALIRA FUNNEL NECK KNIT DRESS (A4/US LETTER PAPER)
ALIRA FUNNEL NECK KNIT 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!
