Who is panic sewing with Christmas just a few days away? Me!
I finally sat down and made myself a proper party dress—and that’s how the Myles Dress was born.
When it comes to a last-minute party project, I have very clear rules: it has to be beautiful, party-appropriate, and SIMPLE. The kind of simple you can actually finish in just a few hours, not “simple in theory.”
The Myles Dress checks all the boxes. It comes together with only a few pattern pieces and a straightforward construction process. If you’re comfortable with the basics of sewing stretch knit fabric, you’re absolutely ready for this one.
The design features a fitted knit bodice that hugs the body comfortably, a halter neckline with a deep back keyhole, and a gathered skirt—perfect for showing off a lightweight woven fabric. The dramatic curved hem adds just the right amount of movement and playful flair, making it ideal for holiday parties and festive gatherings.
If you’re sewing on a deadline but still want something special, this dress has your back.
Let’s have a look at the design:
This pattern is available in ten different sizes, ranging from XXS up to 5XL. Be sure to consult the measurement table to select the size that suits you best. Size guide can be found in the pattern, or here: SIZE GUIDE.
The pattern is provided as a layered PDF; please verify your required size prior to printing to avoid unnecessary paper usage. A detailed first page outlining sizing and printing instructions is included, so it is recommended to review this information thoroughly to confirm your selection. If you require further guidance on printing a layered PDF, please refer to the printing instructions provided in this post: PRINTING GUIDE.
My patterns are available in Projector files, A4/Letter, and A0 formats for easy printing at home or any print shop. You can use either A4 or Letter paper, as the printing area suits both. Always print the first page and check the test square to ensure correct scaling before printing the full pattern to avoid wasting resources.
Some PCs, including my HP laptop, may not print true to size even at 100% scale; I need to set mine to 103%. Check your computer’s settings and adjust the scale as needed. A reader advised printing the PDF as an image to fix scaling issues, though I haven’t personally tested this method.
FINISHED GARMENT MEASUREMENTS
SEWING INSTRUCTION
TOOLS AND MATERIAL
- Fabric of your choice. The bodice of this dress is for KNIT fabric only. The skirt can be either WOVEN or KNIT, but should be lightweight and flowy.
- Clear elastic/fusible stay tape to stabilize the seams of the knit bodice.
- Scissors, pencil or fabric marker, ruler, pins
- Sewing machine/Serger or needle and thread
- Printed pattern
FABRIC REQUIREMENTS
Because most fabric will shrink after the first time washing and ironing, it is necessary to pre-wash your fabric. This does not only stop future shrinkage but also removes excess dyes and chemicals from the production process.
The fabric estimation is for pre-washed, pre-shrunk fabric. You may need to account for the shrinkage when using fabric that is not prepared.
If you choose to use fabric of different widths, color blocking, or mixed media, the amount of fabric needed will vary. It will depend on the selected pattern size, the width, and design of the fabric you plan to use. If you want to be sure, print all the paper patterns and lay them out at the width of fabric you plan to use. 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.
PATTERN PIECES
The pattern pieces are as follows:
- Front Bodice: cut 1 piece on the fold
- Back Bodice: cut 1 piece on the fold
- Skirt: cut 2 pieces, both on the fold
- Neck Binding: cut 1 piece
- Armhole Binding: cut 2 pieces
- Keyhole Binding: cut 1 piece
SEAM ALLOWANCE
– All seams: 1cm (3/8”)
– Seam allowance has been included in the pattern pieces. Cut pattern as is and use the above-mentioned seam allowance when constructing the garment.
CUTTING INSTRUCTION
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
This design is made for knit fabric, make sure you are comfortable working with stretchy knit fabrics. You can find a few tips to working with stretchy knit fabrics here: https://tianascloset.com/index.php/2023/03/27/how-to-sew-with-stretch-fabric/
1. Preparation
– Apply fusible stay tape along the neckline, armhole, and side seams of the bodice pieces
– Transfer the keyhole marking onto the fabric, and cut out the keyhole along the marking.
2. Finish the edge of the keyhole
The process is similar to finish a keyhole with bias binding. For knit fabric, you will cut the binding strip across grain.
Video tutorial: https://tianascloset.com/index.php/2023/02/16/how-to-finish-keyhole-with-double-fold-bias-binding/
3. Sew the dress bodice
– Place Front and Back Bodice pieces right sides together, match the shoulder and side seams then stitch.
– Serge/zigzag stitch the edges for a professional finish.
4. Finish the neckline and armhole with binding
– Finish the closed armholes with binding: https://tianascloset.com/index.php/2024/03/10/how-to-finish-armhole-closed-neckline-with-bias-binding/
– Finish the neckline with binding
5. Sew the skirt
– Place two Skirt pieces right sides together, match the side seams and stitch.
– Serge/zigzag stitch the edges for a professional finish.
– Gather the top edge of the Skirt pieces. Video tutorial: https://tianascloset.com/index.php/2023/08/13/how-to-gather-fabric-2/
– The Skirt pieces is gathered until the top edge measures about 25cm (10”) wider than the bottom of the bodice.
– Place the Skirt and Bodice right sides together, match the gathered edge of the skirt with the bottom edge of the bodice. The side seams of both parts must match. Stitch the skirt to the bodice, stretching the bodice to match the skirt as you go.
– Serge/zigzag stitch the seam allowances together. Press the seam allowances toward the bodice.
6. Finish skirt hem
Video tutorial: https://tianascloset.com/index.php/2023/12/14/how-to-sew-a-curved-hem/
You can download the pattern from here: