You can hear the camera flashes, you can feel the sleek runway under your feet. You take a deep breath, prepare to meet the attentive eyes of the audience members, and—you remember the only person watching is your reflection in your bedroom mirror. A beginner-level design with a designer-level result, the Albuca A-line Dress free sewing pattern is bound to incite such imaginations. And well, what can we say? For International Dress Day, we wanted to give you something to celebrate.
This timeless dress is made in a beautiful brocade, featuring seams running down the center front and center back, a double georgette lining, and a keyhole detail with a closing drawstring at the back. The classic silhouette of an A-line dress is universally flattering, accentuating curves while offering comfort and ease of movement. With simple construction and clear instructions, including basic seams and a minimal number of pattern pieces, even novice sewists can respond to compliments (that they are bound to receive) with “Thank you, I made it myself!”
Purchase Products Used Below:
- 2.5-3 yards of Metallic Lime, Gold and White Fantastic Flowers Luxury Burnout Brocade
- 1.5-2 yards of Mimosa Pesto Polyester Double Georgette
- 1 spool of 776 Bright Olive 250m Gutermann Sew All Thread
- MDF368 – The Albuca A-Line Dress Sewing Pattern (free download below!)
Alternative Recommended Fabrics:
How to sew The Albuca A-line dress free sewing pattern:
1 – Pin and sew the two front pieces at center front.
2 – Pin and sew the two back pieces at center back.
3 – Pin and sew the lining fabric at center front.
4 – Pin and sew the lining fabric at center back.
5 – Sew the front and back of the self fabric together at the side seams.
6 – Sew the front and back of the lining fabric together at the side seams.
7 – Pin and sew the self fabric at the shoulder seams.
8 – Pin and sew the lining fabric at the shoulder seams.
9 – Sew the lining and the self fabric together at the neckline, right sides together.
10 – Sew 3/8″ along the edge of the drawstring. Trim the seam allowance and turn outward.
11 – Press the seam allowance of the self fabric and the lining fabric at center back, then top stitch along edge to finish the keyhole. Leave 1/2″ open at the top to create a casing for the drawstring.
12 – Use the rolled hem method to hem the bottom of the self fabric, the bottom of the lining fabric, and both sleeves.
Sewing is a skill that takes time and practice to master. Don’t rush through your projects. Take your time to read and understand sewing patterns before starting a project. Familiarize yourself with pattern markings, instructions, and symbols. Remember, it’s okay to make mistakes – they’re part of the learning process, and create your Albuca A-Line Dress free sewing pattern today!
28 comments
Awesome
I love the simplicity! I’m super curious how this will hang on my 4x frame. Definitely gonna try this in a mini dress version.
merci pour ce patron top comme d’habitude
Love the dress but I need longer sleeves. Please.
For longer sleeves, Use pattern paper to add a couple inches down the sleeve area to your preferred length.
Can a knit fabric be used or would it be flimsy?
Hello Michelle, using a knit fabric might be too flimsy for this pattern, as it is designed for fabrics with more structure and weight.
Is it possible to cut the front out on the fold and avoid the center seam?
Yes that works
I’m looking forward to sewing the free pattern. Much appreciated. Evelyn
Is the pattern designed to be made using elastic fabrics? Thanks in advance for your answer
With a keyhole or a zipper at the back, there is no need for elastic fabrics.
Made this in the 4X, which definitely takes more than 3 yards of fabric. It’s super worthwhile though – I really love how this turned out. The bias cut of the front makes the top fit much better than I expected from the simple shape with no darts.
Very educative
Bagus
Nu
Vorrei sapere se sono comprese le cuciture?
Ciao, i modelli hanno un margine di cucitura di 1/2 pollice incluso
Is this a relatively easy pattern to follow for a beginner?
Yes this is an easy pattern to sew for beginners
is er naadwaarde in de patronen of moet die zelf bijgevoed worden
Hallo, al onze patronen hebben een naadtoeslag van 1/2 inch
I live in Florida and made this dress using a swim suit knit. It turned.out beautiful! I am making this again in a weave. Thank you so much.
Is it possible to add pockets to this dress?
Yes, you can easily add inseam pockets to this dress.
Usually patterns are drafted to a B-cup. How would one grade to a D-cup?
To adjust a pattern from a B-cup to a D-cup, start by determining how much extra room is needed at the bust. Measure your high bust and full bust, and calculate the difference; each inch typically represents a cup size. Moving from a B-cup to a D-cup usually requires adding about 2 inches in total (1 inch on each side). Next, on your pattern, mark the bust apex (fullest part of the bust) and draw a vertical line from the shoulder down through the bust apex and then down to the hem. Then, draw a horizontal line across the bust, just above the bust dart if there is one. Cut along these lines, spread the pieces apart to add the needed width (ensuring the fullness is distributed evenly around the bust), and tape paper behind the gaps to fill them in. Finally, true up the lines and smooth any rough edges, especially along the side seam, so that the pattern flows naturally. This adjustment allows for a more comfortable, well-fitting D-cup shape.
I would sew french seams if I made this.