We all get it – there’s a pandemic. Most of us are staying safe at home as it slowly, but surely becomes too cold for outdoor activities. Holiday parties are again being substituted with Zoom gatherings and virtual celebrations. Stay equally comfy and stylish for your next video affair in our newest free sewing pattern! The Elderberry Dress is equal parts comfortable and easy to make. You can elevate it with a woven fabric and optional back zipper, or skip the closure altogether and opt for a stretch version! We landed somewhere in the middle with ours, using an incredibly pliable ponte for the underlay and a lace with a decent amount of ease for extra comfort. Adding a zipper to this version made for the perfect fit!

Purchase Materials Used Below:

• 1-2 yards Premium Forest Green Stretch Ponte Knit
• 1.5-2.5 yards Thyme Tie Dye Floral Cotton Lace
• MDF222 – The Elderberry Dress Sewing Pattern (free download below!)

Alternative Recommended Fabrics:

• Velour
• Voile
• Embroidered & Eyelet Fabrics

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All seam allowances are 1/2″ unless otherwise stated. See chart below for sizing specifications. Note, this specific pattern is available up to a size 30.

First, create your bodice overlay and underlay separately, like below. Begin with the center front, adding your side front panels to either side.

The more angled edge of your side back attaches to the side front at the side seam, while the straighter edge attaches to the center back.

I recommend pressing open your seams if you did a regular stitch, or press them each toward the side seam.

Create each of your straps, folding them along the length with the faces together. Stitch and pull right side out with a loop turner or something similar. Attach to the face of your overlay at the princess seams.

Place your overlay face to face with your lining and pin. Be sure to match up each of the seams and sew along the top edge, sewing the strap into place as you do so. Clip your seam allowance at the curves and at any corners.

Be sure that your seams are pressed, either open or toward the side seams. Pin the overlay to the lining, ensure that each seam is lined up and then stitch along the seam to keep it in place. This also keeps the seam allowance down.

Hem the bottom of your skirt underlay with a single or double folded hem. Pin the overlay to the lining at the waist, both layers face up.

Pin both skirt layers to the bodice at the waist with the faces of each lace layer together. I recommend stitching with an overlock stitch.

If desired, add a zipper at the center back and then sew down the remainder of the center back seam. If not, skip the zipper and sew the center back seam on its own. Hem the skirt overlay and your new garment is ready to wear!