Spring may not be in the air just yet, but that doesn’t mean we aren’t meticulous about planning our wardrobes. With the popularity of Netflix’s show Bridgerton, regal silhouettes are all the rave. Keeping us on-trend for the upcoming season, Mood Fabrics’ Jarrah Dress boasts of Regency-core in all of its opulence. The empire waist is formed by the most delicate gathers. Your eyes are quickly drawn to the deep plunging neckline, complimented with a perfect bow in the center. Beaded trim along the neck and waist adds just the right amount of elegance to this sexy little number! All you need now are the perfect lace gloves and accessories to complete your look. Download this free pattern now and add the Jarrah Dress to your Spring sewing line-up!
Purchase Materials Used Below:
- 3 yards of Premium Suzie Creole Pink Poly Crepe
- 2 yards of Granada Dark Sand Twill Acetate Lining
- 3 yards of Vintage Fancy Pearl Beaded Fringe Trim
- MDF236 – The Jarrah Dress Sewing Pattern (free download below!)
Alternative Recommended Fabrics:
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.
For best results, it’s recommended that you make a muslin fit sample before cutting your actual fabric. The deep plunging neckline can be adjusted to your liking, or simply cut the skirt fully on the fold to omit the cutout completely.
Here’s How To Sew:
Bodice: For lightweight fabrics, you can add underlining to your bodice using any of the following: Cotton Broadcloth, Cotton Batiste, Muslin
1. Start by sewing in your darts on the front and back bodice pieces. Press your darts towards the side seam.
2. Next, pin your front bodice to the back bodice at the side seams. Stitch and press seams open.
3. Now, pin your straps to the front bodice, sew and press the seams flat.
4. Sew each of the bow ribbons, turn, press then set them aside. With right sides together start by pining the facing to the bodice. Now, insert each ribbon for the bow at the center front in between the facing and outer bodice. Pin in place. The ribbon should be 1/2″ away from the edge. Start at the bottom of the neckline and sew up to the top of the strap. Leave an opening to turn the strap right side out. Now, sew down along the other side of the strap and across the bodice back and backstitch right before the back strap notch. Turn right side out by pulling the strap through with a loop turner and press. Now sandwich the strap in between the facing and bodice and continue sewing across the back. Turn the finished bodice and press.
Attach Bodice to Skirt:
5. Pin your skirt front to the skirt back at the side seams and sew. Press seams open. Do the same for the skirt lining.
6. Pin your skirt lining to your skirt front at the “V” opening. Sew along with the opening and make sure to pivot keeping the shape. Clip a small cut into the v at the base without cutting the thread. Now turn your lining and press along the opening.
7. With the lining and main fabric together, sew a basting stitch along the top of the skirt front and back and stop 1″ away from the edge. Slightly pull the basting threads to gather the top of the skirt. Wrap threads around a pin at each end to keep the gathers in place.
8. With right sides together align your bodice front only to the skirt front and pin together. The facing should be free from pining. Make sure your gathers are evenly distributed as you pin. Sew your bodice in place.
9. Now, you can remove the basting stitch. Pull the lining away from the skirt and with right sides together sew along the center back seam. Only sew up to the zipper notch and backstitch. Do the same for the outer skirt.
10. With right sides together, insert your zipper between the outer bodice and bodice facing, pin, and sew. On the inside of your dress, turn under the facing edge of your bodices seam allowance and pin along the waist. Complete by topstitching your bodice to the skirt. For a clean finish, hand stitch your facing to the skirt. (I’m using a trim so I’m not worried about visible stitching along the waist)
The final thing to do is tie your bow at the center front and tack it in place. Adding trim is totally optional but gives it such a classy look! The trim I chose has a mesh backing that makes it easy to apply. Just fold back the trim making sure the beads are out of the way and sew as close to the edge as possible.
Another good tip is to pre-measure your trim and hand stitch the ends before cutting so beads don’t fall everywhere!
That’s it, you’re done!
8 comments
Beautiful pattern! That would make an amazing nightgown a well.
Pretty, but wondering if movement in the dress exposes indiscreetly. I think I would need a tank or camisole in addition to this piece.
Suggestion – you could put a small panel of contrasting fabric or some tightly woven lace in the gap! It would look really pretty.
Very cute, but definitely something I would need to wear as a jumper rather than on its own.
Did you use boning in the front of this dress?
Nope, no boning was used! 🙂
I am obsessed with this dress and want to make it for an upcoming holiday event but I’m having issues printing the pattern. All that will print is the final page. Please help.
Hi Shannon, I’m sorry you’re having some difficulty printing this pattern! It sounds like an issue with the settings on your computer or printer. If the problem continues, then perhaps you can send it to a friend who has access to a printer. We hope you’re able to make the dress! 🙂