Special occasions call for special garments and our next free pattern, the Laurel Dress, is absolutely perfect for a night out on the town! Prepare to be the center of attention during cocktail hour and the life of the party at your exclusive event. You’ll sparkle and shine in this long sleeve bodycon dress as Mood Fabrics baby sequin mesh hugs every curve! The plunging neckline is tastefully done, and it’s fully lined in a matching stretch Ponte Roma. Try a stretch poly charmeuse for your lining as another option. Either way, comfort will be the least of your worries. You’ll be able to dance the night away with ease! Have a special night planned? Let us know where you’ll be wearing your Laurel Dress!

Fabrics & materials used:

• 2.5 yards of Navy baby sequins on mesh 
• 2.5 yards of Navy stretch nylon Ponte Roma
• 4 foam shoulder pads covered with polyester 
• 1 158 Navy 24″ Invisible Zipper
• MDF118 – The Laurel Dress Sewing Pattern (free download below!)

Here’s how to sew:

*Note: The pattern does come with waist darts but they are totally optional depending on how fitted you want your dress. I added my waist darts after the dress was complete for a more fitted look.

Pin the front to the backs at the side seams and shoulder seams.

Next, pin the front skirt to the back skirt at the side seams.

With right sides of fabric together, pin your sleeve along the seam and stitch.

Pin and set sleeves in place. Stitch.

Now, pin the top of the dress to the bottom along the waist seam. Stitch in place.

I doubled my shoulder pads for extra volume and support on my shoulders. Pin shoulder pads to inside shoulder seam and hand stitch in place.

Attach lining by pining to the neckline and cuff openings. Stitch in place. Turn dress right side out.

When installing your invisible zipper, make sure to sandwich the zipper tape in between the lining and the outer fabric for a clean finish. Add your hook and eye and you’re done!

Note: I used a 24″ zipper and cut it down to my desired length of 19″. You can easily shorten a zipper by marking the location of where you want to cut it, then simply sew over the teeth to secure it.