The Lobelia Dress – Free Sewing Pattern

Statement sleeves began to make their way into the current atmosphere of popular fashion back in 2018, and I think we can all agree that they’ve stayed around much longer than we all anticipated – and I am certainly not complaining. Giant sleeves look instantly elegant while having the added benefit of actually being super comfy (another trend we all jumped on this year). The Lobelia Dress gives us oversized batwing sleeves, a cinched waist, and the result is the cutest mini dress for your spring wardrobe!

Purchase Materials Used Below:

• 3 yards Mood Exclusive Navy Divine Dream Printed Stretch Floral Jacquard
• 1 yard Mood Exclusive Navy Blossoming Embellishments Printed Stretch Floral Jacquard
  • For Neckband & Belt
• 1 571 Bone 24″ Invisible Zipper
• MDF242 – The Lobelia Dress Sewing Pattern (free download below!)

Alternative Recommended Fabrics:

• Jacquard
• Crepe
• Cotton Sateen
• Linen

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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.

Step 1

First, pin and staystitch the pleat at the waist of your front panels. Similarly, sew the darts into the back panels and press toward the sides.

Step 2

Matching up the notches along the curve, attach one layer of your front neckbands along the front pieces, like below. Repeat with the back neckband.

Step 3

Pin your front pieces face to face and sew along the center front seam where your neckbands meet. Stitch from the waist up to the lower notch on the band.

Step 4

Attach the front and back of your dress so far at the shoulders and sides/sleeve inseam using French seams.

Step 5

Create your neckband facings and attach them at the center front below the lower notch, similarly to your bodice.

Step 6

Pin the facing face-to-face along the neckline of your bodice and sew. Clip the seam allowances, turn the facing toward the inside of your garment, and press. The raw edges of the facing inside your bodice can be folded inward and slip-stitched or you can stitch-in-the-ditch to secure.

Step 7

Create each of your sleeve bands and evenly gather the lower edge of each sleeve into one edge of each band. Fold the raw edge of the band inward 1/2″ and then fold the band in half. Slip-stitch inside the band to finish.

Step 8

Create your skirt by attaching the back panels to the front at the sides using French seams. Evenly gather your skirt into the bodice of your dress, matching up the center front, side seams, and center back. To avoid bulk, I recommend a regular seam bound with bias tape for a clean finish.

Step 9

Insert your invisible zipper at the center back before finishing up the remainder of the center back seam with a French seam.

Step 10

Lastly, hem the bottom of your skirt with a 1/4″ double rolled hem.

Step 11

To create the belt, sew the two pieces face-to-face along one short edge. Press the seam open, fold the belt in half face-to-face along the length and sew around the raw edges. Leave about 2″ open, pull right side out, and press. Slip-stitch or edge-stitch the opening closed.