Dramatic shoulders don’t seem to be dissipating this fall, and we jumped on this trend with a new free sewing pattern that’s perfect for structured fabrics. The Pine Dress is an otherwise simple silhouette with a gathered sleeve that lends itself well to brocades and jacquards. Bring this adorably chic dress into the holidays with a stiff velvet, moire, or even a mikado print!

Purchase Materials Used Below:

3 yards Metallic Bronze and Blue Leopard Brocade
3 yards Lustro Navy Twill Bemberg Lining
Gray-Blue 24″ Invisible Zipper
MDF170 – The Pine 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.

Begin by sewing the darts onto your bodice and skirt pieces, following the guidelines on your pattern. With your iron on a low setting, carefully press your darts down and out toward the side seams.

Repeat with your lining pieces.

Attach your bodice pieces at the shoulders and side seams. Press the seams open and then do the same with your skirt panels at the side seams. Then, attach your bodice at skirt at the waistline, again pressing the seam open.

Repeat with your lining again.

Create your sleeves by sewing the inseam and then evenly gather the top in between the two notches on your pattern. This can be done manually as you set your sleeve into the armscye of your dress, or you can stay-stitch between the two notches with a wide stitch and then pull on of the threads to gather.

Once gathered, sew your sleeve into the armscye and repeat with your lining.

Close the center back seam of your dress, starting at the hem and working your way up about 10″. Do the same with your lining, and then attach your dress and lining at the neckline and hem, fabric faces together.

Turn your dress right side out and insert your invisible zipper to the main layer of your dress. Slip-stitch your lining and the remainder of your center back seam closed.