Let’s face it: Jersey dresses are divinely comfortable but finding one that’s comfortable and unique is a bit of a challenge. A lot of them start to look the same after a while, right? With our Cyrus Premium Ultra-Soft Rayon Jersey, we wanted to create a fresh take on the jersey dress—one that will stand out amongst the others in your closet. The Whittaker Dress Free Sewing Pattern has a simple silhouette, but the asymmetrical neckline and side slit give it that extra oomph! I’d love to see this styled for fall with some ankle boots and a motorcycle jacket, or layered with a high neck long sleeve bodysuit underneath. How will you style the Whittaker dress for autumn?
Purchase Materials Used Below:
- 3 yards of Dark Taupe Premium Ultra Soft Rayon Jersey
- 1 spool of 524 Brown Grey 250m Gutermann Sew-all-thread
- MDF334 – The Whittaker Dress Sewing Pattern (free download below!)
Alternative Recommended Fabrics:
The seam allowance for this dress is ⅜”.
I used a serger for most of this dress, but if your sewing machine has overlocking capabilities that would work too.
How to sew the dress:
Step 1
On the front and back dress pieces, serge each raw edge where the slit will be. Then fold once and sew a ¾” hem using a stretch stitch on your machine. This step is for the slit only.
Step 2
Right sides together, fold the strap lengthwise and serge together to create a tube. Turn right side out.
Step 3
With the dress pieces right sides together, serge the shoulder pieces together.
Step 4
Fold the neckline hem band lengthwise, wrong sides together. Pin to the right side of the neckline, making sure the raw edges are all lined up. If the edges of your fabric are curling, take your time when pinning everything together. The picture in step 7 shows the placement. Stretch the hem band while pinning, if needed.
Step 5
Find the markings on the front & back dress pieces for the shoulder strap, then pin the strap on top of the hem band. The strap’s seam should be facing the wearer’s right. Make sure the strap isn’t twisted. Serge everything together.
Step 6
Repeat step 4 to serge the armhole hem band to the dress, then serge.
Step 7
Serge the front and back dress pieces together at the sides, right sides together. The serged seams at the hem bands should face down. On the wearer’s left side, stop at the top of the slit to leave it open.
Step 8
Serge the bottom hem, then single fold and sew a ¾” hem using a stretch stitch on your machine.
Step 9
Tack the shoulder strap to the neckline hem band to keep it in place.
Love love love this pattern!! I was wondering if you have any suggestions on how, instead of it being sleeveless, i could add one long sleeve to it?
Hi Emily! I’m so happy you love this pattern! Try using the sleeve from our Avens Bodysuit pattern. Both patterns were drafted for knits so it should work out great!
PLease, how do you download these patterns? I have to re-subscribe every one.
Hi Carol! Yes, downloading our free sewing patterns also subscribes you to our promotional emails. However, if your email is already in our subscription list, you won’t be subscribed again after downloading a pattern, i.e. downloading 10 patterns won’t result in 10 duplicate promotional emails. 🙂
You are excellent!!!!!!!
I like it
Hi, could you use French Terry fabric for this dress? And would it be okay for summer weather in that fabric?
Hi Shannon! We’re sorry for the delayed response! We get dozens upon dozens of questions each day, and sometimes a few might slip through the cracks! Regardless, we wanted to answer this! Yes, you could definitely use french terry fabric. We think this would look great!
This is a perfect vacation dress. You can look really stylish but also very comfortable. This could actually go from sightseeing to a night on the town.
Yes, Una! It’s the perfect vacation dress!
The pattern sizes range from 00 to 32. The instructions noted that 3 yards of material was used. My question. What size is the dress in the picture? How many yards would I need for a size 6 and a size 22? Thank you.
Hi Barbara, the yardage requirements per size are listed in the “shop this look” box, located on the upper right corner. This dress in the photo was made in a size 4.
Hi. Wondering if this dress would work in a stretch sequinned fabric (would need lining too I guess). I’m thinking it would be great in a more formal fabric
Yes, this pattern will also work with the sequins fabric as long as it is stretch fabric.