https://www.cutoutandkeep.net/projects/layered-dress-hack • Posted by shaunimagnifique
Transform your favourite dress pattern into a layered wonder that can be worn in loads of different ways! Add an extra layer of fabric to the front and back, and a waist fastening belt that can tuck, cinch or help to drape the layers any way you want.
Transform your favourite dress pattern into a layered wonder that can be worn in loads of different ways! Add an extra layer of fabric to the front and back, and a waist fastening belt that can tuck, cinch or help to drape the layers any way you want.
Select a dress pattern that you want to hack - a sleeveless pattern works best for this hack. I used Named Clothing's Kielo Wrap Dress. Trace out the front and back of the pattern again, making them longer if you wish. Add an extra allowance for hemming on the side and bottom of the new pieces. If your dress has a narrow seam allowance (like the Kielo) add a little extra to the neckline and arm holes.
Cut out your dress pieces as usual. Cut out your newly drafted pieces that will form the top layers of the dress. Cut out and construct 2 waist belt ties that will be inserted at the side seams.
Hem the sides and bottom of each overlay piece - this means they can hang freely and separately during wear.
Baste the two back pieces and two front pieces together at the neck lines, shoulders and arm holes. Stitch the shoulder seams together, treating the basted base pieces and overlays as one.
Sandwiching a waist tie in between, sew the side seams of the base dress, being careful only to catch the overlay sections in at the very top, just under the arm opening (see the picture).
Finish the neckline and armholes of your dress as per the instructions on your pattern, treating your overlay and base pieces as one.