Rock The Cloth: It’s a Wrap
Classic pieces are great wardrobe staples, and fortunately, some of them are versatile, allowing you to own multiple pieces. The wrap dress is one such staple. Depending on design details and fabric, a wrap dress can be made for just about any occasion. We thought it would be a good piece to learn to make, because of its versatility, and to providesome tips on amending.
There are other ways to amend the pattern:
o to create a blouse;
o add a collar;
o change the silhouette of the dress to be straight, A-line or gathered; and
o the length of the dress may vary, from above the knee to ankle or floor length.
Versatile design: The wrap dress may be designed for several types of events or occasions, so it is good to master the art of making it and eventually have a few styles created.
o Casual: Select knits and light cottons, or even denim for a casual look. The easiest design element for the casual look is the sleeveless version.
o Corporate: Add sleeves and in a print or solid fabric it is great for corporate casual, or a corporate shirt.
o Elegant / cocktail: A formal fabric, at knee length, gives you a cocktail dress.
o Evening: A soft, formal fabric with detail, such as a brooch at the waist and in the appropriate length, gives you an evening look.
This week we created two wrap dresses with the following design detail differences:
o Denim dress features:
o Collar
o A separate waistband
o Attached ties at the sides
o Print dress
o Separate band for waist, that may be replaced by a belt or not worn with the dress
o Seamed waistline
Steps to construct the dress:
1. Cut pattern pieces
2. Insert darts
3. Join:
a. Front to back of skirt at sides
b. Front to back of top at sides and the neckline
c. (for denim dress only) waistband at sides, inserting the ties in left seam
4. Join the top to the skirt (and in the case of the denim style, these are joined to the top and bottom of the waistband)
5. For denim – attach collar and attach the second tie at edge of the right edge of waistband
6. Join interfacing at the neckline.
7. Finish seams and hem
