Wrap front dress /tunic – sewing with knits

Craftsy Sewing with Knits - the final class project.  A cross-over dress/tunic from So Sew Easy.As you know, I've been taking the Sewing with Knits online video class from Craftsy.  And I've just completed the final project – a Wrap Front Dress.  In fact, this pattern is so adaptable and I'm so confident now in my stretch sewing, that I decided to try a few variations of my own to suit my own style, and this is the result.

The dress pattern is free with the course, and is quick and easy to sew.  But I always have to go that one step further, and so I made the following alterations

  • Cut the bodice in a larger size across the front and in depth
  • Crossed over a wider area
  • Narrowed the shoulders and added a little pleat in the front shoulder seam
  • Left off the sleeves
  • Cut it to tunic length
  • Gave it a slightly shaped hemline with longer length at the sides

Craftsy Sewing with Knits - the final class project.  A cross-over dress/tunic from So Sew Easy.I had been a bit concerned that the dress is designed to be worn with a cami underneath and only laps over a little at the front.  The examples posted by other students in the course, all look great, and it's so flattering.  But here in the Caribbean, it's far too hot to go layering clothes, so I gave the front a wider cross-over so that the neckline came up higher for a more modest front which I could wear without that extra layer.

Craftsy Sewing with Knits - the final class project.  A cross-over dress/tunic from So Sew Easy.

This was achieved by leaving out the front bust gathers, cutting a larger size, and crossing the front over more at the center.  I also tried to give a little room by adding in a pleat at the front shoulder seam.  The fabric is stretchy enough that I didn't have to worry about loosing those bust gathers, and the whole top is gathered with elastic under the bust line anyway to give it a nice snug fit, so I don't think it looks too stretched. What do you think?

Craftsy Sewing with Knits - the final class project.  A cross-over dress/tunic from So Sew Easy.I thought the style could look quite swing-y and retro, so I went with this bold print, and with the empire waist and the long loose tunic length, I like to think it looks a little 70's.  It's probably reminiscent of something I wore then ! I think this style is good for both work and casual wear, depending on the fabric and I can see myself making more of these this year.

I've also got a nice knit with sequins that could make this a very pretty evening top too worn with a straight black skirt or some black pants.  And it would hide a little ‘dinner paunch' too if you were eating out!  It would also look great with a ruffle added along that neckline – hmm, now I'm thinking….

Craftsy Sewing with Knits - the final class project.  A cross-over dress/tunic from So Sew Easy.

Altogether, another very highly recommended pattern from this course.  And of course you can add the sleeves and make it dress length too if you wanted.

In my next post about knit fabrics, I'll be writing a full review of the course, and the knit projects I've completed as a result AND even better, Craftsy is offering a special exclusive discount on the Sewing with Knits course for So Sew Easy readers!  AND there will be a chance to win the course for free too!

Authored by:

Bookmark the permalink.
0 0 votes
Article Rating
Subscribe
Notify of
guest

18 Comments
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments
lindalee62

I love every thing you make, I follow you on Craftsy since I first joined. Thanks for all you do and share with us!!!!!!

Heather Feather

I LOVE sewing with knits and am excited that you’ve gotten into it! The top looks great!

ginascraftcorner

Looks great, as always! I’d love to learn to sew with knits. I’ll have to be sure to enter to win! 🙂

Cindy

Love the top! The fit is spot on.:)

Jennifer at Momsgotmail
Jennifer at Momsgotmail

Thank you very much for sharing this! I love an empire waist since it is universally flattering.

Sharon Keeney
Sharon Keeney

It looks wonderful! You created a top both flattering, and cute! I am almost tempted to try clothes again….

elisabeth andrée

I love you dress/shirt, it suits you very well. Nice pictures too!

Toodie

That looks great on you! Wonderful sewing job and a very flattering pattern. Isn’t it fun?

lattegirl40

Fantastic! I would love to sew my own cloths, but have no luck fitting myself.

Marilyn

What a beautiful top! Your fabric and style are wonderful

AmandaK@whatthebobbin
AmandaK@whatthebobbin

Cute and breezy top!

Sarah
Sarah

I love it! I would buy five of those!

Karen
Karen

I think it looks great, and you did capture that retro vibe! Where do folks who love in the Caribbean to on vacation??? You already live in paradise…

Lixie

I’ve signed up for this course too but have only made the hoody so far and didn’t like the fit. I must get on with the other items as that top looks great!

Ana Lopes

Gorgeous tunic, love it and the seaside!
Have a nice week!
Hugs from Portugal,

Ana Love Craft

Kim
Kim

I love it!!! I just signed up for this class. I haven’t started it yet, but can’t wait to do so. I love how you altered the pattern to make it a blouse. Thanks for sharing.