Cowl neck knit dress- free pattern

After my last project – the Porn Blouse – I decided to return to using knit fabrics – easier to fit.  Ah ha, yes, but not necessarily easier to sew.

So Sew Easy - Knit dress, free pattern

Awkward Vogue style pose

I found this great FREE pattern submitted by a member on Burda. Although the lady in question is considerably smaller than me, I downloaded the pattern and upgraded it to my size as best I could by letting it out at the sides, bust and hip, but trying to keep the shoulder width only a little larger.  I also made it a few inches longer – I'm probably twice her age!

 

Another remnant bin find this week – a grey knit fabric.  It's quite firm and thick so I hoped it could be close-fitting but hide a few of the lumps and bumps – I don't like to show my undies.  Total cost $6.75.

So Sew Easy - Knit dress, free pattern

Making up was super quick and easy – just a front and a back, and a small facing for the back neckline.  But then it all started to go wrong – my machine got hungry and started to eat the fabric!  I was trying to finish off the arm holes by turning and top stitching but the fabric kept being caught up or the thread kept breaking – it took me the best part of two hours of unpicking and redoing to finish those and I'm still unhappy with the state of the stitches.

So Sew Easy - Knit dress, free pattern

But what really drove me mad was the hem – I have no idea why but again I turned and tried to stitch a straight hem and the machine and fabric went to war against each other.  Either the machine would eat the fabric and tear holes in it or it would refuse to stitch altogether – the needle would go up and down in the fabric but the stitches just didn't catch.  Arrgghhh.

 

In the end the bottom of the fabric was so destroyed by it all, that I just cut it off and had an unfinshed hem – and actually I really like it!  It's lightweight, smooth, doesn't ravel despite being through the washer several times.  So an unlikely success in the end.

So Sew Easy - Knit dress, free pattern

 

The dress is close fitting and I think quite flattering – I love the cowl neckline and the super smooth look with just the two side seams.  Not something I would wear everyday – not for my ‘fat' days.  But I certainly recommend giving this pattern a try.

 

The knit fabric really got the best of me this time.  That's it – I've decided.  I'm signing up for another Craftsy course – Sewing with Knits.  I'm really keen to master this fabric because I like the way it is so much easier to fit than a woven fabric.  Fitted t-shirts – here I come !

 

So Sew Easy - Knit dress, free patternAnyone want to sign up and learn with me?  We can share our tips and tricks and be sewing buddies…

Online Sewing Class
Authored by: So Sew Easy

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Rene
Rene

I think the link was removed. It take sme to some financial ad.

Mayra Cecilia
Admin
Noble Member
Reply to  Rene

Sadly yes, this is such an old post from 2013. Can you believe it? But this dress is so easy to draft I will reshare in Spring.

Renee, Melbourne, Australia
Renee, Melbourne, Australia

I’m busy Pinning for future when I have more time to sew. Just wanted to say thank you so much for your generosity in sharing your patterns and ideas, you are a true inspiration.

Miss Wobie

And I made an other one, a long one to go to a wedding 🙂
You can find it here: http://misswobie.blogspot.be/2015/07/een-lang-trouwfeestkleed.html

Miss Wobie

Thanks for the amazing pattern! i made a flowerversion, you can check the photos on my blog: http://misswobie.blogspot.be/2015/06/een-60-minutenkleedje.html

Betty DeMers
Betty DeMers

You LOOK amazing!!! You are such an inspiration! I’m guessing I’m the same age – probably older and most likely shorter, too – and still like to wear easy, one-of-a-kind, flattering clothes! I’ll be on the look out for some stretch fabric to try this style.

I have sewn really tight woven stretch before. From what I remember a special needle and a different face plate is the key. I’ll test it and see what happens. I bought some black stretch fabric last year and never used it for the project. Maybe there’s enough?

Thanks for posting so many good styles. I am working on your maxi skirt for my daughter right now, using your excellent instructions!

Blessings!

Dee @ The Kitchen Snob

I’ve never had an interest in learning to sew. Sure, I wish someone would zap me and I’d suddenly have the skill, but actually going through the motions to learn sounds like hard work. Found your blog through Moms Make Money and, if I read correctly that you didn’t know how to sew when you started this blog, wow! Very impressive! And this dress makes me want to sew. SO cute. Could see it in so many different materials. Florals or fun patterns make this a cute sundress! I like that it can be casual and dressy.

Yan
Yan

The dress is very flattering on you. I’m going to sign up for the Craftsey knit class now.

Olga

The dress looks great! I’ve been watching the Sewing with Knits course too although haven’t started on any projects yet.

Pam
Pam

Despite all the problems making it, the dress looks great on you!

Tropical Threads
Tropical Threads

Oooh lovely dress. I’m really wanting a cowl-neck t, or t-dress at the moment. I’m inspired!

I found your blog through pinterest. It’s great! I’m enjoying reading it. Must add you to my bloglovin’ feed 🙂

Andrea Harding

I made your fitted skirt yesterday, now I’ve just finished this one today. Fitted lovely, although it started as a dress and became a top (which was always an option) because the skirt part was a bit tight for the fabric I used. Top looks great and I think I’ll make another one, but try different fabric next time. Thanks again!

Tasha
Tasha

Aloha! Love your site. It has inspired me. Itching to get sewing. Enjoy your day.

Rajlaxmi
Rajlaxmi

I love it!!! It’s absolutely fabulous. You look awesome and that is a wonderful colour. Also love your writing style ^_^ I am making this dress as soon as I get my ewing machine.

Catherine
Catherine

Love the dress and considering the problems it came out looking really good. I wonder, were you using blunt needles for knits in your machine? I could see sharp needles causing the problems you describe.

Maureen
Maureen

I love the dress! I have also purchased the Sewing with Knits course on Craftsy but have had trouble watching it because the teacher seems so unsure of herself so I’ve only gotten to the supplies section. Does it get better especially when she is working on the patterns? I really want to learn to sew knits and like you said I tend to think I can run before I’ve mastered walking. By the way I read the post that you just put up for the trousers and I am going to have to make a pair for myself because they are beautiful!! I’m tall so I always have problems finding dress pants that fit and don’t cost a fortune. Thanks for such a wonderful blog. You’ve got a new follower here!! Have blessed day:)

Maureen
Maureen

Thanks I will!

ngnrdgrl
ngnrdgrl

I love the cowl neckline! It is very flattering! Great job!

Natalie
Natalie

I LOVE your dress, you look super!

Thanks for sharing on Tutorial Thursdays.
x
Natalie
http://www.marigoldsloft.blogspot.com

Renee
Renee

Looks fantastic! I’ve had my eye on a cowl neck shirt pattern on craftsy (hoping it will work for breastfeeding!)…just need to get some fabric.

Loretta | A Finn In The Kitchen

What a beautiful dress! I came over from Skip to my Lou. You’re making me wish I could actually sew…

Leslie
Leslie

Very nice, I love the way it looks!

Thanks for sharing your favorite post at Raising Imperfection! We feature our favorites on Friday, make sure to come back and check.
Leslie
http://www.violetimperfection.com

Lanaya
Lanaya

What a great dress. I love this type of neckline!

Thank you for linking to Raising Imperfection.
Please come back Friday to see if you were featured. 🙂

¤´¨)
¸.•*´
(¸¤ Lanaya | xoxo
http://www.raising-reagan.com

justine
justine

This looks fantastic on you! Thanks for stopping by!

justine
justine
Reply to  justine

BTW if you want to make a nice hem with a normal machine you should go out and buy a double needle which is designed for hemming knits. It looks very professional!

Diana Rambles

I am not sure if I am more jealous of your sewing skills or where you live! Both are great!!

Amy Mayen

Turned out great! What do you do to hem knits? Zigzag stitch? I’ve never gotten my knit hems to look good.

Amy Mayen

Thanks! I’ll be watching for it.

Theresa

Very cute dress, I think I may have to try it. I have a pile of knit begging to be something.
A little bit of advice, your machine may have a thread/lint jam in the bobbin case. This happens to me, and it just takes a quick cleaning and we are back on a roll. Hope you enjoy your class.

Becca
Becca

Very cute. I really like the cowl neck look 🙂
ahumblebumble.blogspot.com

Foster

This is really flattering. I love the simple look and the color. I’ve noticed that we keep posting on the same linky parties. Who could miss that, ah, blouse you recently posted. LOL.

annanicole
annanicole

It may have been an epic battle but it looks great on you! It’s very flattering.

Elaine

great top! thanks for sharing the pattern. i’ve been looking at that craftsy class… tempting to have someone to take it with!

hellokirsti
hellokirsti

I’ll have to try this pattern as ‘knit practice’ gotta start with something simple to learn through, I always try and jump to that expert level and get frustrated!