I knew I needed to make a Briar dress. It really had to happen. I’ve been obsessing over the idea since I started planning the sewalong. I actually still have two more I want to make, a maxi and another that’s a surprise :) But I might wait on those for a few weeks because otherwise, this sewalong will just run on forever and ever with all the variations I want to cover.
I spent quite a while choosing the right fabric to buy – I wanted to use a Ponte/Ponti knit so that it would have a bit more structure and not be too figure-hugging or clingy. I’m really happy with how it turned out! This is the Sprite Ponte from Tessuti fabrics. The customer service is truly fantastic – I highly recommend them.
I did make a bit of a boo-boo and made it a bit too short in the front (oops), but I think with the length the original length as I describe in this tutorial (before I hacked a bit more off! ha!) would be perfect. Made in a black, navy or more subdued colour – I think this would be ideal for the office. I still like mine, but it doesn’t work as well for everyday wear as I’d hoped in this length – but it does make a rockin’ date night dress :)
You’re going to fall over when you see how easy this was…
First, we’ll need to draw some cut lines.
I started with the front pattern piece first. You’ll want to draw your slash line at the widest part of the pattern piece to make sure there is enough room for your behind. For me, it worked well to draw the line right above the centre front hem.
Once you’ve drawn the front line, lay your front pattern piece over your back, and draw a mark at the same point, then continue the slash line on the back piece.
Both your slash lines should be perpendicular to the centrefold lines.
Cut along your slash lines- then spread your pattern pieces by the desired amount. Put extra pattern paper in between the gaps and tape in place. (I spread my pattern pieces by 9 inches. This was perfect, and I really should have left it that way – but then I got scissor happy, and cut the centre front hem 2″ shorter. It was then too short. I would recommend not doing the same hehehehe)
Then using a hip curve ruler or similar, blend the seamlines.
After you cut out your pattern pieces they should look something like this.
To finish sewing your dress use these tutorials from earlier in the sewalong:
LOOKING FOR MORE BRIAR POSTS?
- How to sew the curved patch pocket
- How to sew the square patch pocket
- How to sew a neckline band
- How to sew a neckline binding (the Megan Nielsen way)
- How to sew a neckline binding (the traditional/standard way)
- The easiest knit neckline around
- Inserting the sleeves & sewing up the side seams
- Hemming
- Variation: How to draft elbow length sleeves
- Variation: A Valentine Briar sweater
- Variation: Centre front seam
- Variation: Side pocket Briar (by MadMim)
- Variation: The easy way to go sleeveless
- Variation: Leather elbow patches
- Variation: The dress
- Variation: Leather shoulder patches
Don’t forget to tag your creations with #MNbriar and @megannielsenpatterns when sharing on social media, and check out what everyone else is up to!
Don’t have the pattern yet?
