Dresses with elastic on the shoulders: simple patterns

Shoulder-to-strap elastic dresses are a fashionable and playful choice that combine comfort and a cutting-edge aesthetic. They are feminine and flattering, but they also offer a loose fit. These dresses are ideal for warm weather because of their off-the-shoulder design, which keeps everything airy and light.

It’s surprisingly simple to make your own dress with elastic at the shoulders. Complex patterns or advanced sewing abilities are not necessary. With simple materials and easy-to-understand techniques, you can create a stunning, personalized piece.

We’ll look at some easy ways to make these dresses in this article. You can create an effortlessly stylish dress that is both comfortable and fashionable by concentrating on basic patterns and elastic. Now let’s get going!

Summer dress with open shoulders on an elastic band

Made entirely of cotton, this loose dress looks amazing both in the city and by the sea. It accentuates the chest while expertly disguising minor figure flaws. A dress that shows off the shoulders can be made indecently easily, even by a beginner seamstress! Below, we provide a thorough pattern.

The hip circumference is the primary measurement we will need to take in order to create the drawing; however, if your chest circumference is greater than your hip circumference, pay more attention to the measurement taken along the chest.

Constructing a dress pattern

To lay out the allowance for folds, you must first draw a rectangle whose width (segment A–B) equals the hip measurement multiplied by 1.4. In order to achieve even more exquisite folds, multiply the hip circumference by 1.6.

The product’s height, or 65 cm, is the length of the rectangular part. The finished dress will be 40 cm long from the waist up.

With seam allowances excluded, the dress’s frill is 12 cm tall and its length corresponds to the product’s width (sections A–B).

Cutting details

  • Child. 1 (dress) – 1;
  • Child. 2 (frill) – 1.

Allowances for seams on the dress are one and a half centimeters, on the dress’s short and long sides and the frill, one and a half centimeters, on the dress’s upper and lower edges, and two and a half centimeters on top of the frill.

Sewing

Sew the dress fabric vertically with a basting technique. Iron, prepare the edges, and sew. The dress’s lower edge should be turned up, basted, and stitched.

Turn up and sew the frill’s lower edge. After that, align the frill with the top of the dress fabric, bast along the edge, and sew together as a single piece.

A tiny space should remain free for threading the elastic band. Turn up the allowances along the upper edge of the dress and frill, baste, and stitch. Insert a two-centimeter-wide elastic band, measure the length by trying the dress on the model, and sew the ends together. All that’s left to do is iron the dress, sew the open drawstring portion, and wear your new ensemble;)

Shoulder-elasticated dresses are a stylish and simple addition to any wardrobe. You can make a chic dress that fits comfortably and accentuates your shoulders by using basic patterns. Because the elastic in these patterns allows for flexibility in fit and the overall design can be altered to suit your personal style, they are ideal for beginners.

Summer dress: video master class

Sewing an original dress with open shoulders on an elastic band

In this summer heat, what could be more romantic than a loose dress with light flounces? Whether she’s going for a dinner at an upscale restaurant or a stroll around the city, any girl or woman will feel liberated and confident in such a dress. Many young women think that a dress with a flounce is only appropriate for "vacation" wear, but we can promise you that, with the correct shoes and accessories, an ordinary dress like this can look elegant and sophisticated like a magic wand;)

Flouncy dresses look great on "pear" and "hourglass" shapes, and if the belt is removed, they look great on a less expressive "apple." Ladies who have an "inverted triangle" figure—that is, whose hips are noticeably wider than their shoulders—are advised to modify the pattern. For example, adding a frill to one shoulder will help to slightly conceal the imbalance and prevent the upper body from being overdone.

Making a pattern and taking accurate measurements are the only steps involved in sewing this type of dress, which is not more difficult than the previous one.

Selection of fabric

Dresses with frills are sewn from a wide variety of fabrics – not only the composition, but also the structure varies! If you plan to wear the dress in the summer, we recommend that you give preference to thin and light natural fabrics – cotton, natural chiffon or linen. Models with a floor-length skirt look great if they are made of silk or satin. But for warm spring and autumn, you can find a fabric that contains wool with elastic additives, but soft knitwear is also suitable. If you want to be original, sew a dress from thin denim – this option is universal, such a dress can be worn both in the summer and on warm days of the off-season.

You have to consider the width of the decorative frill when sewing a dress with an elastic band and frill. For medium-density fabrics, it should be five centimeters or less, and fifteen centimeters or more for dense fabrics. The dress takes on a more refined, elegant look with an asymmetrical flounce (on one shoulder, as we suggested sewing for girls with broad shoulders).

Measurements

As usual, start by taking measurements. Take the hip circumference as a starting point if the figure is proportionate; if not, use the area with the highest volume on the figure. For a free fit of the product and lovely folding of the folds, add 15 cm to each side of this figure.

Determine the product’s length according to your preferences; a dress like this looks amazing in maxi, midi, and tiny sizes.

Make sure to allow for seam allowances on all sections! They can always be trimmed to a width of two to three centimeters if necessary.

You can build the pattern right on the fabric, but if you’re not comfortable with yourself just yet, trace it onto tracing paper.

Pattern

When complete, the pattern ought to resemble this:

The pattern’s measurements match the 46th size.

Sewing

First, with all seam allowances taken into consideration, you must cut out two rectangular pieces. Estimate each workpiece and sew together along the side cuts, allowing space for the top rim.

Processing the overlock’s armhole should come next. If you don’t have this tool, we suggest sewing a thin satin ribbon slanting from the remaining fabric over the cut.

We will then move on to cutting frills after that. After taking a measurement across the shoulders, double the result and add two to three centimeters for seam allowances. For the frill to form lovely folds, its length increases. Its width is determined by the fabric’s density; the more robust the material, the more magnificent it is, and the longer it can be.

The frill’s short edges are then sewn into a ring, the bottom is hemmed, the top is overlocked, and the frill is wrapped inside out by a centimeter or two, creating a drawstring. Allowing two to three centimeters for threading the elastic, sew. Sew up the hole after the elastic band has been inserted. Taking into consideration the armholes, stitch the dress and the frill together.

You can sew a piece of lace fabric or use lace to decorate the frill. Play with fabric texture and color. Make darts or sew the dress from knitwear if you want it to fit your figure. An even easier method is to simply make a belt that matches the dress;)

Summer dress with a frill on the shoulders + a secret for feeding: video mk

What to wear with a dress with an elastic band

There is always a romantic and feminine connection to lush frills. However, you can pair them with nearly anything; your only limit is your bravery. We advise attempting to cover the dress with a formal or leather jacket!

Additionally, shoes can be anything—boots, sneakers, flat sandals, or even classic pumps!

Because the dress is so bright, opt for "calm" accessories over statement ones. A clutch bag, stud earrings, and a thin bracelet will look great!

Young moms and young fashionistas alike adore these dresses. They are ideal for walks and photo shoots because they are easy to wear and do not impede mobility in the slightest. Make your family look stylish! 😉

Simple summer dress with elastic with frills at the bottom

Most importantly, this off-the-shoulder dress fits perfectly and can be sewn in less than an hour. Without intricate cuts and designs!

You will need to buy regular elastic and medium-density fabric (preferably made from highly breathable natural fibers). Standard measurements are obtained, including the length of the product from the waist level and the chest or hip circumference (the most extensive parameter is used as the foundation).

The completed off-the-shoulder dress pattern appears as follows:

You can use fabric to directly model it.

Sewing

The prepared piece of fabric should be folded in half before cutting, as the above diagram illustrates. Sew the dress vertically along the side seams. We create drawstrings by folding the fabric in half along the top and bottom edges. We will thread elastic bands through these drawstrings.

The frill is prepared by joining the pieces, sewing a line with four-centimeter stitches along the top of the frill, retreating two centimeters, and tightening the frill to the width of the lower cut, creating folds.

Put the petticoat together by sewing. processing the dress’s lower edge. Following the line shown in the drawing labeled "drawstring for elastic," we sew the petticoat to the dress two centimeters below the waist, leaving a hole for the elastic to be inserted into the drawstring.

We stitch the elastic bands together, adjusting the tension, and close the holes after we’ve threaded them through the drawstrings that are situated above the dress’s bodice and along its waist.

If you’d like, you can cut straps out of extra fabric and sew them onto the dress, modifying the length as needed. All set!

Sundress with flounce: video master class

Type of Dress Description
Off-the-Shoulder Dress A simple pattern with elastic on the shoulders, providing a loose fit and a casual, relaxed style.
Boho Maxi Dress Designed with elastic on the shoulders for a flowy, comfortable look, perfect for summer wear.
Ruffled Sleeve Dress A playful pattern with elastic around the shoulders, adding a touch of femininity with ruffled sleeves.
Peasant Dress This dress features elastic on the shoulders, offering a vintage, rustic feel with a loose silhouette.

Shoulder-elasticated dresses are a great choice for a fashionable yet cozy appearance. Even for novice sewers, they are simple to make, and they fit a variety of body shapes well.

You can make a lovely dress that fits well and stays in place by adding elastic and adhering to a basic pattern. Because the elastic allows for size flexibility, this style is forgiving and can fit a variety of figures.

Make a dress of this style for yourself or as a gift; it’s a fun project that blends style and functionality. You can create a stylish new item for your wardrobe that you’ll want to wear repeatedly with just a few basic materials.

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Anna Zorina

Textile technologist with many years of experience. My focus is on the development and production of fabrics, and I always strive to ensure that textiles are not only beautiful, but also durable. On the pages of this site, I share my knowledge and advice to help you understand the complexities of the textile world.

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