Designer DIY || Sequin Dress

Hi there! I partnered with Minerva Fabrics to make this sequin dress! I initially picked out this fabric with the hopes of making a New Years dress but then I got the flu. *womp womp* But I figured there’s never a bad time to sparkle and shine, am I right?

I usually work differently than most designers I know… in that I usually first find fabrics that I like and THEN decide what to make out of them. After I received the sequin fabric from Minerva I did this sketch (I’m a touchy/feely type when it comes to fabric so I need to see what it does in my hands before deciding on what it will be)

This fabric is slightly stretchy and a little sheer so I used a black poly spandex lining underneath it. To make this dress I used a couple of my own patterns blocks

that you can download for free here!

For this dress I used the TS-1 (top of dress )

and the SS-1 pattern (which is the add-on skirt to make the TS-1 bodice a dress)

They come in sizes XS-3XL

I will use these block patterns I created for you to make LOTS of styles. With a little pattern-making knowledge and slight adjusting, it’s amazing how many DIFFERENT looks you can get out of ONE basic block. I adore pattern making so I like having more control over the fit and adjustment of each style.

Watch the videos below to see a 2 MIN FAST VERSION and a STEP BY STEP version on how I transform these simple pattern blocks into this asymmetrical dress!

2 MIN VERSIOn

FULL STEP-BY-STEP VERSION

Overall these are the main things that I changed about the pattern blocks to create this style

1) I adjusted the back bodice and skirt to be on fold instead of having a seam at center back. To do this all I did was trim “1/2 off of the center back and put the pattern piece on fold.

2) I then turned the bodice into an asymmetrical neckline so I only needed one sleeve. (Make sure you have the correct matching sleeve since the style is asymmetrical.

 3) As far as the sleeve goes I decided to change the pattern and add some volume to the top of it for a little drama. You can see how I did this in the lengthy video above.

 4) I changed the length of the SS-1 skirt. I wanted this to be more of a mini dress but you are welcome to keep it pencil length like the pattern. Just make sure if you decide to keep it long - add a vent in the center back since it is very fitted.

Note: I just used the same patterns for the lining minus a few adjustments:

1” off the skirt lining hem

1/8” off the neckline seam (I explain why in the video.

No lining for sleeve.

Additional tips:

- There is an invisible zipper on the right side of the dress that goes down about 5 inches past the waistline seam.

 - I draped the front cascade detail on the mannequin since I didn’t have much fabric left. I just made it work!

Overall, I really liked this sequin fabric from Minerva. The sequins were much smaller than I expected and they stay on really well! I also like that it has a slight stretch so its forgiving and more comfortable! Thank you to Minerva for the fabric!

Hope you liked this dress. Let me know your thoughts/questions!