Drop Elastic Waist Dress Tutorial

     The sun finally popped its pretty little head out for just long enough for me to snap some pictures of a few completed projects. So, we get a blog post and a new tutorial! Huray for sunshine! You know, I've never bought a single dress that had this sort of waist. The waist always has seemed to hit at an awkward and unflattering spot, so I've always shunned them. I've seen some lower waisted ones about lately, and decided to give one a shot. I'm really quite in love with this style now...so super comfy!

       Of course, I had to try it in cobalt, naturally. I'm sure you didn't see that one coming. This dress is so simple to make, you must try it...I'm telling you, you will adore how easy it is to wear. Its like getting away with wearing your favorite over sized T shirt in public! I used a matte polyester knit that has a bit of stretch, but not a whole lot.
      Here is how you do it. First you cut out the top section, or the shirt part of the dress. Cut a rectangle as wide as you are plus an inch. Make the length long enough to hit your hips. About 27 inches is what I used for the length. Cut a neck hole in the rectangle. I wanted a boat neck, so I did a 5 inch wide by 3 inch deep curve on the fold. I like to taper in the sides under the arms a bit for it to have a bit more shape to it. Make sure to have happy music playing on your phone, and a tall cup of coffee sitting near by for the optimum sewing experience.

     Now for the skirt part, you need another rectangle. This should be as wide as your shirt was, and as long as you want it to be. Mine was only 16 inches, but I think I'd do it just a hair longer next time.

      Now, sew up the sides of both the shirt part and the skirt part. Leave a 9 inch opening for the arms.

     With RIGHT sides together, slip the skirt into the shirt. Pin the side seams.

      Sew the two sections together. It should look like so.

     Now you need some elastic. I believe mine was 1/4 inch, and I cut long enough to fit around my hips snugly.

       Sew it on to the waist seam using a narrow zigzag stitch. Notice, I'm still using my walking foot...I'm pretty much addicted to that thing...makes everything just sew together so smoothly! That was money well spent for sure! Pull the elastic nice and tautly while you are sewing it.

     Now your waist seam should look like this.

      I decided to sew little decorative tabs on the sleeves. They just seem to add the right touch to this style sleeve.

      That's all there is to it!

    It looks rather funny just hanging on the hanger doesn't it? That's ok, because its fab to wear.

      You'll like it best in cobalt blue...but, I'm not telling you what to do or anything...I'm just recommending. Throw on some tights, boots and a cute scarf, and you'll be set for cold weather too. This dress will also be available for purchase in my Etsy shop, if you're more the shopping type than the sewing type.
If you make one, I wanna see! I just love to see your spin on things! Have a  happy week!

Philippians 4:6   Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. 

Linking to:
Boogieboard Cottage
Homemaker on a Dime
Brassy Apple
Under the Table and Dreaming
Sew Much Ado
Pincushion Creations
Oranize and Decorate Everything
My Girlish Whims
The Southern Institute
Someday Crafts
Tea Rose Home
TaterTots and Jello