Sometimes I’m drawn to a pattern because of its versatility, and sometimes I’m drawn to a pattern for its intricacies. Today’s Origami Dress is one of those I love for its detail and uniqueness.
I had this idea floating around, so I began trying to draft something beautiful. The only problem is that I’ve never drafted a pattern before, and something with so many darts and intricacies was a little challenging.
But I love the results. I used these gorgeous Art Gallery prints from the Cultivate line for my Origami Dress, but I also think this pattern would be stunning in solids so the darts stand out on their own without the need for trim.
The Origami Dress pattern is for a long-sleeved dress with a lined bodice and is a size 5-6. It doesn’t have any closures, and just slips on over the child’s head. I’d say this is an intermediate pattern. All seam allowances are 3/8″ unless otherwise stated.
Origami Dress Supplies:
Click the links below to find supplies you may need (affiliate)
- Download the Origami Dress Pattern
- 2 yards fabric
- 1 yard trim (optional)
- Sewing machine and thread
- Serger (optional)
- Pinking shears (optional)
- Tailor’s chalk or fabric marker
Instructions:
- Download the Origami Dress Pattern and then tape and cut out the pattern pieces.
- Cut pieces from fabric using the pattern pieces and also cut two 18″ x 36″ rectangles for the skirt. Transfer the pattern markings onto the front bodice.
- For the front bodice, start with the first dart (marked on the pattern piece) and fold in the direction of the arrow. Press your dart, then repeat with the second dart.
- If you’re adding trim to the folds, sew the trim as close to the folded edge of the dart as possible.
- Turn your bodice over, and sew a presser-foot’s distance from the folded edge of the dart like in the photo below. We’re defining the dart but leaving space so you still see the folds on the front side.
Here’s what the front looks like when you flip it over again (with all the darts complete).
- Repeat for the third and fourth folds. The third fold is not symmetrical, so the fold on the back of the bodice won’t be completely straight. Repeat steps 3 and 4 for these last darts. (Also, there may be a place where you need to trim excess, but I have tweaked the pattern to line up better since this photo was taken.)
- Baste around the edges of the front bodice where your darts are to secure the darts.
- With right-sides together (RST), sew the front bodice and back bodice at the shoulders. Press open seams. Repeat for lining.
- Lay your bodice and lining RST and sew around the neckline. Then notch your curves or use pinking shears on the seam allowance.
- Flip your lining to the inside, and press your neckline. Topstitch around the neckline. (And..different fabric for the rest of the tutorial. Ha!)
- Pin your sleeve to the armhole (armscye) of your bodice making sure the center of the sleeve aligns with the shoulder seams. Sew them together, and finish your seams. Repeat for the other sleeve.
- With RST, sew up the sleeve and down the sides of the bodice in one seam pivoting at the armpit. Repeat for the other side.
- To make the skirt, place the two rectangles RST and sew or serge both of the short sides (18″ sides) together to get a tube. I usually also serge around the bottom of my skirt at this point (as you can see here) but you can do it at the end too.
- Sew three lines of basting around the top of your skirt and gently pull the ends to gather your skirt.
Now turn your skirt inside out if it isn’t already. - With the bodice right-side out, place it inside your skirt so the raw edges are together (and right sides are together). Pin your skirt in place making sure the side seams of both your bodice and skirt are aligned.
- Sew your skirt and bodice together. Then flip it right-side out and press your seam up and check your gathers to make sure everything looks good. Then topstitch around the bodice.
- Hem your sleeves and skirt, and you’re done!
The Origami Dress is a gorgeous dress with straightforward construction and beautiful results inside and out. Give it a twirl!
I love the way the trim helps the Origami Dress shine and the details pop. I hope you love it as much as I do!
I'd love to hear your thoughts–leave me a comment!