Empire Dress Sewing Patterns | DRCOS Patterns & How To Make

This is a free sewing pattern for a high-waist empire-line dress.

The bodice is fitted around the bust, while the high waist and loose skirt create a non-restrictive fit, making it also suitable as a maternity dress.

The look can vary greatly depending on the fabric — from casual everyday wear to an elegant wedding gown. Using patterned fabric can even give it a 19th-century French style.

The skirt section uses about 5 meters of fabric, but you can adjust the length to suit your needs. It features gathers sewn into a waistband; for a more fitted look, you can insert elastic inside the waistband.

The neckline is cut quite wide, so choose a size that fits well at the bust. The sleeve openings are finished with elastic, but you can omit the elastic and make the sleeves slightly longer for a softer, more flowing look.

This simple design also makes a great base for custom alterations.

The PDF pattern includes seam allowances, so it can be cut and sewn as is. After printing, align and join the pages along the guide lines before cutting out the pieces.

The production process is explained with translation software.

If you have any suggestions on how to write like this, please let us know at info@dr-cos.com

We operate this site with your cooperation.

* The skirt section is quite long, but please shorten or modify it according to the thickness of the fabric and your image.

(1) Sew the "Front Bodice" and "Back Bodice" darts and iron the seam allowance toward the center.

(2) Serging the shoulders and sides of "Front Bodice" and "Back Bodice", the sides of "Skirt" (except the back center), and the sides of "Sleeve".

(3) Sew the shoulders and sides of the "Front Bodice" and "Back Bodice" and the sides of the "Sleeve" together and press seam allowances open with an iron.

(4) Fold the top and bottom of the belt in 0.5 inch with an iron to make it easier to sew between the belt and the belt.

(5) Sew the sides of the "Skirt", press seam allowances open with an iron, and gather the top.

(6) Pin the "Skirt" between the "Waist band" and sew.

(7) Pinch and sew "Bodice" with "Waist band".

(8) Serging the back center of "Back Bodice", press seam allowances open with an iron.

(9) Roll and lock the hem of "Skirt", or in case of a sewing machine, fold it in three or Serging, and sew it up.

(10) Stick the stay tape on the back center of the "Back Bodice".

(11) Attach invisible zip.

* Use a 56cm invisible zip.

(12) Serging "Facing" with fusible interlining, press seam allowances open with an iron, and Serging on the outside of the perimeter only.

(13) Sew "Facing" to "Bodice".

(14) Serging the hem of "Sleeve", fold in 0.5" and sew it with a sewing machine.

* When inserting elastic, open a hole for the elastic and sew through it.

(15) Gather the sleeves and sew them to the "Bodice", Serging the seam allowance.

(16) Sew on the hooks.

Free Paper Patterns are possible because of your support.
If you use our patterns, please share them on social media and tell your friends.
Your support helps DRCOS continue to provide patterns in the future.