Two knit dress successes in a row!  Hooray!

This one is really thanks to Anna, both in terms of the fabric and the choice of pattern! The fabric is a gorgeous digitally printed cotton/spandex from The Cloth Shop. At the time of typing it’s still available. I love the mix of colours and the abstract design.

The pattern is the Style Arc Richie knit tunic dress. From their website: Perfect wardrobe basic to wear by itself or use as a layering piece. Featuring an easy fit with a flattering “V” neck band and extended shoulder line which is finished with a sleeve band. The high low hem line and patch pocket completes this style. FABRIC SUGGESTION: Jersey, unbrushed fleecy or any knit fabric.

I sewed size 12, and shortened the pattern an inch at about waist level before cutting out. Getting a crisp V neckband is important with this dress. For the fabric I was using, with 10% spandex content, the neckband pattern piece was the right length and worked perfectly, especially in conjunction with plenty of steam iron pressing and topstitching of the seam allowances. Always remember though that knits all behave differently; you may need to shorten the length of the neckband depending on the amount of stretch and recovery in your knit. I suggest that you baste before stitching! In this case the neckband seam is at the centre front where it shapes the V, and that’s where you’d need to take length out of it if necessary (such as if you’re using a rib knit). But honestly, I had no issues at all with the neckband using the pattern as drafted; the sleeve cuffs were also a good fit.

I used double sided fusible tape to secure the hemline before stitching it in place – I get mine here. I love these tapes when working with knits; they really stabilise things and stop topstitching from stretching them out of shape. And once they are secured, no pins needed! I often use the narrowest width to assist in pocket placement too.

I am sure that I will reach for this dress on a regular basis once the weather warms up! It’s a definite winner. Worn here with shoes from Django & Juliette and tassel earrings from Love Astrid.