Coral Summer Dress
A cool, loose-fitting summer dress with adjustable straps, a keyhole back and a pattern in sizes 34 to 56.
Project preview
This video is for members
Join Lulu Ferris to watch the complete class and sew along at your own pace.
What you’ll make
Sew a loose A-line summer dress with a halter-inspired front, shaped bust darts and narrow adjustable straps that let you position the neckline higher or lower.
The back features a customizable keyhole-style opening, and the armholes and straps are finished with narrow binding. An optional side slit adds another airy detail.
Coral is an approachable first dressmaking project for newer sewists ready to practice darts, binding and simple garment assembly.
What you’ll learn in this class
- Mark, sew and press the front darts.
- Stabilize and finish the armhole edges.
- Create narrow binding and continue it into adjustable straps.
- Sew and topstitch a neat center-back opening.
- Add an optional side slit with an even finish.
- Finish the upper edges and dress hem.
Fabric and drape
The sample is made in cotton with enough body to emphasize the A-line shape. A finer, more fluid fabric such as viscose creates a softer silhouette with more movement.
The class demonstrates stay tape at the armholes to help the edges retain their shape. The binding can be cut from the dress fabric or purchased ready-made.
Make it your own
- Raise, lower or close more of the back opening.
- Add a button, narrow cord or tie at the back.
- Adjust the side-slit height or omit the slit.
- Shorten or lengthen the dress before hemming.
- Use matching or contrasting binding and straps.
- Add pockets using the separate pocket class.
Pattern sizing
The pattern covers sizes 34/36 through 54/56. It is drafted for busts of 86–132 cm, waists of 64–110 cm and hips of 90–136 cm.
Total dress length ranges from 89 cm in size 34/36 to 94 cm in size 54/56. Check the intended length on your body before cutting or hemming if you plan to alter it.
The video class includes the Coral pattern in A4 for home printing and A0 for large-format printing.
Pattern & materials
Patterns are included with membership
Active members can download every available PDF and materials list.
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