Elia Dress — Lulú Ferris

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

The Elia is a reversible short-sleeved dress with a deep round neckline on one side and a boat neckline on the other. Turn the dress around to wear either neckline in front.

Front and back casings hold ties that gather the dress beneath the bust or at the waist. The design also includes in-seam pockets.

The featured dress falls just above the knee, but it can be lengthened. Optional sleeve ties create a softly gathered detail at each arm.

What you’ll learn in this class

Choose a single-fabric or two-fabric version.
Position the casings beneath the bust or at the waist.
Align contrasting sections during assembly.
Finish the neckline with purchased or self-made bias binding.
Sew the in-seam pockets.
Make and thread the body and sleeve ties.

Fabric choices

Woven poplin gives the dress a crisper shape. A fluid woven such as viscose creates more movement and a softer drape.

Knit fabric is also possible, but it requires different handling and sewing methods. The neckline uses narrow bias binding, purchased or made from the main fabric.

Make it your own

Use one fabric throughout or divide the dress at the casing to combine two fabrics. You can also omit the casings and ties for a simpler shape.

Adjust the length, leave off the sleeve ties, or alter either neckline carefully. Raising a woven neckline too far may require an opening so the dress can pass over the head.

Pattern sizing

The Elia Dress pattern is available in sizes 38–56, with A4 files for home printing and A0 files for large-format printing.

The video demonstrates how the design choices affect pattern preparation and construction before guiding you through the dress assembly.

Pattern & materials

Patterns are included with membership

Active members can download every available PDF and materials list.

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