Nerja Dress
In this sewing tutorial, you’ll learn how to sew a fitted dress and choose the dress length, sleeve length, and neckline style. The pattern is available in sizes 34 through 56!
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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 Nerja is a close-fitting knit dress with options for the dress length, sleeve length, neckline and side slits.
Choose the longer, below-the-knee version or the shorter version shown in the class. The pattern also includes short and long sleeves plus two collar heights.
Finish the dress with a slit on one side, slits on both sides or no slit.
What you’ll learn in this class
- Choose stitches and needles for stretch fabric.
- Attach a folded neckband evenly.
- Set sleeves into the open armholes.
- Match notches without stretching the seams out of shape.
- Sew and finish an optional side slit.
- Hem the dress and sleeves.
Choosing the knit
Use a knit with plenty of stretch so this close-fitting dress remains comfortable to wear. The instructor identifies rib knit as one suitable option.
Low-stretch French terry is not recommended for this design. Test the fabric’s stretch and recovery, as well as your chosen stitch, before sewing.
Use a jersey or super-stretch needle. An overlock machine is optional; a regular machine can use a stretch stitch or a straight stitch followed by a zigzag finish.
Make it your own
Combine either pattern length with short or long sleeves and the classic neckline or higher mock neck.
Add one side slit, make slits on both sides or close both seams completely. You can also lengthen the pattern for a full-length dress.
Try on the dress before hemming to confirm the dress and sleeve lengths. A twin needle can create two parallel rows of stitching at the hems.
Sizes and finished length
The pattern includes grouped sizes 34/36 through 54/56. The body chart covers busts of 86–132 cm, waists of 64–110 cm and hips of 90–136 cm.
The finished dress length ranges from 100 to 110 cm across the listed size groups.
This focused class uses one fitted knit design to practice flexible seams, neckband application, sleeves, optional slits and hems. A4 and A0 pattern files are supplied with an information sheet.
Pattern & materials
Patterns are included with membership
Active members can download every available PDF and materials list.
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