Summer Dress with a Gathered Strapless Top
In this tutorial, we’ll show you how to make a beautiful summer dress with a strapless neckline. It looks great, feels super comfortable, and is very easy to make.
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 pattern-free summer dress with a fitted, shirred strapless top and a flared skirt. The sample combines solid red knit with red-and-white stripes.
The design is fitted on the wearer, letting you choose a short or long length and decide how closely the gathered top should hug the body.
What you’ll learn in this class
- Wind and sew with elastic thread to create shirring.
- Keep parallel gathering lines evenly spaced.
- Fit the shirred panel before closing it.
- Cut a pattern-free skirt with added flare.
- Quarter and match the top and skirt for an even join.
- Choose a raw, overlocked, zigzagged, or hemmed finish.
Fabric choices
Choose lightweight fabric with drape for movement and a light feel. The top and skirt can use the same fabric or two coordinating fabrics.
The demonstrated knit does not fray. Elastic thread creates the shirring, while silicone-grip elastic is an optional addition at the neckline.
Make it your own
Make the dress short or long, vary the flare, or add shoulder straps or bikini-style ties. See the bandeau tutorial for related grip-elastic guidance.
- Sew a matching children’s strappy dress.
- Sew a matching snap romper.
- Add a Celtic-knot headband.
- Add a reversible summer hat.
- Make a Kraft-Tex glasses case.
- Make a clear toiletry bag.
Pattern & materials
Patterns are included with membership
Active members can download every available PDF and materials list.