Who can resist a fantastic flounce ruffle that adds a fun feminine touch to an easy to wear top or dress!
I immediately fell in love with this latest pattern release from The Sewing Revival. This Flounce Top/Dress pattern offers chic styling and a huge variety of styling choices. If you love a good flounce or ruffle then this pattern is definitely for you!
The pattern showcases a double layered ruffle and a flattering V-Neckline. I chose to make the sleeveless tank to welcome in our warmer summer weather. There are however several other options that will transition you through all seasons and to variety of occasions.
The Flounce pattern includes the sleeveless tank and dress- with side seam pockets, another pattern highlight. Who doesn’t love a dress with pockets! There are sleeve options as well; a short puff sleeve and a long gathered sleeve. Both are classic styles that only elevate the look and feel of this wonderful pattern. The pattern also includes directions for a shirt with a back pleat if you prefer more room. I think this would also work well as a dress, giving you a more baby doll silhouette.
This is an easy to sew pattern that comes with excellent illustrations to follow along, or a quick sewing guide list for more experienced sewists. The construction of the top itself is very straight forward. I made a US Size 14 based on the bust measurement and graded down to a Size 10 through the hips. The bust darts add a nice tailored look to the bodice and help to draw the eye up to the flounce and neckline.
Your choice of fabric for this pattern should be mid-weight for the dress if you are wanting to include the pockets on the dress. If your are sewing the top you can use a light-weight shirting, or a drapey fabric. I chose a linen blend so that the flounce would have some structure. A light weight fabric would give you a more drapery flounce which would also be lovely.
The pattern construction focuses on the construction of the neckline and flounce to begin with. The flounce pattern pieces are cut in a spiral shape sewn together at the short ends to form two oblong circles. There are a couple of finishing options for the flounce hem. I chose to finish the edges of my flounce with my overlocked, making sure to match the colours of all 4 threads to the fabric. I really like this less formal finish and i think it adds interest to the flounce. I finished my hemline in the same way so that the top would have a cohesive look. Other options for finishing the flounce edge include a small zig zag stitch or rolled hem. The finish you choose will depend on the weight of your fabric and the level of sophistication your are wanting to achieve. One important thing to note about your fabric choice for the flounce is that you will see the underside of the flounce so you need to make sure that the backside of the fabric is similiar or adds a contrast that you like.
The sleeveless tank/dress is finished using the burrito method. The illustrations and directions in the pattern are excellent and provide lots of detail for you to follow along to complete this process. If you need more of a visual there are video links provided for you to sew along to. Video links for the short and long sleeve versions are also included.
I loved sewing up my Flounce Top. Adding the double ruffle was a fun process and a new skill for me to try. I know that I will be making this pattern again. Eact styling choice is different enough that you can fill your wardrobe with several styles and enjoy them all.
I am already thinking about a short puff sleeve floral floral top and a light-weight denim version with an exaggerated long gathered sleeve for fall. Can you imagine a sleeveless pleather or sparkle version for the holidays!!! I can.
After all… There is Sew Much To Design.
Happy Flounce Sewing,
Lou Sheffer
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