DIY: Really simple Leather Shift Dress...

ashleyraynor1
Mar 21, 2015
2 min read

I've seen so many shift dresses this season, I wanted to make something a little different. I found this beautiful laser cut, grid pattern, faux leather in a tucked away fabric shop in London. The great thing about this fabric, and something to bear in mind when fabric hunting for dress fabrics, is that it's thin. That may sound stupid but most faux leathers are thicker less durable fabrics that have no flow. It also has a felt like inside which means its comfortable against your skin. This fabric is perfect and my only regret is that I had gotten more.

This is a very brief tutorial and doesn't go into much detail so beginner sewers may struggle. Those with some experience will be able to follow what I am doing...

So, this fabric cost me £6.50 per metre and I decided to get two metres of it. It was perfect for my little shift dress I had in mind (You will only need one metre to do a simple shift dress).

I drafted my pattern (I am planning on putting lots of tutorials of pattern cutting up later so don't worry, you can make your own) I rounded off the bottom corners to give a 60s feel to my dress and kept the neckline high...

Place your pattern onto the fabric, making sure the fabric is the right side up and cut out. Make sure you make a note of any darts or notches marked on the pattern that you may need for later. Cut all the pattern pieces out, you should have three...