Outfit Details:
Dress made by me (fabric here), Ann Klein Bag, Chinese Laundry Heels, Lisi Lerch Earrings c/o
A few weeks ago I attended a Mother’s Day brunch at Bottega Louie in Los Angeles. It’s a gorgeous restaurant right in the heart of downtown, and known for it’s amazing pastries — specifically macarons.
I always love having something new to wear to an event, and I had the idea to make this bell sleeve loose fit and flare dress. Of course I didn’t start it until about 10pm the night before (so typical for me) so I didn’t get much sleep, but it was the perfect brunching dress and I love how it turned out.
There are so many good bell sleeve pieces right now — I’ve rounded up a few of my favorites below, and I’m sharing the tutorial for this dress at the bottom of the post!
Bell Sleeve Fit and Flare Dress Tutorial
Materials:
3 yards fabric (I used this fabric, but it’s a little stiff so a knit like this might be better)
Matching thread
*Note: I do not provide printable patterns for my tutorials. Please use this video to create your own pattern.
First, cut your pieces. You’ll need a BODICE FRONT and BODICE BACK, 2 SLEEVES, 2 BELL SLEEVE pieces, and 2 NECKLINE LINING pieces. For your skirt piece, cut two rectangles using the following dimensions:
length = waist measurement x 1.5
width = desired length of skirt
(see step 7)
*note: alternatively, you can cut just one long piece and sew the seam up the back instead of side seams like in step 9.
Step 1. With right sides together, sew the BODICE FRONT and BODICE BACK together with a straight stitch at the shoulders.
Step 2. Take your BELL SLEEVE pieces and hem them on one of the long sides. Now do a basting stitch across the top of the ruffle, leaving your strings long on either end.
Step 3. Pull the strings of the basting stitch to gather your ruffle.
Step 4. With right sides together, attach the RUFFLE to the SLEEVE with a straight stitch. Repeat for the second sleeve.
Shop this Post
Thank you. You look gorgeous.You make it easy even for people (like me) who haven’t been sewing ever before.
Charlotte
You are looking absolutely wonderful! This is such a great outfit!
https://lartoffashion.com
Really enjoyed reading this! The dress looks stunning on you!
This dress is so pretty, i love the whole style of it!
Aliya x // http://www.aliyasabrina.com // https://www.bloglovin.com/people/aliyasabrina-10150959
Just to make sure I understand…you’re cutting the skirt pieces perpendicular to the grain, but the bodice pieces with the grain? Thank you.
I cut everything with the grain so the stripes all matched!
I was excited to see on your instagram post that rifle paper co. carries fabric! How do you think Rayon would work for this silhouette? would it be structured enough for the sleeves? or is there another dress tutorial you would recommend for rayon?
[…] → Click Here ← […]