ALLEGRO the cozy dress - Sewalong

Relaxed and refined, the Allegro dress guarantees you maximum effect with minimum effort. Its design is composed of an oversize silhouette accented by dropped shoulders, a V-neck and sleeves cut above the elbow. To make the most of your dress, choose a breathable fiber such as organic cotton or bamboo. Wear it as is with sneakers or play with its volume by adding a belt.

NOTIONS:
Stretch needle, all-purpose thread, textured thread (optional, see below) and double stretch needle (optional).

MAIN FABRIC:
- 4-way stretch knit, sweater knits and velvet WITH SPANDEX
Width: 150cm (59") Length: XXS-M=1.3m (1 1/2yd) L-XL=1.4m (1 5/8yd) 2XL=1.5m (1 3/4yd)

BODY MEASUREMENTS (ease not included):

- The bust is measured at the widest part of the chest while taking a deep breath.
- The hips are measured at the widest part of the buttocks, at the same level as the wrists.


FINISHED GARMENT MEASUREMENTS (ease included):



GUIDELINES:
- To choose a size, compare your bust measurement with the BODY MEASUREMENTS table. Do not base yourself on the size you buy in stores.
- If you are between two sizes, opt for the larger one.
- Adjust the pattern at the hips level if your measure corresponds to another size than the chosen one.
- The pattern is drafted according to the height of 1m63 (5ft4). If needed, adapt it to your height using the adjustment lines.
- The pattern is drafted according to the B cup size. If needed, adapt it to your size using a full bust adjustment.





CUTTING LAYOUTS:
1- Before cutting out your fabric, be sure to wash it and press it according to the care instructions recommended for its type.

2- Refer to the cutting layouts to lay the fabric and cut out the pattern pieces. Then, notch the edge of the fabric where indicated by making small clips of about 2-3mm (1/8"). Notch also the centre back of the pieces that are cut on the fold.



PATTERN PIECES:
A- Back (x2 fabric)
B- Front (x1 fabric)
C- Neckband (x1 fabric)
D- Sleeve (x2 fabric)


SEWING INSTRUCTIONS:
***Unless stated otherwise, sew at 1cm (3/8") from the edge.***

1- With RIGHT SIDES TOGETHER, sew the back panels at the centre back. Edge-finish the seam allowances and press them to one side.




2- With RIGHT SIDES TOGETHER, sew the front and back panels at the shoulders. Edge-finish the seam allowances and press them to the back.




3- Clip the centre of the front neckline just to the sewing line, meaning at 1cm (3/8") from the edges.




With WRONG SIDES TOGETHER, fold the neckband lengthwise and press. Then, overlap the ends to form the V-shaped neckline. Baste the overlapped parts in place.




With RIGHT SIDES TOGETHER, pin the neckband to the neckline. Be sure that the band is stretched to match up the centre back and the shoulder notches.




Set your sewing machine to a regular stitch. Then, sew the neckband to the garment on a section of about 3-4cm (1 1/8-1 1/2") from each side of the centre front. Sew with the WRONG SIDE of the garment facing up, flattening the fabric to prevent from catching any pleats.  When pivoting in the corner, the needle should be as close as possible to the clipping made previously.




Then, sew the neckband using a narrow zigzag or an overlocker (serger). Start at the centre front, on one side of the corner, and sew with the band facing up. Edge-finish the seam allowances.




Press the seam allowances to the bottom and fold up the neckband.




This step is optional. To maintain the seam allowances in place, edge-stitch the neckline.




4- With RIGHT SIDES TOGETHER, sew the top edge of the sleeves to the armholes, matching up the notch with the shoulder seam. Edge-finish the seam allowances and press them toward the sleeves.




5- Place the front and the back of the garment with RIGHT SIDES TOGETHER, folding the sleeves lengthwise. Then, sew the side and underarm seams, matching up the corresponding seams and notches. Edge-finish the seam allowance and press to the back.




6- Fold the bottom edges of the sleeves and garment at 2cm (3/4") to the WRONG SIDE. Pin and sew the folded edges in place using a zigzag stitch or a double needle. Press the hems.