The Val pattern is a stunning scoop-shaped open-back maxi dress with two adjustable ties and flattering princess seams. By following the curves of your body, these seams elongate your silhouette and create a figure slimming effect. We’ve added two front slits for a touch of sexy and ease of movement.

The secret to sewing princess seams that lie perfectly flat is to carefully transfer your notches, perfectly match them and clip along the curves after they’re stitched together.

Effortlessly chic, the Val dress is a perfect beginner sewing pattern that would look beautiful in any linen fabric. Use these style lines to add some color-blocking and create a unique dress that’s guaranteed to turn heads!

Materials

For our sample US size 6 pictured in this tutorial we used 3 yards of IL042 909 FS Premier Finish Medium Weight Linen

For other sizes, please refer to the yardage table in the PDF pattern to determine the required amount of fabric.

Matching sewing thread

Tools

Scissors, pins, ruler, chalk, measuring tape, fabric marker, seam ripper, needle, sewing machine

Difficulty

Beginner

Sewing Time

6-7 hours

Pattern

You can access the multi-sized printable PDF pattern by following this link HERE. All seam allowances are included and are 3/8” unless otherwise specified. The model is wearing US size 6.

Remember to transfer all the notches onto your fabric.

Steps

Note: Prewash your fabric and tumble dry it until it is still slightly moist, dry at room temperature. Iron the fabric so it is easier to work with.

1. To start, finish the long side raw edges of all of your panels, front and back, using your preferred method (serge or zigzag).

2. Take your front panels and pin side panels to the center panel right sides together and matching the notches.

3. Stitch the pinned edges at a 3/8” (1 cm) seam allowance stopping at the notches indicating the beginning of the slits. Remember to backstitch at the beginning and the end of each seam. Press the seams open and the slits seam allowance 3/8” to the wrong side.

4. Topstitch the edges around the slits to keep them in place.

Before assembling the back panels, you need to sew the back ties that will be inserted into the seam.

5. Pin the two rectangles right sides together and stitch along the edges at a 3/8” seam allowance leaving one short end open. Trim the seam down to ¼” and clip the corners. Finish the raw edges of your open end using your preferred method.

6. Turn the fabric right side and press. Topstitch along the sewn edges 1/8” from the edge.

7. Repeat for the other tie.

8. Now pin the back panels right sides together matching the notches, just like you did during the front construction in step #2. Insert the serged/zigzagged ends of your back ties into the seam between the notches and pin to secure.

9. Stitch the pinned edges at a 3/8” (1 cm) seam allowance. Remember to backstitch at the beginning and the end of each seam. Press the seams open.

10. Pin the front and back bodices right sides together at the shoulders and stitch at a 3/8” seam allowance. Finish the raw edges together and press towards the back.

11. Bind the front neckline and the back opening following the instructions in this this step-by-step tutorial.

12. Pin and stitch the side seams at a 3/8” (1 cm) seam allowance. Press the seams open.

13. Bind the armholes using the same technique.

14. Hem the bottom edge of the dress. Fold the fabric twice to the wrong side (first 3/8”, then another 1/2″), press, pin and edgestitch.

15. Give your finished dress a good last press and you are all done!

We love seeing what you make! Don’t forget to share your pictures and tag your creations with #FabricsStoreValPattern hashtag.

Whether you are looking for natural or bright colors, heavier or lighter linen, we have something for everyone. Browse our selection of linen fabrics and find the color that inspires you for this project!