NOOR Dress made with FS DUSTY LOTUS Heavyweight Linen
This weekend, I welcomed the first day of spring by sewing a linen dress for Easter. I chose the NOOR Dress in DUSTY Lotus green linen for this occasion, as I was drawn to the long sleeves and flattering wrap silhouette. Of course, I will wear this dress beyond Easter Sunday, but having a specific end use in mind helps me narrow down the style and fabric color when picking out my next sewing project. It also gives me a true deadline!
The NOOR Wrap Dress is one of Fabrics-store’s free patterns and a great option for beginners. I found the written instructions with photos really easy to follow. It features a bias-binding neckline and simple side seam ties as the closure. The long sleeves can be rolled up for a less formal look. Since the dress is designed to wrap around the body, the pattern has plenty of ease incorporated into the garment, so it’s an unchallenging pattern to manipulate. This is a good time to try out your pattern-making skills.
That said, I made a few changes to the original pattern to better fit my personal style. I have never been a fan of gathers, so I eliminated the extra fabric along the waistband and sleeve to create a flat seam instead. Removing the volume is simple and, as a bonus, saves on fabric yardage. I measured the back bodice and front bodice pattern pieces, then cut the bottom pattern pieces down to match those measurements. I kept the A-line silhouette for the bottom portion, although you could easily straighten it if you wish. I also decided to shorten the hem by a couple inches so the dress hits above the knee instead of below.
NOOR Dress made with FS DUSTY LOTUS Heavyweight Linen
Rather than using a contrasting color twill tape or ribbon for the ties, I opted for using some scrap pieces of linen to create a matching set. For this step, I cut 4 pieces of linen at 2” wide by 18” long, then pressed ½” toward the center along each 18” side, then folded in half and edge stitched. The finished ties should be ½” wide. Although I like the tie detail, I might still make a full belt instead, as I tend to like a completely cinched waist on a wrap dress like this. I’ll wear it first and then decide on any changes. I’ll be sure to keep you guys posted on my decision via Instagram.
Let’s hope the 60-degree weather sticks around in Wisconsin so I can actually wear this dress on Easter Sunday! Either way, it will be a fun addition to my wardrobe and a go-to for spring and summer.
If you’re looking for a free dress pattern, the NOOR Wrap Dress sews up fast and is easy to tweak to fit your personal style. This sewing pattern creates a classic and flattering that I know will stand the test of time. If you have any questions about the sewing process, please leave a comment below. I always love hearing about what you’re making, too!
Happy sewing,
Morgann
18 Comments
Could you give more guidance on how to eliminate the extra fabric for the sleeve gathering? I prefer the shoulder the way you modified it but not sure how to calculate the new curve on the pattern.
I referenced this great tutorial by In The Folds: https://inthefolds.com/q-a-series/2020/4/15/issue-26-adding-and-removing-fullness-from-a-sleeve-hem-zl2nb The most important part is to measure the length of the sleeve opening on the front and back bodice and match that measurement to the length of your sleeve seam. You will want to leave some ease for movement. You could also add a little width to the center back if you find that taking out the sleeve makes the dress too tight. Hope this is helpful! Happy sewing!
Thank you. Will give it a try! I’m also a petite so lengths will also need to be adjusted. I love the idea of sewing my own clothes but finding patterns in the right sizes is hard.
Any advice on how to redraft the shoulder cap to eliminate the gathering?
Good question! This is a great tutorial by In The Folds: https://inthefolds.com/q-a-series/2020/4/15/issue-26-adding-and-removing-fullness-from-a-sleeve-hem-zl2nb
To prevent what Sandra Betzina calls “gaosis,”/place a strip of elastic a bit shorter (about 1/2” … measure it,) than the length of the front V along the edge. Ease it in so that it shortens the gap, thereby eliminating the problem.
Oops! GAPOSIS
I love your style, Morgann! I could copy all of your creations for patterns, fabric choices, colors and revisions and be quite happy. Thanks for sharing your design ideas. You are truly gifted!
Thank you, Leanne! I really enjoy the sewing process and manipulating patterns to fit my personal style. So fun!
I love your version without the gathers. I’m looking at the photos and it looks like you’ve wrapped it both ways. Is that trick photography?
Thanks Alice! Good eye 🙂 In the first photo, I have the dress tied on the side. In the second, I actually have it tied in the back! So I had to change the way the dress wrapped around my body in order to tie it. That’s the magic of having the ties on the outside and the inside – it makes the dress more secure and gives you tying options! It’s a very versatile piece!
This looks gorgeous and a very useful wardrobe addition. Love the colour too!
My concern with wrap dresses and skirts is that they are often prone to unintended exposure – a breeze or even sitting down can be a problem with revealing just a bit too much! How much of a problem is it with this dress?
Thank you, Charlene! Great question and something I considered when sewing this dress. I have not found it to be a problem. The dress wraps completely from one side seam to the other, so the front skirt is basically two layers of fabric. It not only ties on the outside, which is common in many wrap designs, but also ties on the inside side seam. The extra tie makes the dress feel more secure. You can sew the ties wherever it feels most comfortable to your shape – specifically thinking about bust size. That said, I will likely wear a slip under it most of the time, which I do with most dresses anyway for those breezy days!
I always seem to need to wear a cami under these type of dresses to avoid that plunging neckline that seems to shift under various movements.
I agree, Melanie!
You could also adjust the front bodice neckline so that the “V” neck is not as deep!
I like your alterations, and that color is perfect on you! I’m nearly in Wisconsin (just over the river in Northeast Iowa) – if we have shirtsleeve weather for Easter I will be pleasantly surprised. Hopefully at least it won’t be actively snowing.
Thank you, Maria! Waving to you from southwest WI! I love Northeast IA, especially the drive north up the river from Dubuque to La Crosse area. Thankfully this dress has long sleeves and will be easy to layer with a sweater, tights, and boots – which is very likely haha.