I love the Simple Sew kimono dress

I love the Simple Sew kimono dress

Simple Sew Kimono dress

This may sound ironic considering the name of these patterns, but I was quite surprised how simple this dress is to make. As soon as I opened the instructions and saw the 6 steps, it was evident this would not take me long. My ethos is all about making sewing easier and more accessible, sharing sewing tips and helping you to develop confidence and build on sewing skills, though easy makes. This definitely does all of these things. #ItsSewSimple

Cutting out:
It has a belt which gives you the option to cut in 3 sections or to cut in one long piece. I chose to do this is sections as I think it’s important to keep the fabric costs down whenever possible and also you can’t see the seams on the belt anyway. It takes close to 3 metres to make the dress as the front and back panels are wide and the front is a cross over. I did manage to fit the 3 sections of the belt next to the back panel.

Making
You start by overlocking all the seams, this could be replaced with French seams. I used a white overlocking thread, it has white in the pattern, so looks nice, that and I don’t have any blue for my overlocker. You could pick out other colours, like the main blue or a pink.

I avoid replacing my over locker thread like the plague, so much so I have 2 over lockers, one threaded in a black and one in white. I have several machines as I teach sewing, Before I gave up teaching I bought 12 sewing machines and 3 overlockers. I paid for these monthly over a year.

Sew the shoulders and under arms after overlocking. Then fold under and press the edges all the way a round. Finishing with a top stitch. This also could be replaced with a pin hem or double folded 1cm hem. Or even self-made bias binding or a contrasting colour binding. If you made it in a plain cotton, you could add a contrasting binding, it would be nice to splash out on a Liberty binding for example.
The belt was simple to sew, just joining the panels, then front and back pieces. It just needs a simple slip stitch to close the opening and pressing flat, making sure the seams are on the very edge.

Dress up or down

The cotton fabric I chose is very light weight, so this is a definite summer dress; either dress up for a wedding or dress down with leggings, a vest underneath and flip-flops. It would be a nice dress for an evening outfit on a hot holiday. It could also be made in to a dressing gown by lengthening the sleeves and front and back panels.
The fabric is bright and the flowers give it a fresh look.
I would definitely add two press studs, to keep it in place, as the fabric is so light and the front will open easily. You could also add thread loops at the side seams for the belt.
If you have a party to go to and nothing to wear, well you could whisk this up the same day and problem solved.
Love the fabric and pattern. I have both in stock, so if you like let me know and I can get this to you today.

Costs:

  • £10 for the pattern
  • £7.95 per metre Total £23.85 for the fabric.
  • Total: £33.85

This is a great make for a total beginner. It would be a lovely mother and daughter sew along.