Do you like chevron stripes? I do! I’ve seen chevron stripes in lot of home decors, mostly in rugs and pillow cases. I think they use chevron stripes fabric or pattern in those instead of making your own chevron stripes fabric like me, using regular stripes fabric. Since I did not find any chevron stripe fabrics at stores, I made my own. I found this orange and blue gray striped fabric in Nippori. I immediately took it to the cutting table since I thought the thickness of the stripes was perfect and the color combination was so cheerful and unique!
Cutting the bodice pattern pieces in a way that the bodice looks like big chevron stripes was a bit tricky. Here is my comments on how to make chevron stripes effect on the bodice of a dress (or a top, skirt of whatever your choice!):
1. I used a pattern from some other dress, and the front bodice pattern was supposed to be cut center folded, and cut 1 piece. Instead, I cut two pieces, separated in the center front. One left front bodice and one right front bodice. Same thing for the back. My fabric was horizontal stripes, so I cut the fabric on the bias. I added 1cm seam allowance on the center seam.
2. I usually cut the pattern pieces with fabric folded, so it takes less time. But for this dress, I cut with fabric NOT on fold, and cut one piece at a time instead of cutting two pieces at once. I did this from front and back bodice. I cut skirt pieces on fold.
3. When I cut the fabric, I started from the left side of front bodice. I placed the pattern piece on bias. After I cut the left side, I placed the cut piece on the fabric to match the stripes and made sure that the center had “V” line with stripes, then cut the right side of the front bodice piece.
4. I’m sure most of you do this already, but make sure to iron on some fusible interface strips on the seam allowances where the zipper goes in. Since the bodice is cut on bias, the fabric can really stretch out if you don’t do this before inserting a zipper!
5. Buy a little more fabric than you think you need – I used more fabric than I expected, cutting the bodice on bias, and trying to match the stripes. I was going to make two of this dress, but I ran out of the fabric..so I made a bralette instead :p
The cutting part took time, but after that, it was pretty easy! I added side pocket and side invisible zipper.
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Emily says
Very cute! The bodice has an interesting shape because of the lack of darts, but it looks very flattering on the body. Thank you for the tips on how to make a chevron design, I’ve been thinking about how to do it and I’m glad I read the part about interfacing the bias, I probably wouldn’t have though to do that on my own! Your designs are so professional and are very inspiring to me!
Chie says
Thank you! I forgot to mention this in my post, but I think it is a good idea to use a pattern that has minimum darts and pleats, so they won’t disturb the design:)
Salma says
Thank you so much! These tips are coming in really handy, I’m trying to make a maxi dress out of a fabric with seersucker stripes and I really want the chevron look!
Chie says
That sounds great! Looking forward to seeing your maxi dress..please send me a link when you are done! I’d love to see:)
Momita´s Blog says
Very cute!!!