Create a beautiful empire-waist dress in this comprehensive online sewing class featuring the Leighanne dress pattern. Master techniques for sewing a fitted bodice with clustered darts, installing an invisible zipper, and creating the perfect gathered skirt. You'll learn professional methods for working with dress fabrics, constructing princess seams, and adding elegant details like double straps and side slits. This class guides you through creating a flattering, well-fitted sundress perfect for any special occasion.
Let’s sew up Leighanne! In this sewalong, we have a special guest teacher who will show you each and every step of the process. In this introductory lesson, Lindsey will help you select a size, fit your dress, and pick fabric.
Before we dive in, meet Lindsey, your instructor for this sewalong. Lindsey is the host of the sewing YouTube channel, Inside The Hem. What started off as a hobby with her two best friends in 2015, has blossomed into a brand with thousands of followers across all social media platforms from all across the world.
In addition to her popular YouTube videos, Lindsey teaches sewing classes in her hometown of Charlotte, NC and online through SIY Sew It Yourself TV, a project from Free Spirit Fabrics.
Her obsession with sewing also extends to her unique offering of digital downloads and sewing merch available through her Etsy. There, you’ll find sewing themed tees, sweatshirts, tote bags, notebooks, bullet journals, planners, stickers and more!
Leighanne is a dreamy empire-waist dress with a gathered skirt. Clustered darts and princess seams give the lined bodice a tailored appearance, and the skirt is finished with a faced hem and side slits. The double straps on the front add a flirty detail, and the adjustable strap on the back ensures a comfortable fit. This dress closes with an invisible zipper and the skirt has side seam pockets.
This pattern is rated intermediate, but adventurous beginners are welcome! We assume that you’re not an absolute beginner and you have some experience cutting out fabric, finishing seams, and using your machine and tools. If you need extra help along the way, click the “Links” tab below the video player or hop onto the Community to post a question.
If you need additional help with the skills required for this class, click the “Links” tab below the video player for a helpful list of tutorials.
Fabrics to shop: Look for lightweight or medium-weight woven fabrics such as linen, chambray, batiste, lawn, rayon challis, cupro, and Tencel. You want the fabric to gather well!
Fabrics to avoid: Avoid fabrics that don’t gather well, such as denim.
Fit: Getting a good fit at the bust will ensure this dress fits you perfectly. Here are our bust adjustment tutorials: small bust adjustments and full bust adjustments.
Here’s what you’ll need for this project:
Here are some additional resources to help you make the most of this class:
More from Lindsey:
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