This asymmetric jersey dress is an old but unblogged make so I thought I would put that right today because although I designed the style myself it’s so easy for you to replicate with a basic loose-fitting tank dress pattern and I want to show you how I did it. It’s such a comfortable dress to wear but has an impact with the hemline shape and use of different pattern direction which would work well in any pattern with a definite directional design.
My fabric came from Jersey Fashion NL and is viscose with a beautiful smooth finish and lovely drape. It lends itself really well to a cool summer dress. I previously used some of the plain viscose from their range in this Burda top
Design and pattern details for DIY asymmetric dress
So lets’ get down to the design elements. As I said earlier, you could adapt a basic tank dress for my design. You could even use a tank top pattern and simply extend it down in length.
You’ll need to split the front and back pieces into two with a vertical seam put just where the neckline begins on one side and on the narrow side, you work with cross-grain fabric.
On the wider side, there is an asymmetric curve to the neckline and three drape folds (you don’t necessarily need to put these in if you don’t want to). Also on the wider panel side seam, I’ve inserted a godet for extra fullness and to add to the asymmetry with it’s pointed hemline.
Here, I’ve put together a diagram to highlight the pattern shapes for you:
And here is how you can create those draped folds by slashing and spreading your pattern:
I’ve simply added binding finishes to both the neck and armholes and I’ve stitched narrow elastic around the waistline on the inside using a zig-zag stitch. Here are some detail photos for you.
I suggest you decide for yourself just how angled you make the hemline and you could even make the godet wider at the bottom for more drama. Get creative! If you do have a go at this design, please let me know as I’d love to see it!
My dress is so comfy, pulls on over my head so no need for a zip closure and the elasticated waist is great for being meal-friendly :). Secret pyjamas no less!
Once again, thanks for stopping by. And let me know if you enjoyed this post or whether you’ve tried asymmetric styles before. Drop me a line in the comments so we can have a chat 🙂
Cheers!
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You’re right Diane, the pleats, drape, lines and pattern direction really takes simple to WOW! It’s subtly dramatic. Very unique and your choice of shoes is just perfect as well! I love your designs and hacks!
Author
Aww, that’s so lovely of you to say. Thanks Sil! x
I absolutely love this dress Di! Such a simple change to execute, but it looks absolutely stunning!
Author
Hi Eve! Aww, thanks for stopping by my blog and thanks for the lovely comment.
Such a stylish dress and you make it look easy to achieve! I am saving the photo of your pattern pieces as I would like to try these modifications at some point. Thank you Diane!
Author
Thanks Sue! I hope you find the pattern diagrams useful and easy to follow xx
Thanks for sharing this tutorial! Your illustrations are so clear and easy to understand! Well done!
Author
That’s great Maria! It makes me happy to hear that you find them easy to understand and I hope you find them just as uselful 😊
Clever modifications and I love the look! Such a lovely dress and such a helpful post – – I just might give your ideas a whirl at some point!
Author
Thank so much Linda! You could even hack the design into either a top with peplum or a skirt 🙂