This is a draft-at-home pattern for a stunning full length French evening gown from 1933. This cap sleeve gown has a unique cut out shaped skirt and draped sash.
This gown has been made as show-stopping wedding dress, the perfect evening gown to put others to shame, and as a timeless prom dress.
Many are often puzzled by how the pattern pieces for this gown fit together, and for good reason. The original source material illustration is a bit vague and the pattern pieces themselves are unusual shapes.
Here are a few of the frequently asked questions we've gotten for this pattern:
Q. The twist/knot detail on the front top each side of the bodice is confusing. Do I make these pieces myself or is there a pattern piece?
A. The twist/ knot detail seams to be born from the creative license that the original illustrator for these patterns sometimes took. The bodice pattern pieces join at the side seam and shoulder with plain seams and have no other pattern pieces indicated. However, it is simple to achieve the look as illustrated. We suggest cutting 4 strips (2 for each shoulder) of fabric from the dress material, each about 1" longer than the shoulder seam, and about 6" wide. Fold the strip lengthwise right sides together and sew together, then turn them right side out. This will give you finished strips that you can twist together and tack over the seam for the knotted look.
Q. How do I cut the tail pattern piece and where does it go?
A. The tail pattern piece is simply a sash meant to be draped at the side waist as illustrated. However, you can place it wherever you like! There is no dotted line on any of the perimeters, so you cut one of this pattern piece, with no folds. You can also lengthen this piece for a more dramatic sash.
We highly recommend that you sew a muslin test version of this dress to familiarize yourself with its construction and see how it fits together at that stage for you. Sometimes these older patterns don't quite make sense until they are cut from fabric and draped on a dress form.
