Simplicity 4014 – Lined Dress

Fabric: Tweed-polyester blend

Lining: Polyester

I’ve had my eye on this dress for a while. It’s not particularly glamorous but it’s a good style for the office and also for basic summer dresses. It’s the kind of dress you can make in all fabrics and for all seasons, which is always a bonus. I like patterns that I can make again and again.

The design is very simple and elegant: Scoop neck, knee length with princess seams at the front and back. I found it very simple to put together. The lining on the other hand was a bit tricky. This was my first time following lining instructions and there was one seam-unpicking-session as I sewed the side seams of the main dress before  attaching the lining. That was a  definite no-no. Lesson learned.

Side Seam

I was very impressed with my invisible zipper technique. This was my best attempt ever! It actually looks invisible from the outside. I put this down to me actually hand stitching the zipper to the seam before machine stitching. In the past I always skipped this step and it always resulted in a less than professional finish. Not any more.

Invisible zip

My attaching-lining-to-zipper technique also impressed me. It looks neat and no hand stitching was required. The bottom of the zipper could be tidier but that gives me something to work on.

Lining to zipper

Dress hem

My dress size is a UK12 on a very good day and a UK 14 at all other times. I’m cool with this as I like my clothes to flatter my figure. With that in mind I cut out a size 14 and I’m glad I did. I think the dress fits me perfectly.

As this dress is quite plain it’s all about the accessories! I added a belt, necklace and bag to make it an outfit.

I love this dress and would recommend it for all sewers. If you want simple instructions on how to fully line a dress then this is your pattern. It’s also great for when you don’t know what to wear. Just simply throw on this dress with understated accessories plus heels (or flats) then you’re good to go! 🙂