Birgitta Helmersson Bow Dress Hack PDF

Buy the Bow Dress Hack sewing pattern from Birgitta Helmersson. This hack is an add-on to the ZW Gather Dress pattern. The neck and centre front edges of the bodice are finished with binding and close with thin ties. The gathered skirt has side pockets, and the sleeves feature gathers at the hem with a split and thin ties to close. 

Note: This is not a complete pattern. You must already own the ZW Gather Dress pattern to use this add-on. If you have not yet purchased the ZW Gather Dress pattern, you can do so here.

THE METHOD

Zero waste pattern cutting is a bit like a puzzle. It is a method of pattern drafting where you utilise a length of fabric end to end by strategically planning your pattern pieces so that everything is used. This pattern does not require printing large pattern pieces. Instead, you draw your pattern pieces directly onto your fabric with the aid of a cutting plan and small templates. This method has several advantages:

1. More flexibility. This method allows for easy changes such as using different fabric widths and making simple fit and design changes yourself. Using patterns that fit into a zero waste square or rectangular block is a very efficient way to work. It means that it is easier to patchwork together remnants or use leftover fabrics you already have lying around.

2. An easy way to learn to self draft your own patterns. Working this way will help you to start building a toolbox of skills, and you will learn an alternative method of self drafting which is super easy for beginners to understand.

3. Less fabric and paper waste!

Note: This zero waste pattern has no pattern pieces. You will draw the pattern directly onto your fabric by following the step-by-step instructions in the pattern booklet and using the templates included in the ZW Gather Dress pattern.

Sewing level: Confident beginner

This sewing pattern is available to buy in the following format:

– PDF (available to download immediately after purchase). What is a PDF?

Suggested fabrics: Use a lightweight cotton or linen in a width of 110-150 cm (43"-59"). 

Fabric requirements: You will need quite a lot of bias binding strips for the
binding and ties. If you want this to match, allow for a little extra fabric on top of the main layout to cut your own binding from.

110-115 cm (43"-45") wide fabric: 280 cm (110").

120-150 cm (47"-59") wide fabric: 230 cm (90.5").

Sizing: The size of the garment is determined by the fabric width. 110-115 cm (43"-45") wide fabric is suitable for a bust circumference of up to 115 cm (45") with a generous amount of ease. 150 cm (59") wide fabric is suitable for a bust circumference of up to 125 cm (49") with a generous amount of ease.

Notions: This dress requires bias binding strips for the neck binding and ties. You can buy binding by the metre in a lightweight contrast fabric OR if you want these to match the main fabric allow for extra fabric and cut your own. You will need 4 cm x 250 cm (1.5" x 99") for binding and 2.5 cm x 265 cm (1" x 105") for ties.

Additional tools: Chalk or dissolvable pen; long straight ruler or right angle ruler.

PDF pattern includes: Instruction booklet. No pattern pieces needed (templates are included in the ZW Gather Dress pattern).

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