Dresses

Dress patterns cut for drape rather than structure. There is no bodice block here and no darted foundation to fit before you start. The pieces are cut on the bias so the cloth does the shaping.

The Midi Slip Dress is cut entirely on the bias, with three godets opening the skirt, external design seams tracing the body, and a plunge front neckline. It runs XS to XL and is marked intermediate, because bias needs a lighter hand than straight grain does.

Bias cutting needs a woven with real drape, such as silk charmeuse, satin, crepe or a fine rayon, and about 40 per cent more yardage than a straight grain layout. Choosing fabric covers the specifics, and seam allowance and finishing explains how to handle bias seams and why the hem needs to hang overnight before you level it.

Sizing here is tighter than the knitwear, so read find your size before cutting. Everything else is in the full catalogue.