Summer Wrap Dress Sewing Patterns

Welcome back readers!

With so many years of sewing my own clothes behind me, you may be surprised to learn that I have never, in all my projects, made a wrap dress. Until now that is!

I didn’t have any reason for avoiding them, it just didn’t cross my mind to try them in my closet at all. This style of dress is known for being really flattering on a wide range of body types and shapes, and very flexible for sizing because they usually just tie on. When I was brainstorming of different styles and silhouettes of dresses to try making this summer, it seemed like it was finally time to give this one a try. I ended up finding two different patterns that interested me and decided to try them both.

Let’s look at the patterns first.

I’ve been eyeing up the well-known Atlas Wrap Dress pattern from Sewing Patterns by Masin, for it’s popular reviews and flattering front draping (artful draping = creative camouflage!). I knew that I wanted to make some modifications to it though: add a bust dart, lengthen the hem, remove the sleeves and collar, shorten the shoulder length, deepen the armhole curve, and extend the darts in the skirt back panel up to the back bodice panel.

If you’re a returning reader then you know I love sewing and wearing linen, and it will be no surprise that I chose it again for this project. I knew it would hold its shape around the sleeveless arm holes, keep me cool in high temps, and drape well across the front.

I’m also a well-known fan of the Everyday Linen from Blackbird Fabrics, and chose the color Toffee. This was a departure from my usual color palette of green, green, and more green, but I thought it was such a beautiful color and jumped on it before I could talk myself out of it.

The second pattern I chose was the Highlands Wrap Dress from Allie Olson Sewing Patterns.

Compared to the first pattern this one is more fitted and streamlined, but I liked the clean simple shape and thought the elastic waist in the back would ensure a good fit. I also liked this one as is without any modifications.

For this one I chose a cotton chambray, also from Blackbird Fabrics, in a pretty pale blue color that I love to wear during the summer months.

Both patterns were really easy to follow, and both fabrics were great to work with, so these dresses came together so quickly and easily! You can see the final results below.

I think they both turned out really well, and I would recommend either pattern to my fellow curvy girls who are looking for a classic summer dress style. The rust Atlas dress feels more in line with my personal style though, and I’ve received more comments from people when I wear it about how interesting and flattering the shape is. I even got a custom order from a coworker who saw it and wanted one too. I can’t tell you what a huge compliment that is to me!

I’m now considering trying the long-sleeve version of the Atlas dress in a deeper color for fall. What do you think?

As always, thank you so much for taking the time to hang out in my little corner of the internet. I would love to hear your thoughts on these pieces, or if you have any other wrap dress pattern styles you would recommend.

Thanks again for reading friends!

Amanda