The Best Classy Stretch Knit Dress Sewing Patterns & Pattern Hack Simplicity 8874 & New Look 6301

Ladies,

When building a classy wardrobe, it is vital to identify specific elements of clothing that set it apart as being classy. One of those elements for me in a classy summer wardrobe is having sleeveless dresses that cover more of my shoulder and around my arm than the spaghetti straps that abound. I have noticed that this style element is common among women in the limelight who dress classy. Without naming names, I have studied these dresses of women whose bra straps are securely covered by this wider sleeveless style and whose necklines are decidedly higher than most. The fabric of these dresses is also of vital interest as their fabrics are of high quality, which is a great study for what to be purchasing in readymade or to sew.

Sewing Class

Not a sewing class, but in sewing class, I have found a few things to be very true. In the quest to sew a wardrobe suitable for any occasion, you can make quite an array of clothing with only a few sewing patterns. I have a few sewing patterns that I not only sew again and again in different variations from their own packet, but ones that can be “pattern hacked”, or “pattern combined” which is a better description for combining two or more patterns to create a unique garment.

Mix & Match for a Stretch Knit Dress

What matters when you mix and match patterns to create unique garments with the features you want is to be sure that both patterns call for the same fabric type. Simplicity 8874 and New Look 6301 are both stretch knit dress patterns. Both of these patterns have different bodices, sleeve options, waist tie, and different skirt styles and lengths so the possibilities for making something unique by mixing and matching is quite extensive.

Pick the features you want and match them up

I chose this bodice of View A & B with the square neckline from Simplicity 8874.

I chose the straight skirt from view C & D from New Look 6301.

Quality Stretch Knit Dress

Continuing on about these classy women whose dresses are a constant study of mine in order to replicate the features, the fabric is such a vital element to understand.

There are good and bad stretch knit fabrics. There is no one term that will weed out the lesser quality fabrics, so I mostly veer toward thicker stretch knits. But there is definitely a time and a place for the thin stretch knits.

I have discovered a handful of stretch knits that I will invest in to sew a garment. One of my favorites is called “ITY” and it is drapey, silky, and thin, but it doesn’t look worn out easily like other thin types. My other favorite knits are very structured and referred to as “stable knits”, which behave and look more like a woven fabric but offer stretch.

Athletic Knits

And surprisingly, one of the types of knits that I have discovered also works great is labeled “athletic wear” or something to that effect. I just wanted this purple color and find it so rare to find this color that I took a chance on this “athletic knit”. This is the type of stretch knit someone would use to sew a pair of leggings, sports top or fitted jacket. It turned out to have the right amount of structure that I needed for this style of sheath dress, yet the stretch would allow me to move comfortably. The fabric was opaque, so no lining was needed. This is a category of knit fabric that apparently works great for dresses too!

Knowing Fabric

This particular athletic wear knit would probably fall under the category of a stable knit. Stable knit fabric will retain a smoother less wrinkled look. This fabric lays smooth to showcase the features of the darts on the bust, the two front pleats on the skirt and the darts on the back of the skirt. This is what makes this stretch knit dress have a tailored aspect.

Classy no matter the trends

Fashion trends are not always classy, let alone pretty. Classy is classy no matter the trends. It transcends trends in that class gives a woman dignity and makes her look tasteful rather than merely looking hip and current. Classy always looks appropriate which in its own right is current. Midi length dresses are classic and perfect for daily life! This is one of my most favorite classy elements of any dress I buy or sew.

Happy Wardrobe Building!

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