Collage Gather Top Dress Hack

Pattern

Collage Gather Top

Fabric

Matchy Matchy Sewing Club Linen Fabric

Step 1 

Add equal lengths to to following pattern pieces:

1. The Front Center Panel
2. The Back Center Panel
3. The Gathered Panels

You can add anywhere between 13 inches (33.2 cm) to 15 inches (38.1 cm) in length depending on where you want you dress to land. I am 5" tall and I like my dresses short so I found that 13 inches works best for me.

If you are not sure what length will work for you start with 15 inches, you can always trim down later. For a maxi length dress you can start with adding about 30 inches of length.

Step 2

Cut out all pattern pieces as normal replacing the front center panel, back center panel and all gathered panels with your new adjusted pieces.

Step 3

Sew your dress following the same instructions provided with your Collage Gather Top Sewing Pattern.

Alternate Hem Width

I like my dresses to have a wider hem so when hemming I turn up the hem by 1/2" and then by another 1 1/2". Remember to take this into account when adding length on your pattern pieces. I find that 13"-15" is plenty even for this wide hem detail.

Alternate Sleeve

I also like omitting the cuff when making the dress version. I find it more modern and less fussy. To do this, do not cut the cuff pieces of the pattern. Instead fold under the raw edge of your sleeve once by 1/4" and again by another 1/4". Edge stitch and repeat for other sleeve (It's just like hemming the bottom of your shirt or dress but on the sleeve instead). Try this sleeve finishing method on the Collage Gather Top as well you'll see it gives a totally different look.

A Note on Sizing

I have found that many people can wear more than one size. It really comes down to how you prefer your dress or top to fit. You'll see that in the first set of photos Chelsea is wearing a size XS and the dress is more fitted on her. In the second set of photos Chelsea is wearing a size M which is a looser fit. Both look great on her but each provides a different look. I'm wearing an XXS but I can also wear a XS or a S. 

Can't wait to see how you hack your Collage Gather Top!

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