How to DIY a Cute Cowl Neck Mini Dress

10 Materials
$5
3 Hours
Medium

Today, I'm going to show you how to make a cowl neck mini dress from your own customized pattern.


You can download the pattern templates and I show you how to take your measurements and add them to the templates in detail in my video how to make cowl neck top and dress pattern.


In this tutorial, we'll modify your pattern to make a cowl neck cocktail dress from a satin bathrobe, or any other lightweight fabric you want to use.


I suggest that you finish all the raw edges with a serger or use a zigzag stitch on your sewing machine.

Tools and materials:

  • Cowl neck dress sewing pattern template
  • Satin bathrobe or other lightweight fabric
  • Paper for pattern
  • Pins
  • Scissors
  • Tailor’s chalk
  • Measuring tape
  • Loop turner or safety pin
  • Sewing machine
  • Serger (optional)
Modifying pattern

1. Modify the front pattern

Make the waistline 0.8 to 1.2 inches (2 or 3 cm) wider. 

Modifying pattern

Measure 19.5 inches (50 cm) in length from the waistline for the skirt.

Modifying pattern

At the hem line, the dress should measure one quarter of your hip measurement plus 3 inches (8 cm) in width.


Join the waistline to the hem edge with a curved line.


Cut out the front piece on the fold.

Modifying the back pattern

2. Modify the back pattern

Use the folded front piece as a template for the back, starting from the lower edge of the armhole.

Modifying the back pattern

Correct the size using the back of the original top pattern and cut one back piece on the fold.


I didn’t have enough fabric to do that, so I cut two back pieces with an extra seam allowance and joined them with a center back seam.


Also cut one back facing.

Strap measurements

3. Make the straps

Cut two strips, each 16 inches (40 cm) by 4 inches (10 cm). Fold them in half lengthways with right sides together and sew the long edge.


Use a loop turner or safety pin to turn them right side out and press.

Sewing the front

4. Sew the front

Pin one end of each strap to the right side of the front at the notches. 

Sewing the front

Fold down the front facing and sew along the armhole curves, with right sides together.


Snip the curves and turn the facing right side out.

Sewing back

5. Sew the back

Pin the other end of each strap to the notches at the top edge of the back, on the right side. Check that they are 6.3 inches (16 cm) apart.


Place the back facing over them, with right sides facing. Pin and sew along the top edge. 

Sewing back

Trim the excess from the straps and turn the facing right side out.


Pin and top stitch the facing in place.

Measurements

6. Make the belt loops

Cut two pieces of fabric, each 4 inches (10 cm) by 1.2 inches (3 cm). Sew and turn them as you did for the straps.

Joining side seams

7. Join the side seams

Pin the back and front together at the side seams, making sure the straps are flat and not twisted.


Measure 7.25 inches (18.5 cm) from the top edge of the back. Fold the belt loops in half and pin them inside the seam.


Sew both side seams.

Hem

8. Hem

Turn up a double hem at the lower edge and sew it in place.

Measurements

9. Make the belt

Cut one strip of fabric 79 inches (200 cm) by 4 inches (10 cm). Complete it as you did for the straps.

DIY cowl neck mini dress


DIY cowl neck mini dress

DIY cowl neck mini dress

This cowl neck mini dress looks stunning in many lightweight fabrics, such as cotton, linen, silk satin, silk, rayon viscose or polyester blends.


It's super comfy to wear and is one of my favorite projects. I hope you love it as much as I do! 


Please let me know what you think of this pattern in the comments below. I really enjoy hearing from you.


For more sewing content, check out my post on How to DIY a Super Cute White Shoulder Bag.

Suggested materials:
  • Cowl neck dress sewing pattern template
  • Satin bathrobe or other lightweight fabric
  • Paper for pattern
See all materials

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