Empire Gored Balloon-Sleeve Dress PDF Sewing Pattern

Prepared after purchase. Digital delivery within 1 business day. Long shaped panels give this planned empire dress its fitted waist and flowing midi hem. A short upper bodice meets the panels beneath the bust, while full balloon sleeves add volume at the wrists. Smoky violet and forest green show the same woven design.

Shaping that starts below the bust

• Shallow boat neckline and darted upper front bodice
• Empire seam joining the short upper bodice to separate long gores
• Panels that narrow at the natural waist and widen smoothly into a midi skirt
• No additional waist seam or gathering at the raised join
• Long set-in balloon sleeves gathered into narrow cuffs
• Moderate V back with a planned concealed center-back zipper
• Lined construction and discreet side-seam pockets

The lower panels shape the body as well as the skirt. Their long curved seams create a different structure from a gathered babydoll skirt or panels running continuously from shoulder to hem. The finished silhouette will depend on balancing the underbust seam, natural waist and flare during drafting.

Fabric and sewing

An opaque woven crepe or suitably soft cotton blend is a useful starting point. Choose enough drape for the sleeve fullness and enough body for the shaped seams to remain clear. Test the shell and lining together before committing to the final cloth. Grain placement, seam allowances and material quantities will be established during preparation.

Make a complete fitting sample to assess the raised seam position, the fit through the ribcage and waist, and the V-back coverage. The sleeves need room to bend without pulling the bodice upward. Construction guidance will address matching the long curved seams, distributing cuff gathers, supporting the back opening and letting the skirt settle before leveling its hem.

For continuous vertical shaping, compare the 1960s-inspired panel dress. The empire babydoll dress uses a gathered skirt below its raised seam.

Your digital order

Your $25 USD order covers preparation of an English PDF sewing pattern and sewing guide for the design described here. Drafting begins after purchase. This design has not yet been drafted, sewn or fit-tested. Final sizing, finished measurements, material quantities, print formats, layouts and PDF page counts will be confirmed during preparation. Please contact Sewlore before ordering to check measurement suitability. Custom fitting is not included; make a complete fitting sample before cutting final fabric.

We will email your download link within 1 business day of payment, Monday to Friday, by the end of the next business day in Istanbul time (UTC+3). Read our pattern preparation and delivery details. Files are not available for instant download. No finished garment, fabric or printed paper pattern is shipped.

Images are AI-generated design previews, not photographs of sewn or fit-tested garments. Alternative colors illustrate the same design family and do not require a separate pattern purchase.

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