This was my first time ever making a wrap dress. I had this pattern in my stash for years that was initially purchased for a client that ended up not getting the dress made. Find out how this make went once I finally pulled it out of my stash…

Honestly, while the main items that I have made during my entire sewing career thus far are skirts and dresses, I had never made a wrap dress up to this point. I actually don’t prefer to wear them because I personally don’t like how easy it is for them to open up, especially when walking on a breezy day. I had already started cutting out all of my fabric when I then realized it was a wrap dress, I’ll blame it on my toddlers for distracting me, lol. So of course, there was no turning back after that point.

For this particular make I was on the hunt for a maternity friendly dress pattern that could also be worn postpartum. Some of the details that attracted me to this V8827 dress pattern was the flowy draped neckline choices, the variety of sleeve lengths already incorporated (no need to make adjustments) and the fact that the maxi length would allow for a maternity bump. The tie to wear wrapped around the waist was also a plus to help accentuate the smallest part of my belly or overall frame.

Quick Overview

Pattern Used: Vogue V8827, View C (pattern only available from Etsy/eBay currently)

Sewing Experience Level: Intermediate

Pattern Envelope: At a quick glance on the front, it can easily be overlooked that they are wrapped dresses

Item Description: Wrap and Draped Dresses

Fabric Used: Spandex Blend, 4 way stretch

Item features: Draped Neckline, Scrunched Collar, Wrap Closure

Pattern Instructions: Intermediate level explanations

Overall Process/Steps: Longer than expected

Extra Research Required: None

Would I sew again?: No, because I’m not a wrap dress fan

Fit of garment: Decent

Behind the Seams, What Really Happened

Since I was distracted prior to cutting out my pattern pieces and fabric it was too late before I realized that I was cutting out a wrap dress, but I do appreciate this experience.

I made view C of this dress pattern with 3/4 sleeves.

One thing I did like about the fabric that I selected is that since it was a spandex blend fabric it didn’t require ironing. This is great for up-keep of the dress, but not the best feature for the sewing process as I could not put an iron to it and just had to finger press seams, etc.

I decided to top stitch the entire right front of the dress, draped collar, and belt since the 4 way stretch couldn’t be ironed, this helped keep it in place and gave nice detailing to the dress.

I zig zag stitched all my seam allowances for a clean finish although, as is normal for most patterns, wasn’t recommend on the instructions. This step was important since it is a warp dress that opens up and you see the seams more regularly than you would on a non-wrapped dress.

Adjustments Made

I only made a few main pattern adjustments to help the garment stay in place while being worn: I had to hand stitch/ tack the upper part of the draped collar to keep the dress laying properly around shoulders and upper back. For some reason when the dress was on it was bunched up and didn’t lay smoothly as it should. I know this is a combination of how I sewed that area and the fabric I chose.

I also hand tacked the layered hanging collar so that it laid nicely as a layered look, even with movement.

The last main adjustment I made was adding button on left side, outside/main side of the fabric, of the dress and an elastic hook on the right side of the dress to secure the front to the left facing while wearing the dress. I felt this was a needed step to help to keep the dresses closed, especially with a maternity belly.

Overall I was pleased with the outcome of the dress and definelty think it was good to have completed for the experience.

If you are a lover of wrap dresses and draped accents, you will definitely be pleased with adding make to your list!

Thank you for taking the time to read this review of the Vogue V8227 dress pattern, view C. If there are any patterns that you would like me to try out and review, feel free to send me a quick email at ahadicreations@gmail.com.

Happy Sewing,

Amanda

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