Sewing up the Chic Style Arc Tia Knit Wrap Dress

September 1, 2020September 5, 2020

Hey Party People,

I am always entering giveaways on Instagram, so when I entered the #sew50seawlong challenge by the @sewover50 Instagram group, I didn’t think I had much of a chance to win. Entrants were asked to select an online sewing friend that they would like to meet in person. Naturally, I chose my good friend Tea of CrumpetesTeaandSewing. We have been friends for over two years now and have never met in real life since we live on opposite sides of the country. Together, we created and ran the 2019 and 2020 #sewmaxiformothersday Instagram sewing challenge that was well received in the sewing community. We chat frequently about our different sewing projects and enjoy sharing sewing tips to improve our sewing acumen. We were both blown away when we found out that we’d won a free pattern from the ever fashion-forward Style Arc Patterns.

Pattern Details

We had a look at Style Arc’s extensive pattern range and chose to sew the Tia Knit Wrap Dress. It’s a simple and classy faux wrap pattern designed for knit fabrics. The defining features of the pattern are the cute overlay skirt and Dolman style (grown-on) short sleeves. The pattern is available in sizes 4 -30 for bust sizes of 30-58 1/4 inches (77-148 cm) and hips from 32-61 inches (83-154 cm). The skirt portion hits just above the knee and has the cutest A-line shape. There are only five pattern pieces including, the bodice piece, the skirt piece, the front overlay and a tie belt. There are also guides for cutting out jelly tape (clear elastic) for the neckline and back piece. Although the directions are sparse, they are clear and easy to follow.

Pattern Changes

I received a single size 12 for the giveaway and had to make a few simple changes to make the pattern work for me. I shortened the skirt by two inches for my 5’1” height and widened the skirt piece by an inch using the slash and spread method.

I also omitted the usage of jelly tape/clear elastic to sew down the neckline and back pieces. I opted for a simple narrow hem instead and am happy with the results. I tried using Eloflex elastic thread for this method, but I did not notice any difference between using it over regular polyester thread. Let me know if you have any tips for using this product.

Fabrics

I sewed two versions of this dress. The first was a yellow and purplish grey ikat print ITY fabric that I picked up at the Jackson Heights Discount Fabric Store in Queens, New York in 2018. This was an gorgeous, yet inexpensive fabric that was initially only going to be a mock-up. However, after sewing I love how it looks. I will get a lot wear out of this piece on fun nights out with my friends.

The second version is made from a bubble crepe knit from Chic Fabrics in New York City. I picked up this piece last fall during a fabric shopping bus trip last year. It has the most gorgeous print with jewelry chains and pearls that I adore. It was easy to work with and really made this pattern shine. I can see myself wearing this version to a play or movie when things reopen. Both fabrics make me miss shopping trips to the New York Fashion District. I can’t wait until it’s safe to make another trip to the city to purchase more unique pieces.