Disco Tee Dress Pattern Hack
Say hello to a new Disco Tee pattern twist: an A-line full-length dress that's perfect for those days when you just want to effortlessly slip into something fabulous and go face the world. If your stack of Disco Tees includes every color of t-shirt you could ever dream of, try this pattern hack out. It's a fun and easy way to expand your home sewn wardrobe while keeping your style game strong.
No need to stress; these are some straightforward pattern-making techniques and easy for anyone to grasp. Tailored for those already equipped with the Disco Tee pattern, this handy hack streamlines the usual process of closing the darts on a skirt block to create the a-line silhouette.
After you identify which size you are in the Disco Tee, you will take some additional measurements to help with the pattern drafting phase of the sewing project. It’s helpful to make all necessary pattern adjustments to the original pattern, like you would normally do when you’re settling in with a new sewing pattern. You’re ready to begin this pattern hack, Once you are satisfied with the fit of the original Disco Tee pattern, you’re ready to get started with the steps detailed in this hack.
MEASUREMENTS
Check out our video about “How To Measure For Garments” if you need a little help with this step. Take these additional measurements to help you draft the dress pattern:
A to B = HPS TO WAISTLINE:
Measure from high point shoulder to natural waist.
B to C = WAISTLINE TO HIP:
Measure from the natural waistline to the widest area of the hip.B to D = WAISTLINE TO HEM:
Measure from the natural waistline to where you would like the hem line to fall. Add 1” for the hem allowance.
*The finished hemline on the model is 3 inches above the ankleHIP
Measure the widest area of the bum.
PATTERN
Step 1:
A to B = HPS TO WAISTLINE
-Draw horizontal slash line at waistline on Disco Tee front bodice.
-Cut off pattern below slash line.
*Measure the new seam line and multiple by 2 to determine if there is an adequate amount of ease in the waistline. Our sample in the images above has 5” of ease. There will be an opportunity to add darts later in the sewing process.
E to F = BODICE WAISTLINE
-Label new seam line with “E” on the left side and “F” at the center of the new seam line.
Step 2:
-Measure 1/2” above the E point.
-Use a curved ruler to drawn new BODICE WAISTLINE.
-Fold pattern in half, at center front, and trace new BODICE WAISTLINE on opposite side.
-Measure this new line between E and F. Use this measurement in Step 4.
-Add 3/8” seam allowance below new BODICE WAISTLINE.
Step 3:
-Match FRONT and BACK Disco Tee patterns at the side seams.
-Use the FRONT Disco Tee to mark new waistline on back piece.
Step 4:
B to D = WAISTLINE TO HEM LINE
-Draw a vertical line, using the B to D measurement. This will be the center front of the skirt.
B TO E = SKIRT WAISTLINE
-Draw a horizontal line, beginning at the B point, that equals the distance between E to F, from step 2. Label the end of that line “E”. This is the SKIRT WAISTLINE.
*Vertical and horizontal lines made in this step will make a 90 degree angle.
Step 5:
-Measure 1/2” above the E point.
-Use a curved ruler to drawn new SKIRT WAISTLINE.
-Measure new SKIRT WAISTLINE and confirm it is the same length as the BODICE WAISTLINE.
Step 6:
-Divide the HIP measurement in 4 and add 1”
*If your waist is bigger than your hip: draw the “C” to “G” line 1” longer than the SKIRT WAISTLINE measurement. This will create the a-line silhouette.
B to C = WAISTLINE TO HIP:
-Measure down from “B” and mark “C” point, using the WAISTLINE to HIP measurement.
-Draw a horizontal line to the left, from “C”. This line will equal the HIP measurement divided by 4 + 1” ease.
-Mark the end of this new line “G”.
Step 7:
E to H = SIDE SEAM
-Draw a straight line, beginning at “E”, connecting at “G” and finishing the same length as the “B to “D” line (center front).
-Mark the end of the line “H”.
Step 8:
D to H = HEM LINE
-Draw a curved line from “D” to “H”.
*The distance from the waistline to hem line, at any point along them, should measure the same distance as the side seam and center front.
-Use this pattern for the front and back skirt.
-Optional: mirror the skirt pattern on the opposite side, creating the full pattern piece (instead of a half pattern).
Final Pattern Pieces:
-Label the patterns
-Mark all necessary seam allowance notches
FABRIC SUGGESTIONS
This sewing pattern is compatible with a wide range of knits. Optimal results are achieved with knit fabrics weighing between 4-7 oz, possessing minimal drape, as they beautifully accentuate the silhouette's qualities. Knit pique has emerged as a beloved choice, allowing the dart details at the shoulders to shine through and highlighting the dress's elegant A-line appearance. The model pictured at the beginning is wearing a sample made in a 6 oz. viscose/polyester knit fabric.
SEWING STEPS
-Complete steps 1-9 of the Disco Tee instructions, excluding the bottom hem.
-Return to this page and continue with the steps below:
Step 9:
-RST stitch side seams of SKIRT, with 3/8” seam allowance.
-Finish raw edges and press seams flat.
Step 10:
With right sides together, attach the BODICE to the SKIRT at waistline, stitching with 3/8” seam allowance.
-Finish raw edges and press seams flat.
Step 11:
-Try the dress on and make the final decision about where the hem should fall.
-Follow the hemming instructions in step 9 of the original Disco Tee instructions.
Step 12:
-While wearing the dress inside out, determine if darts are needed at the front and back waistline. Some may only need them on the back.
-Pinch the excess along the waistline and secure with a safety pin, marking the top and the bottom length of the darts.
-With the dress off, mark the darts on the WS of the dress. Position them each equal distance away from the center front and center back.
Feel free to personalize the Disco Tee Dress according to your preferences. For additional guidance on executing this pattern hack, don't hesitate to contact us at knockknock@gmail.com. We're delighted to assist with any specific inquiries and will continue updating this page for all future Disco Tee pattern hackers.
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