Aruba Dress
In this sewing class, you’ll learn how to sew this beautiful dress with a crossover front, a bow at the back, and an elasticized waist. Patterns in sizes 34 to 56 are included!
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This video is for members
Join Lulu Ferris to watch the complete class and sew along at your own pace.
What you’ll make
Sew the Aruba, a long summer dress with slim straps, a crossover front, an elasticized waist, and extended back ties that form a bow above an open section of the back.
Fabric choice changes its character: satin creates a dressier finish, while lightweight viscose suits a more casual version.
What you’ll learn in this class
- Stabilize curved and bias-cut edges.
- Sew and turn narrow fabric straps.
- Form and press the four front darts.
- Enclose the straps between paired bodice layers.
- Align and secure the crossover neckline.
- Distribute waist elastic evenly by quarters.
- Match the skirt and bodice at their notches.
Fabric
Choose a lightweight fabric with fluid drape, such as viscose, satin, or a similar fine fabric. Very light or slippery cloth may require extra care when sewing the waist elastic.
Make it your own
Keep the floor-length skirt for a dressier result, shorten it for a casual summer dress, or adapt the bodice as a top.
Try on the dress before hemming to choose your preferred finished length.
Sizing and finished length
The pattern covers sizes 34/36–54/56. It is drafted for bust measurements of 86–132 cm, waist measurements of 64–110 cm, and hip measurements of 90–136 cm.
Finished dress lengths range from 144 cm in size 34/36 to 154 cm in size 54/56.
The class includes graded A4 and A0 patterns plus the measurement and pattern-information file.
Pattern & materials
Patterns are included with membership
Active members can download every available PDF and materials list.
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