So Sew Easy

Two Become One Dress

Need a comfy every day dress? One that looks good no matter where you go,
and one that can take on the look of separates or be sewn in the same fabric
throughout? Then the Two Become One Dress is for you.
Featuring a t-shirt style bodice with scoop neck and short sleeves, and a
straight skirt, joined at the waist with a gathered band for fit, comfort and style.
No zippers or closures, just pull it on and go.
Suitable for knit fabrics only.

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To print your PDF pattern

Your pattern and instructions come as one file to make printing easy.
Please make sure you are using the latest version of Adobe for best results.
You can download the latest version here if you need to.
Open the PDF file in Adobe Reader. Select File Print and the print
dialogue box opens. Under Page Sizing and Handling, select SIZE, then
select ACTUAL SIZE. Orientation for this pattern is LANDSCAPE.
You can print the lot including the pattern and instructions, or if you
want, just print the pattern pieces (at the end of these instructions).
On the top edge of the first pattern sheet is a test square. This box should
measure 2 inches square. If yours is wildly different you will need to check
your printer options to make sure the pages are not being resized. Some
computer users have reported minor scaling issues printing PDF patterns
using Windows 8.
Match up the pattern pieces, folding under or cutting off any overlaps, and
tape together.

Skill level Beginner

This is a simple pattern using simple turn and stitch techniques. Some
experience of sewing with knit fabrics would be useful. If you want to learn
more about great techniques for sewing with knit fabrics, read the So Sew
Easy review of the online Sewing with Knits Class.
So Sew Easy readers get an exclusive 25% off the Sewing with Knits
Class.

Please read through all of these instructions before

starting your project and cutting your fabric.
Useful tutorials
You can find a range of useful sewing tutorials and videos at So Sew Easy
tutorials page.
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What size do I need?

1 foot of narrow elastic

Please use this table as a guide only as although our body measurements
may be similar, different body shapes may require fitting
differently. Fabrics with different thickness, drape and stretch will also
affect the finished result and fit on this skirt, so use this table as a guide
only. Compare the flat pattern measurements to your own body

Useful serger or Overcasting foot

Optional Stretch Twin Needle
Optional clear elastic or tape for shoulder seams

measurements.
Size
A
B
C
D
E
F
G

Bust (in/cm)
31 / 79
33 / 84
35 / 89
37 / 94
40 / 101
44 / 112
48 / 122

Waist (in/cm)
23 / 58
25 / 64
27 / 69
29 / 74
32 / 81
36 / 91
40 / 101

Hips (in/cm)
33/ 84
35 / 89
37 / 94
40 / 101
43 / 109
47 / 119
51 / 130

Fabric requirements
Knit fabrics with moderate stretch, that allow you to take a close-fitting
shirt on and off. Solid colors look good, as do random small or large
patterns. Try a different look with a solid for the bodice and print for the
skirt or vice versa. You can also make this dress in the same fabric
throughout. A thin lightweight fabric will drape and swish nicer than
something heavy or thick.
Layout assuming fabric 58 inches wide, as drafted, the top section will

Always test the fit using the paper pattern pieces, or

an inexpensive test fabric before cutting your expensive fabric for this
dress. If in doubt test the larger size and adjust for fitting at the seams
during construction. You may also mix and match sizes, up or down one

require just under 1 yard for all sizes.

For the skirt, all sizes will fit on of a yard at 58 inches wide. On narrower
fabric, the largest sizes may need 1.5 yards.

size, so you may cut a medium bodice and sleeves with a large skirt and

You will also need to cut a piece for the waist cumberbund, no pattern

ease to fit at the waist seem.

piece supplied, which is 8 inches wide and the length of your waist less
10%. See the instructions for more on this.

Materials needed
Fabric see recommendations below

More fabric may be required for stripes, large prints and pattern matching.

Matching thread
Stretch or ball point needle for knit fabrics
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Directions
Seam allowances inch or 1.25 throughout unless mentioned
Abbreviations used RST right sides together.
Stitches to use if using a regular sewing machine, you may have a stretch
stitch refer to your sewing machine manual.
If not, then you can use a narrow zig-zag stitch try a stitch length of 2.5
and a width of 1.0. Always test your stitches on a scrap of fabric before
starting your project and test for stretch.
You may finish your seams with an overcasting stitch or a zig-zag stitch.
Most knit fabrics do not fray so you may also chose to leave the inside
edges unfinished.

Lets start to sew !

Always stop your stitching coming undone at each end of your seam by
backstitching 2 or 3 stitches.
Neaten your seams serge/overlock your seams, or finish with your
favourite method. You may choose to leave the seams unfinished if your
fabric doesnt fray, or simply trim to inch and overcast. Trim, neaten and

1. Print and assemble your pattern. Check the size of the test square see
above.
2. Pre-wash and iron your fabric according to fabric care instructions.

finish seams as you go.

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4. With RST, match the bodice shoulder seams and stitch. Optional you
3. Use your pattern piece to cut your fabric. Remember to cut on the fold
for the bodice front and back, the skirt front and back and the neck

may choose to stabilize the shoulder seam with a clear elastic or a thin
tape by sewing it into the seam allowance.

binding.

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5. Find the center of the sleeve, match it with the shoulder seam. Pin the
sleeve in place easing around the curves. Stitch, neaten and press. If
you want to add a stay tape to the bottom of the sleeves, do this now
optional.

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7. RST, match the under arm seam, the waist seam and the bottom of the
6. RST, pin and sew the skirt front and back to the bottom of the bodice
front and back at the waist seam, easing where necessary to fit.

skirt on each side. Pin then stitch from the edge of the sleeve all the
way down to the bottom of the skirt. Repeat for both sides.

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8. Check for fit. Pin out any alterations, baste and try again. Once happy
with the fit, trim and press seams.
9. Finish the bottom edge of the sleeves with a inch seam. Use a
stretch stitch, or finish with a twin needle. You can read here about
how to finish hems on knits and how to use a twin needle.

10. With RST, stitch across the short end of the neckline binding. Fold it in
half with WRONG sides together along the length, and press.

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11. Find the quarters in your binding at center front, center back and half
way between and mark with a pin. Repeat the same for the neckline
edge.

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12. Pin your binding around the neckline, RST, matching the quarter
marking pins. Pin in between where needed.

13. Stitch the neckline binding in place, stretching the binding to match the
length of the neckline as you sew. Trim, neaten and press seams.

14. Cut the band for your waist band. You will need a piece of fabric 8
inches wide, with the stretch going along the length. The length should
be your waist measurement less 10%. So if your waist is 30 inches, cut
your band at 27 inches. If your waist is 35 inches, cut your band at 31.5
inches.

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15. RST, join the band at the short side. Press seam open. Mark a line half

16. Cut two pieces of narrow or clear elastic measuring 7 inches long.

way along the piece, opposite the seam you just sewed. The seam line

Measure in 2 inches from each end and mark with a pin. These 2 inches

and the line you just marked are your side seams.

at each end wont be sewn, they are for holding onto as you sew.

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17. On the inside of the band seam allowance, starting 1 inch from the top

19. Trim off the extra 2 inches of elastic at each end, and discard.

edge, secure your elastic at the 2 inch mark. Now stretch your elastic all
the way until the other 2 inch mark is 1 inch in from the opposite side.
Pin at this point. Stretch the elastic as you sew, and sew the elastic in
place with a wide zig-zag or triple stretch stitch.

18. Repeat for the other side, stitching the elastic to the wrong side over
the line you marked in the previous step.

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20. Turn over the top and bottom of your band inch and stitch all the
way round.

22. Stitch from the right side, along the side seams to hold the band in
place.

21. Try on the dress and move the waist band into place. Decide where you
want it, line up the seams on the dress with the seams on the band and
pin in place.

23. Try on the dress and check the length. Mark where you want the hem
to fall and pin in place. Finish the bottom hemline. Using a twin needle
is optional.
24. Enjoy wearing your Two Become One Dress and remember to keep the
pattern pieces so you can make another one soon.

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You might enjoy my other tutorials and sewing patterns at So Sew Easy,
including:
Wrap Dress

Gathered Summer
Skirt

Sew A Skirt beginner

tutorial series

Twist Front Top

Two Become One

Dress
Nautical Mug Rug

Double Layer
Chiffon/Lace Blouse
30 Minutes Easy Skirt
Cheeky Panties

Custom Fit Skirt

Teeny Tiny Zipper

Pouch
Long arm oven mitts

Custom fit leggings

Boxy Bag

Sew Simple Leggings

Little Black Party Dress

Easy Cosmetics Bag

Easy Breezy Blouse

On a Roll T-shirt

Super Simple Wallet

Padded bottle bag

Slouchy Sweater

Classic Straight leg knit

pants
Make it Yours Clutch
Bag
Reversible Apron

Cool It Can Cozy

Gathered front top

Spring Mug Rug

Waterfall top

Flirty Skirty

Carry All Bag

Cowl Neck Top

Expanding Nautical
Tote Bag
Sew Simple Leggings

Wear Everywhere Dress

Easy Summer Dress

Summer Drape Top

Thank you for downloading this Two Become One Dress pattern and
tutorial. I hope you enjoyed making this project and remember that I love
to share your creations at So Sew Easy so drop me an email with a photo at
deby@so-sew-easy.com
or upload your completed projects to the pattern page on Craftsy.

Fab Felt Christmas Tree

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For the latest list of patterns available, pop on over to my designer page at
Craftsy.

instructions, please pass on the original download link at So Sew Easy.

Thank you for your understanding.

This pattern graphic, the photos and the instructions are copy right
Deby Coles at So Sew Easy. Please do not copy, publish, sell,

Usage you ARE allowed to use this pattern to make things to sell on

redistribute or alter them in any way. Please dont print and give to

a small handmade basis, such as for craft fairs and for your Etsy shop.

your friends, or send it to anyone by email. Please do not rebrand this

However it may not be used for larger scale commercial purposes

work as your own and sell or give it away, even if altered. This is

without a commercial licence.

intended for your personal use. If you would like to recommend these

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