The Diamond Dress Sewing Pattern Guide

Introducing the Diamond Dress Sewing Pattern: a timeless tribute to the elegance of a bygone era, inspired by the iconic styles showcased in the classic film "Breakfast at Tiffany's".

This vintage-style pattern captures the essence of 1960s glamour, making it perfect for those who adore retro fashion with a modern twist. The Diamond Dress features a charming round front neckline paired with a striking deep V-neck at the back, offering a blend of sophistication and allure. Its midi length and flared silhouette provide a flattering fit for all figures, while the standout feature – a beautifully crafted bow adorning the back –adds a touch of whimsical charm.

Whether you're attending a special event or simply wish to add a piece of classic elegance to your wardrobe, the Diamond Dress is your perfect sewing project.

Size Charts

Fabric Requirements: All Sizes

Difficulty: Medium- Experienced Sewists

Fabric Suggestions: For the Diamond Dress sewing pattern, especially given its vintage style and elegant design, choosing the right woven fabric is crucial to capture that classic, sophisticated look:

Taffeta: Known for its crisp, smooth texture and subtle sheen, taffeta holds its shape well, making it ideal for the flared silhouette and bow detail of the dress.
Satin: With its glossy surface and luxurious feel, satin adds an elegant drape and a touch of sophistication, perfect for the deep V back and overall vintage aesthetic.
Silk Dupioni: This fabric offers a textured finish with a luminous sheen, lending a touch of luxury and depth to the dress.
Brocade: For added texture and opulence, brocade brings intricate patterns and a luxurious feel, enhancing the dress's vintage charm.

Sharing: If you created something with a Gunnar Deatherage pattern, PLEASE give us a review, and post a photo! Gunnar loves to see your creations, and your reviews really help our little shop grow!

Glossary

Finish Seam = overlock, trim away, zigzag, pinking shear them, or however you finish out seams.

Flatline = To secure two pieces of fabric together into one single section.

Rolled Hem Tutorial: CLICK HERE<—

Zipper Tutorial = CLICK HERE<—

Assembling The Diamond Dress

Step 1: Sewing the Front Darts

Begin by placing the front bodice piece on a flat surface,
wrong side up. Trace the dart lines marked on the
pattern onto the fabric using fabric chalk.
Fold the fabric along each dart line so the lines meet,
with the fold at the center of the dart. Pin this fold in
place, ensuring the fabric is smooth and the lines align.
When sewing, start from the wide end of the dart and
proceed towards the pointed end. Sew straight along the
traced line. After sewing, press each dart flat. Ensure all 4
darts are symmetrical and adjust if necessary.
Repeat with the lining piece.

Step 2: Sewing the Back Darts

Take the Back Bodice pieces and fold the fabric right sides together, along the dart lines, aligning the dart legs. Make sure to align the dart legs precisely. You can use pins to hold the fabric in place.

Sew starting at the wide end of the dart and stitch along the marked line until you reach the point. Once you've finished sewing, make sure to give those darts a good press.

Repeat with the lining pieces.

Step 3: Sewing the Shoulders

Align the Front and Back pieces with the right sides facing each other. Carefully pin along the shoulders.

Next, proceed to stitch along, using a 1/2-inch seam allowance. After stitching, it's time to press all the seams open.

Repeat with the lining pieces.

Step 4: Attaching the Lining to the Shell

Place the Shell Bodice on top of the Lining Bodice, right sides together. Align the neckline and armhole edges and pin in place, matching the notches. Sew using a 1/2" seam allowance.

Trim half of the seam allowance and clip around the round edges, taking care not to pass the seam.

Turn the bodice right side out through the shoulders and give the neckline and armholes a really good press.

Step 5: Sewing the Sides of the Bodice

Join the Back and Front pieces along the side seams. This will involve sewing the lining back to the lining front, and the main back to the main front. Ensure that you are working with the right sides of the fabric facing each other.

Carefully align the underarm seams of both the lining and the main fabric. This step is crucial for a neat and professional finish. Pin the edges together, ensuring that the seams match perfectly.

Proceed to sew along the pinned edge for both the lining and the main fabric. Press the seams open.

Step 6: Sewing the Sides of the Skirt Main

Place the Back Skirt pieces over the Front Skirt piece, right sides together and pin in place along the side edges.

Sew them together using a 1/2" seam allowance, overlock

the seam, and press.

Repeat on the other side.Pin

Step 7: Sewing the Sides of the Skirt Lining

Place the Back Skirt Lining pieces over the Front Skirt Lining piece, right sides together, and pin in place along the side edges.

Sew them together using a 1/2" seam allowance, overlock the seam and press.

Repeat on the other side.

Step 8: Attaching the Main Skirt to the Main Bodice

Pin the Shell Skirt to the Shell Bodice piece, right sides together, aligning the waist edges and matching the notches.

Once everything is pinned in place, stitch along the edge where you've pinned the skirt and bodice together.

After stitching, go ahead and press the seam. Repeat with the Lining Bodice and the Lining Skirt.

Step 9: Preparing the Tie

Take the Front Tie and Back Tie pieces and place them right sides together, aligning the sides and matching the edges.

Pin in place and sew them using a 1/2" seam allowance. Press the seams open. (a)
Fold the Tie in half lengthwise and secure the open edges together with pins. Stitch in place the long edge, leaving the small ones open. (b)
Trim away half of the seam allowance to reduce the bulk, then, turn the tie right side out and press it with an iron, nice and flat.

*Apply fusible interfacing on the wrong side of the fabric, if needed.

Step 10: Attaching the Tie

Take the Tie and place it around the waist, right sides together, aligning the short edges of the Tie with the Center Back of the Shell fabric.

Place the ends of the Tie just above the waist seam of the dress. Pin in place and topstitch them in place using a 1/4" seam allowance.

Additionally, you can hand-stitch the tie around the side seams of the dress, after attaching it to the Center Back.

Step 11: Sewing the Zipper

Separate the lining and main fabric, so that you are working ONLY with the right side of the main fabric.

Unzip the zipper and align it with the raw edge, making sure the top of the zipper matches the seam (with zipper teeth on the left). Use a zipper foot to stitch it in place. (a)

Repeat the process for the opposite side of the bodice, attaching the zipper in the same manner with the zipper in line with the raw edge and zipper teeth this time on the right. Secure the zipper with a stitch.

Fold the lining down over the top of the zip, so that the lining and the shell fabric are right sides together. Top stitch along the edge of the zip to secure. (b)

After sewing, it's a good idea to trim the corners neatly to avoid any bulkiness.

Then, turn the dress out so that the seam allowance is facing towards the inside of the dress. Using an iron, press the seam to smooth out any wrinkles or creases.

Step 12: Sewing the Center Back Seam

Take the center back edges of the main dress, ensuring that the right sides of the main fabric are facing each other.

Using a regular stitch and a 1/2" seam allowance, begin sewing 1/2" above the zipper bottom stop, down to the bottom hem of the dress. Take care to sew in a straight line and maintain an even seam. After sewing, gently press the seam open.

Repeat with the Skirt lining.

Step 13: Hemming the dress

If your fabric has a regular hem, you can opt for a rolled hem for a delicate finish.
Alternatively, feel free to choose any other hemming style that suits your preference and the dress’s design. This is your chance to give your dress the perfect final touch!

Step 14: :Preparing the Bow

Take the Bow pieces and place them right sides together, aligning all edges.
Sew in place all around the pieces, leaving 3-4" open around the center of the large edge, to turn the piece right side out later. (a)

Trim the seam allowance and the corners to reduce the bulk. (b)
Turn the bow right side out and press it with an iron. Then, hand stitch around the edge of the bow to close the opening. (c)

Step 15: Basting the Bow

Sew a basting stitch down the center of the Bow piece. Gently pull the thread to gather the fabric at the center of the bow.

Secure the gathered section by tying a knot in the thread to hold it in place.

Step 16: Preparing the Central Bow

Take the Center Bow pieces and place them right sides together. Sew along the long edges, leaving both ends open.

Once you're done, turn the fabric right side out and press it flat. After that, close the sides with an overlock stitch to make sure everything stays neat and tidy.

Step 17: Preparing the Tie Tail (G)

Take the Tailpiece and fold it in half lengthwise, ensuring the right sides are facing each other. Sew along the raw edges, but leave a small gap in the center for turning it right out later. Carefully trim half of the seam allowance and clip the edges, especially diagonally at the corners for a cleaner finish.
After sewing, turn the tail right side out through the opening and press it flat with an iron.
Finally, hand stitch around the edge of the tail, closing the gap in the process.

Step 18: Attaching the Bow pieces

It's time to assemble the big bow. Start by taking the completed Center Bow and wrapping it around the Big Bow piece. Make sure the ends of the Center Bow are pulled tightly around it. Secure these ends with pins for a snug fit.
Next, slide the Tail through the center ring of the bow, ensuring it is aligned with the bow's center.
Once you are satisfied with the positioning, carefully hand-stitch the ends of the Center Bow ring to secure everything in place.
Once the Bow is in place, stitch it together at the top, where the two pieces overlap. This will hold the bow in place and give it a polished look.

Step 19: Securing the Bow to the Dress

For the final step, attaching a hook and eye closure to your Dress and Bow, begin by deciding the exact placement for them on the center back of the dress and on the Bow. Use chalk to mark these spots precisely.
Position the hook on the Bow, ensuring it's oriented upwards, towards the neck. This orientation is important for it to grip correctly. (a)
Then, attach the eye to the waistband of the dress, placing it so it's downwards, towards the floor. (b) Carefully aligning and securing these closures will ensure they function properly, providing a secure and seamless fit for your dress.

Congrats! You have finished the Diamond Dress!

If you created something with a Gunnar Deatherage pattern, PLEASE give us a review, and post a photo! Gunnar loves to see your creations, and your reviews really help our little shop grow!