Learn to Sew a Smock Dress

Welcome to the Baker sewalong! In this first lesson, Erica will introduce you to our sewalongs and give you some helpful tips. And in the next lesson, she’ll show you how to pick a size and prep your pattern and fabric.

If you’re feeling confident about getting started, you can go ahead and skip to lesson 3 and you’ll learn some helpful fitting techniques for the pattern.

Here’s what we’ll cover in this sewalong:

Here is everything you need to know about the Baker dress before you start sewing!

Baker has a flowing silhouette with a notch neckline adorned with a tie. The lined yoke finishes just below the bust at the front. Delicate gathers below the yoke on both the front and back center panels follow a gentle A-line silhouette. Princess seams add structure and shape, and the pouf sleeves feature an elastic casing that finishes just above the elbow, giving a playful and feminine touch.

Fabric recommendations: Look for lightweight or medium-weight woven fabrics such as linen, chambray, batiste, lawn, clip dot, gauze, double gauze, rayon challis, rayon crepe, cupro, silk, and Tencel.

Fabric qualities to look for: When choosing fabric for the Baker dress, it’s important to consider both the weight and drape, as these factors significantly influence how the dress fits and moves on your body.

A lightweight fabric with a fluid drape, such as a linen and rayon blend, will create a soft, flowing silhouette.

In contrast, a heavier fabric with a more structured drape, such as the jacquard used in Franki’s sample, will offer a more defined shape.

A fabric with a crisp hand, like shirting or viole, will stand away from the body, for more of a floaty effect, similar to the sample that Sophia is wearing.

Take the time to select a fabric that best suits your style and your desired effect.

Seamwork members, take advantage of your member deals this month! You can save up to 20% off your order here.