VALERIE SHIFT DRESS WITH OBI BELT

~ sewgirl
BUY PATTERN

Valerie shift dress is a relaxed fit, beginners pattern, suitable for all seasons. A simple, pop over the head style, with no darts, three quarter length sleeves (short sleeve template is also available to download), a choice of two styles of pockets (patch or side) and an optional Obi belt.

A small V detail at the neck, cuffs and patch pocket edges, gives a modern twist.

The dress length is designed to extend to just below the knee, with a small slit at each side hem. I designed this shift dress to be an easy project, to make in a variety of fabrics and a comfortable garment, suitable to wear everyday.

Valerie Singleton with side kicks Peter Purves and John Noakes.

This shift dress pattern was inspired by my childhood TV hero, Valerie Singleton, star of BBC’s ‘Blue Peter ‘ during the 60’s and 70’s. She is a British national treasure and inspiration behind this design.

Valerie in navy cotton fabric with patch pockets

Suitable fabrics to make Valerie- medium weight cotton, denim, poplin, linen, linen /cotton, or needlecord.

Front with patch pockets or side pockets with Obi Belt.
Back view

EMBROIDERY DESIGN ADD-ON

Why not add some embroidery to your shift with this simple chain stitch design around the neckline and cuffs. You can download the design here. Important: Ensure your print settings are at scale 100%. Check the test square before printing off all 3 x A4 pages.

valerie-embroidery-designsDownload

SHORT SLEEVE TEMPLATE ADD-ON

You can also download a free short sleeve template here. Just print off the 6 pages on a home printer on to A4 size paper, cut out the rectangles and stick them together to make a short sleeve piece.

valerie-dress-short-sleeve-template-download-1Download

SIZE GUIDE/ FINISHED GARMENT/FABRIC REQUIREMENTS

Obi Belt (optional)

Of course you don’t have to make the dress with the belt, but I have to say that if you make one lined with some fusible fleece (Vilene H630 or H640), its like someones giving you a big hug all day long!

So this is how you make the Valerie Shift. NB. This is an abridged version of the pattern instructions.

POCKETS

SIDE POCKETS VERSION (optional) For Patch Pocket version go to the next step.

First pin the pockets to the side edges of the front and back. Sew down the side edges.
Press the pockets outwards and topstitch.

PATCH POCKETS VERSION

Fold over 1cm then backwards 4cm.
Sew down each side of the hem.
Trim the seam allowance corners, Turn to the right side, push out the corners with a poking tool. Press, pin, topstitch.
Pin to the Front in position as shown on the template.

NECK FACINGS

Mark out the V-detail at the centre Front Neck Facing reverse side.
Pin the Facing to the neck edge. Sew. Nick the seam allowance.
Trim the V- detail.
Attach the back Neck Facing. Nick the seam allowance.
Press upwards. Understitch.
Join the shoulder seams. Press to the Back.
Understitch.
Topstitch.
Sew the Front and Back together at the side edges and all around the Pockets.
Press a hem at the side slits. Sew.
Hem the lower edge of the dress Front and Back.

SLEEVES

Fold the Sleeve in half longways, pin at the long edges. Sew.
Fold over the cuff edge. 1cm then again 4cm.
Mark out the V detail.
Sew the V-detail. Trim.
Fold over the hem, push out the corners. Pin. Sew.

Pin the Sleeve to the armhole. Sew. Press. Topstitch.

OBI BELT

Sew the ties
Turn inside out.
Topstitch.
Iron on fleece to the reverse side of one piece.
Pin the ties to each far end. Machine tack to hold.
Pin the Lining on top.
Sew all around.
Trim the seam allowance.
Bag out the Obi belt. Press.
Pin all around the outer edge.
Topstitch.
BUY PATTERN

All images and text are copyrighted by Fiona Hesford.

Please ask prior permission if you wish to use any of the content. Thank you.

Leave a comment