How to sew a Bao dress

Introducing Bao, a fitted dress ideal for both small and large occasions, with front and back cut-outs to flatter the figure. A little low-cut in the back, but not too much, it keeps the bra strap hidden. As for the slit at the back of the skirt, it preserves amplitude of movement when walking. And you can easily adapt it to a shorter version!

To keep it close to the body, we've exceptionally made the seams smaller, with different values on the right and left of the dress to accommodate the large invisible zip hidden in the side seam. This will be the only slight difficulty with this model, but with a little patience, you'll get the hang of it! With the help of the video here and the booklet, you'll have all the tips you need.

For the fabric, there are many choices, from stiff jacquard like ours (this is a coupon we were offered at the very, very beginning of Make My Lemonade, thank you Marion! ) to light cotton plumetis or airy lace for summer, we just ask you to pay attention to the sleeves, which are close to the body. Do a canvas test before cutting the fabric. If this doesn't work, you have two options:
-widen the pattern slightly at the biceps and elbow (remember to try with your arm bent! ),
-or, if your fabric is a little elastic, you can cut the sleeves on the bias instead of the straight thread!

To sew Bao, you'll need :
-2.3m fabric in 1.40m width or 3m30m in 1.10m width,
-2m bias tape,
-1 invisible 50cm zip,
-1m lining in 1.40m.

Happy sewing!