Val — Backless Maxi Dress Sewing Pattern (Free PDF)

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Qty: Digital Download

Sewing Pattern Instructions

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Description:

The Val pattern is a stunning scoop-shaped open-back maxi dress with two adjustable ties and flattering princess seams. By following the curves of your body, these seams elongate your silhouette and create a figure slimming effect. We've added two front slits for a touch of sexy and ease of movement.

The secret to sewing princess seams that lie perfectly flat is to carefully transfer your notches, perfectly match them and clip along the curves after they are stitched together.

For our sample US size 6 pictured in this tutorial we used 3 yards of FS Luxury Yarn Dyed Medium Weight Linen. Any medium weight linen will suit this project. 

  • Free print-at-home format on A4 paper
  • Layered PDF to print just your size
  • Most patterns graded in size 0/2 to 28/30
  • Many have Step-by-step instructions on The Thread blog
  • No licensing restrictions. Sew as many as you like

Specifications:

Type: PDF Pattern
Skill Level: Beginner
Design Variations: 1
Sizes: 0/2 to 12/14, 16/18 to 28/30
Illustrations: Yes
Instructions: Yes

Qty: Digital Download

Sewing Pattern Instructions

Free digital patterns are available for registered customers only.

Customer Questions and Answers

AL

Hi! I want to make this dress but I don't want the slits. Do I have to adjust the pattern or can I just not include them. Thanks!

Abby • August 2, 2023
Lauren profile image F|S Team

Hello, You don't have to adjust the pattern, Just sew the seams up as usual without leaving the slit section open.

Lauren • August 2, 2023
MP

I have never sewn on the bias before. I thought I would make a sample out of muslin to see where I will need to make adjustments. I am a little short waisted. Do you think this is wise, or do you think a practice run on muslin not comparable. How might I take measurements for my torso to adjust the pattern?

Marie • November 1, 2022
Lauren profile image F|S Team

Hello, We always recommend sewing a muslin for new patterns, especially if you often make pattern adjustments for your body.

Lauren • November 1, 2022
CM

Como hago los patrones si no veo el esquema con las medidas? No lo entiendo para nada el pdf.

Carmen • August 7, 2022
Lauren profile image F|S Team

Please open the pattern in Adobe Acrobat Reader, then check the pattern 'attachments'. The pattern files are located there. If you need more help please see our Help Center tutorials or email our helpful staff.

Lauren • August 7, 2022
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MA
Stunning dress

I love this dress! It's easy but doesn't look sack-like and frumpy like many simple patterns. I can't wait for warm weather to wear it

Martha • March 24, 2024
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HW
Making Another

Love it. Have to remember most of these patterns run a bit big on me, I've made a few and this ones my favorite so far!

hana • February 28, 2021
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LA
In the end lovely, but required substantial alterations

I fell in love with the look of the back of the dress and knew I wanted to lower the neckline but I didn't expect the massive alterations to make this dress (size 4/6) fit me without looking like a potato sack -- I used medium weight linen. The center front panel was excessive and I ended up pinning, basting, cutting, repeat, to get the fit right. In the end, I had to add an empire seam to take up the excess material. I recut the armholes (of course, after I faced them!), took in the princess line seam (again!) to eliminate an arm hole gap, and downsized the width of the strap. I would not even know how to make this dress again, but I am pleased with the result.

Lisa • February 22, 2021
FS Team profile image F|S Team
Lauren

hello, I'm sorry you didn't like the look of your dress. If you'd like any sewing assistance in the future, feel free to email us! askfabrics-store.com

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CL
Beautiful pattern!

I love this free pattern, I made a muslin first and had a friend help me get the fitting perfect. I bought some beautiful IL019 Sulpphur softened linen from this site. I wore it to town and had lots of compliments. I biggest challenge was finding a color coordinating bra.

Cecelia • August 29, 2020
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ED
Love it so much, I'll make multiple!

This was my second sewing project ever, and it was perfect! As a beginner, I was a bit nervous to make this with nice linen, so I made it with 100% cotton I had leftover, but I do think this dress is perfect for linen. My fabric was a bit shear, so I added a lining piece to the center front and center back pieces by simply cutting another piece of the same dimensions as the front and back, but shorter, and sewing them to the front and back panels before beginning the pattern. I made a 4/6 and did have to take in the bust a bit (which was an easy fix), but I think with linen the drape will be perfect, and I likely wouldn't need alterations. This pattern was so fun to make, and the directions were so clear. I definitely recommend, and I love the dress so much, I'll be making another one but with linen...stay tuned! Posted by Erin

Erin • August 25, 2020
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This dress was so easy to make. I did raise the back a little for modesty. I used medium wt navy linen 5 oz

Janice • May 15, 2021

I used IL019 Insignia Blue Softened 5.3 oz/yd2

Lisa • February 22, 2021

I love this free pattern, I made a muslin first and had a friend help me get the fitting perfect. I bought some beautiful IL019 Sulphur softened linen from this site. I wore it to town and had lots of compliments. I biggest challenge was finding a color coordinating bra. I am an experience seamstress.

Cecelia • August 29, 2020

This was my second sewing project ever, and it was perfect! As a beginner, I was a bit nervous to make this with nice linen, so I made it with 100% cotton I had leftover, but I do think this dress is perfect for linen. My fabric was a bit shear, so I added a lining piece to the center front and center back pieces by simply cutting another piece of the same dimensions as the front and back, but shorter, and sewing them to the front and back panels before beginning the pattern. I made a 4/6 and did have to take in the bust a bit (which was an easy fix), but I think with linen the drape will be perfect, and I likely wouldn't need alterations. This pattern was so fun to make, and the directions were so clear. I definitely recommend, and I love the dress so much, I'll be making another one but with linen...stay tuned!

Erin • August 25, 2020
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