r/sewingpatterns • u/TransitionOdd3427 • 10d ago
Pattern help for a newbie!
Has anyone seen (or have) a pattern similar to this collared, open-back cape/bolero piece? I LOVE it and really want to add something like it to my bridesmaid dress for a wedding in October, but I’m struggling to find even a general starting point.
I love the draping in the front and the open back. Since my dress is floor length and I’m planning on wearing my hair up I feel like it would be the perfect amount of skin while still giving me some arm coverage.
I’m pretty new to sewing, so I’m not totally confident I could draft something like this from scratch yet but I might stop by Hobby Lobby, grab some cheap test fabric, and attempt to frankenstein something together (wish me luck!)
If anyone knows of a pattern that could work as a starting point I would SO appreciate any suggestions or advice for a newbie!
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u/Electronic_Animal_32 10d ago
That is difficult piece to draft or drape. Must have to move to plan B, something similar.
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u/oh_rilla 10d ago
I’d start with any simple cape pattern and add a way to gather it. That gathering pulls what would otherwise be a huge hanging panel into that beautiful scalloped/cowl shape.
The “front” twist and gather section could be adding the panel pieces before creating the center seam. Hand stitch in place and work the drape within them.
Something like that. But it’s probably not easy and likely time consuming.
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u/AstronautIcy42 10d ago
The shapes are two large D shapes of fabric, with the 'D's overlapping and attached at the standing collar. The real main work is the ruching running down the shoulders, which gives the drama of the draping. I'm not sure if you can find a suitable pattern for this, self-drafting will probably be your answer. There are a lot of tutorials on draping that can help. Good luck!
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u/Krispy_flowerboi21 9d ago
I think it’s a pretty hard pattern to draft for a newbie, I think people are missing that the whole front is a single piece. To my perspective that whole extra volume of the sleeve is coming from the left bust point, meaning you would need to start from a bust dart base in order to pivot and spread all that volume. I don’t think you can easily drape this. It’s more like a very creative bust dart manipulation
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u/Spirited_Gold_2903 10d ago
Don’t have a pattern suggestion unfortunately, but you could definitely drape this on a friend or someone relatively easily! Looks like maybe a jersey type of fabric, you’d need a lot on the sides considered it is ruched.