Valentine’s Day is just around the corner, which gave me the perfect opportunity to put together a cute new date look for the occasion! I worked with artist Ria Neearts again to collaborate on a new outfit for my favorite comfort character: Xion from Kingdom Hearts. This look is made to be a casual cosplay, but I can definitely see myself wearing this outside of cosplay, too.
The vibe of this look is soft and pink, with a splash of sweetness. The outfit features a cute cropped dusty pink cardigan with a striped cami-style fitted dress. Pair it with an adorable pair of red heels and a rose, and you’re good to go!
I did not sew every part of this outfit, but since the dress was the focal point of this outfit, I wanted to construct this one myself, especially since it has a very particular length and look.
Materials Needed to Make the Dress:
- Camisole Dress Pattern
- Dusty Striped Pink Spandex Jersey Knit (Gifted by Stylish Fabric)
- Dusty Pink Solid Jersey Knit (Gifted by Stylist Fabric)
- Pink Fold-Over Elastic
- Pink Thread
You can use my code MOCHI15 for 15% off your purchase with Stylish Fabric!
To start, I downloaded a camisole pattern from Wardrobe by Me. This pattern allows you to choose from a short and long version, so I chose the long version because I’m making a dress. I like this pattern a lot because it was easy to follow and it was the exact shape needed for this project. I was able to print it out at home and trace it onto my fabric within an hour after purchasing. While this dress may have been something I could’ve patterned on my own, I did not go that route since I am usually very busy and I like supporting other creators when I can!
For my fabric, I used this dusty striped pink spandex jersey knit, gifted by Stylish Fabric. I traced the front and back pieces out onto it once. Because this fabric is a little sheer and the dress is very fitted, I traced the pieces out again onto a dusty pink solid jersey knit (also gifted by Stylish Fabric) to use as an inside “lining”. Note: don’t forget to pre-wash your fabric before using it!
I sandwiched all 4 layers together (right side to right side, with the “lining” layers on the outside) and used sewing clips to hold together the side seams as I sew the baste stitch with a 1/4” seam allowance (built into the pattern). I then used my serger to secure those seams. After checking my work, I turned the project inside-out to reveal the outside.
We are now ready for the straps! Let’s be real: knit fabric is incredibly difficult to work with when making tiny straps and adding accent edges. Instead, I used a fold-over pink elastic tape. I started out with one short piece going across the top of the chest edge, and secured it with my sewing clips. I sewed the elastic on with a zigzag stitch since this dress is meant to be stretchy.
I then used two longer strips for the straps and sides, following the edge of the side of the dress towards the back. I also used zigzag stitching for this as well.
Lastly, I hemmed the edge of the dress by serging it, then folded it over to secure with a zigzag stitch.
I’m really happy with the end result and I think it turned out great! Knit fabric is a challenge to work with, but once you get the hang of it, you can make some really comfy and nice pieces for every day wear! Here is the finished look.
tags: Tutorials & Construction Notes
categories: Tutorials & Construction Notes
