2026 . 1
1960’s Bell-Sleeved Mini Dress in Bust 38″ [96.52cm]
For the very first listing from “mariaclarapatterns”, I wanted to go with a relatively classic style of dress (as far as mid-to-late 1960’s silhouettes went). Still, it is a touch different from your usual shift dresses or bell sleeves.
This pattern’s sleeves are in two parts, what I’ve referred to as the “Upper Sleeve” and “Lower Sleeve”; the Lower Sleeve is gathered to be sewn into the Upper Sleeve, so it’s intentionally half-fitted, half-loose. This seam connecting the Upper Sleeve and Lower Sleeve should approximately reach down to the middle of your bicep.
For my sample, I used the following fabrics and notions:
- Self — Polyester Crepe; dating 1960’s to 1970’s, thrifted
- Lining — Rayon Bemberg; CaliFabrics
- Not required, but the Crepe was rather thin. Likewise, I would recommend using such if your choice of fabric is translucent.
- Zip — YKK #3; A random tub from “SCRAP” in San Francisco
- Optional — Four 1/2″ (Ligne 22) Buttons; eBay
- I used these to adorn the “Front” piece of the dress. This is not part of the original ‘Notions’ list, but it was more of a ‘why not?’. They are shank buttons that are a light blue, matching the general blue motif all around the fabric.
Difficulty is “Confident Beginner” to “Easy Intermediate”. Simply put, this is ideal if you are comfortable with inserting regular zippers that are centered or lapped, or invisible zippers; with easing set-in sleeves into armholes; and can create gathers with two threads.
So far, all I would recommend before beginning this straightforward pattern is altering the flat pattern BEFORE sewing, if necessary. In the future, I plan to compile a full fitting guide that is either relevant to the sold pattern that it’s attached to, or a fitting guide that encompasses many styles. Either way, that’s in the cards!
The ‘Bell-Sleeved Mini Dress’ is digitized from the original Big 4 envelope released in the late 1960’s, and thus included only one single size per sold envelope. I hope to expand upon this by means of grading, but as of now, my listing fits a Bust 38″ [96.52cm].
If you’ve read this far, thank you! Check out the listing any time.
mara