Simplicity 9702 Sew Along

Simplicity 9702 is a beautiful Boho style sewing pattern. I made the maxi version with a three tiered skirt and three quarter long sleeves gathered at the end. The empire dress with several length and sleeve variations is fun and flirty. There is a low V neckline, which is right on trend, but you can add a modesty panel if it’s too low for your personal style. Lots and lots of ruffles on this super cute Simplicity sewing pattern.

In this Sew Along, I cover:

• Replace Facing with Lining
• Billowy sleeves
• Gathering tiers
• Sleeve banding
• Adding in a modesty panel for V neckline

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The Sew Along Video

The Pattern

Simplicity 9702 is a great pattern for an advanced beginner. With this sew along, it will be easy to construct. Additionally, it will give you all the practice you need with learning to gather fabrics!

The sewing pattern has lots of cute options including short ruffled sleeves gathered around the upper arm, long sleeves gathered with a self bias binding, and long sleeves elasticated with a flounce. The tiered dress comes in several lengths with and without a ruffled hem band. The is also an option to add a contrasting crochet trim v neckline overlay.

The Class: If you are looking to learn how to gather fabric, visit my quick tutorial on gathering fabrics for ruffles, sleeves, and all things gathered.

The Fabric

Liberty London Symphony Tana Cotton Lawn (shown above) is a great weight.

You will want a soft lightweight for this dress. Woven fabrics like a viscose challis, cotton lawn, or soft silk. Minerva’s viscose challis would be perfect as would a pretty Liberty London floral.

Second Dress

Same pattern made with the fabric I purchased from Liberty London. This one is version A without the embellishment. Just. Love. It.

Love this floral from Liberty, Jungle Trip Tana Lawn Cotton. It is $37/meter and for a long, flowy dress you would need 3+ meters. You can find other Liberty Cotton Lawn prints on Minerva at a lower price point to ease the budget a bit.

Lining Vs Facings

Simplicity 9702 calls for facings along the v neck. Most of you know, I’m not a big fan of facings. I think they flop around, fall out, and generally look unkempt.

Making a self bias binding for the edges would be another good option. If applied to add width to the v neck, it would help mitigate some of the skin showing down the bodice front.

I opted for a fully lined bodice. I think it looks high end, it adds some coverage to the sheer cotton lawn, and it makes a beautiful finish along the neckline.

Sleeve Self Bias Binding Edges

A bias cut sleeve binding for your sleeve is a fun way to finish off the wrist edge. The self bias binding edges allows the sleeve opening to be a little loose and still look great. It’s a technique you’ll want to keep in your sewing toolbox of tricks.

Inseam Side Pockets

I love a beautiful pocket. When they are done correctly, they are a thing of joy. To keep your pockets from flipping out, add a row of top stitching – stitching the pockets to the seam allowance. Just like a messy facing, a messy pocket is a sign of poor garment assembly.

Baby Hems

If you need a primer on baby hems, visit my primer on How To Sew With Slippery Fabrics.

Ready To Wear

Boho gathered dresses are everywhere, this midi version from River Island was an inspiration for my first version.

Love My Boho Dress

I like this Simplicity 9702 pattern so much, I’m making it again in the mid calf lengths with fabric I purchased on my London Shopping trip.

Happy Sewing,

Sandi

PS:

Make your garments better with my 21 Tips To Take Your DIY Garment From Homemade To High End

Do you love Sew Alongs and Sewing Tips and Tricks? My Youtube channel Barrett’s Custom Design is filled with great sewing techniques served up with a few laughs. 

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