Off shoulder dresses are a favorite among sewists because they combine comfort, femininity, and effortless style. The exposed shoulder neckline creates a flattering silhouette, while gathered details and puff sleeves add softness and volume. They are perfect for warm-weather wardrobes, vacations, casual outings, and special occasions.
The Aster Off Shoulder Dress Sewing Pattern from Winslet's is a great project for sewists looking to create a stylish dress with beautiful gathered details. Featuring an empire seam, off-the-shoulder puff sleeves, and a gathered skirt with a frill hem, it offers an attractive finish while remaining approachable for beginner and intermediate sewists.
Why Sew an Off Shoulder Dress?
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Creates a feminine and flattering silhouette.
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Off-the-shoulder neckline offers a stylish summer look.
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Gathered empire seam provides comfortable shaping.
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Puff sleeves add volume and visual interest.
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Frill hem creates movement and a playful finish.
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Suitable for vacations, casual wear, summer outings, and special occasions.
Why Choose the Winslet's Aster Off Shoulder Dress Sewing Pattern?
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Skill Level: Easy.
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Empire seam gathered dress design.
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Off-the-shoulder neckline.
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Puff sleeves with elasticized detailing.
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Gathered skirt with bottom frill.
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Invisible zipper closure.
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Available Sizes: US 02 - US 32 | UK 06 - UK 36 | EU 36 - EU 64
Supplies & Notions
You will need:
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Tape measure
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Shears
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Iron
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3-ply polyester thread
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Chalk
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Thread cutter
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Pins
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Sewing machine
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Sewing needles
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Elastic band
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15" invisible zipper
Fabric Recommendations
Consider using:
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Cotton blends
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Satin
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Georgette fabric
The model in the photograph is wearing a dress made from viscose crepe fabric, which is recommended because:
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It offers a pleasant texture against the skin.
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It has highly effective moisture-wicking properties.
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It is best suited for summer clothing.
Size Charts
Check the size charts and measure yourself to select the correct size, using the garment and body measurement tables in the guide.
Verify how much fabric you need by referencing the fabric yield table in the guide.
Pattern Inventory: What Pieces to Prepare
Main Fabric
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A. Center front panel – cut x1 fabric
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B. Side front panel – cut x2 fabric
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C. Center back panel – cut x2 fabric
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D. Side back panel – cut x2 fabric
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E. Front skirt panel – cut x1 fabric
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F. Back skirt panel – cut x2 fabric
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G. Bottom frill – cut x3 fabric
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H. Sleeve – cut x2 fabric
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I. Sleeve elastic cover strip – cut x2 fabric
Lining Fabric
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A. Center front panel – cut x1 lining fabric
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B. Side front panel – cut x2 lining fabric
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C. Center back panel – cut x2 lining fabric
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D. Side back panel – cut x2 lining fabric
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Front skirt lining panel – cut x1 fabric
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Back skirt lining panel – cut x2 fabric
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Pattern Marking
The pattern includes the following markings:
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Grainline
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Neckline
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Princess seam notch
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Back seam notch
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Zip notch
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Waist round
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Gather guideline
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Top elastic guideline
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Bottom elastic guideline
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Sleeve hem
Transfer all markings carefully before sewing to ensure accurate alignment of gathers, seams, sleeves, and zipper placement.
Cutting Layout
The guide includes cutting layouts for:
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45" fabric width and 45" lining fabric width
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60" fabric width and 60" lining fabric width
When laying out your pattern pieces:
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Ensure all grainlines run parallel to the selvage.
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Pin pattern pieces securely before cutting.
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Layouts are non-directional.
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Purchase additional fabric when using directional prints or fabrics with nap.
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The illustrated layouts use a Large size for representation.
Fabric Cutting and Preparation
Lay Out Your Pattern Pieces
Arrange the pattern pieces according to the cutting layout diagrams. Begin by positioning the pieces on the fabric, ensuring that the grainline arrow runs parallel to the selvage.
Cut Your Fabric
If you are using fabric shears, trace the pattern pieces and then cut them out, cutting away any pen, pencil, or chalk lines. Remember to cut out any notches that appear on the edges. These markings help line up the pieces when you assemble the garment.
Transfer Pattern Markings
Use your marking pen, pencil, or chalk to transfer the markings (such as circles, buttonholes, and fold lines) to the wrong side of the fabric. Mark the center front of pieces cut on the fold, as this will help you to align pieces accurately.
Seam Allowance
Please follow the seam allowances as indicated on the pattern file layers. These are provided specifically for each piece to ensure accurate construction.
This pattern uses a 1.1 cm (or 0.45 inch) seam allowance all around and 1.9 cm (or 0.75 inch) at the hem.
Step-by-Step Sewing Instructions
1. Prepare the Front and Back Bodice Panels
1a. Place the side front panels on each side of the center front panel, matching the princess seam notches. With right sides together, stitch along the seamline.
1b. Place the side back panel on the center back piece with right sides together. Align the side notch and stitch along the seamline.
1c. Repeat the same process using the lining fabric pieces. At the end of this step, you should have six prepared bodice panels.
2. Attach and Finish the Bodice Panels
2a. Place the left back panel on the front panel with right sides facing together. Align the side seam and stitch along the seamline. Repeat to attach the right back panel. Similarly, attach the two back lining panels to the front lining panel.
2b. Place the prepared lining bodice on the main fabric bodice with right sides facing together. Align the neckline and stitch along the seamline.
2c. Turn the lining toward the wrong side, press the neckline neatly, and topstitch along the neckline.
3. Prepare the Gathers on the Skirt Panels
3a. Use basting stitches along the waistline of the front skirt panel following the marked gather guidelines. Repeat for both back skirt panels and the bottom frills.
3b. Carefully pull the threads to gather the fabric. Evenly distribute the gathers to match the required measurements:
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Front skirt gathers should match the front bodice waistline.
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Back skirt panel gathers should match the back bodice waistline.
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Total length of the three bottom frill panel gathers should match the skirt bottom round.
3c. Secure the gathers by stitching over the basting area. Repeat for both back skirt panels and the bottom frill.
4. Attach and Finish the Skirt
4a. Place the left back skirt panel on the front skirt panel with right sides facing together. Align the side seam and stitch along the seamline. Repeat to attach the right back skirt panel. Similarly, attach the two back skirt lining panels to the front skirt lining panel.
4b. Place one bottom frill piece on another with right sides together. Match the side seams and sew along them. Attach the third bottom frill piece in the same manner.
4c. Place the prepared bottom frill on the main fabric skirt with right sides facing together. Align the bottom edges and stitch along the seamline.
4d. Finish the hem of the skirt by folding it twice with an equal width of 0.5". Similarly, finish the hem of the skirt lining.
4e. Place the prepared skirt lining on the skirt shell with right sides facing together. Align the waist round and stitch along the seamline.
5. Attach the Bodice to the Skirt
5. Place the bodice on the skirt with right sides facing together. Align the waist round and stitch along the seamline.
6. Sew the Center Back Seam
6. Place the dress with right sides facing together. Align the center back and stitch along the seamline from the hem to the zip notch.
7. Attach the Concealed Zipper
7a. Position the open zipper on the center back seam with right sides together. Pin or baste it in place. Sew on the dent using a zipper foot between the zipper teeth and zipper tape. Repeat for the other side of the zipper.
7b. Turn the dress wrong side out and close the zipper. Sew along the seam, starting 1–2 cm above the zipper notch and ending at the zipper notch. Pivot the fabric to sew horizontally across the bottom of the zipper tape and secure it with backstitching.
7c. Turn the dress right side out and topstitch along the edge of the zipper, covering the zipper seam.
8. Prepare and Attach the Sleeves
8a. Place the right side of the sleeve elastic cover strip on the wrong side of the sleeve. Align the cover strip with the bottom elastic guideline and stitch along the seamline.
8b. Fold the remaining seam allowance of the sleeve elastic cover strip toward the wrong side.
8c. Fold the sleeve elastic cover strip downward so that the strip and sleeve are wrong sides together. Topstitch along the bottom edge of the strip.
8d. Fold the top edge of the sleeve 0.25" toward the wrong side and press. Fold again from the top elastic tunnel guideline. Topstitch along both the top and bottom edges.
8e. Fold the sleeve hem twice at a width of 0.5" and topstitch to finish the hem.
8f. Insert the required length of elastic into the sleeve tunnels and secure the elastic at the side seam with a backstitch.
8g. Fold the sleeve in half with right sides together. Align the sleeve side seam and stitch along the seamline. Repeat for the second sleeve.
9. Attach the Sleeves to the Dress
9. Turn both the sleeves and dress right side out. Position the sleeve side seam over the dress side seam. Attach the sleeve to the dress by hand stitching 0.5–0.75" over the combined side seam.
Ready to Sew Your Own Off Shoulder Dress?
The Aster Off Shoulder Dress combines a flattering off-the-shoulder neckline, gathered empire seam, puff sleeves, and a playful frill hem in a design that is both comfortable and stylish. The lined bodice, gathered skirt, and elasticized sleeves create a polished garment that is perfect for warm-weather wear.
Whether you're sewing for a vacation, a special occasion, or simply adding a feminine handmade dress to your wardrobe, the Aster Off Shoulder Dress is a rewarding project that showcases beautiful gathering techniques and elegant details. Download the pattern and start sewing your own version today.
Join the Community & Get Support
Share your finished Aster Off Shoulder Dress on social media with #MadeWithWinslets. If you have questions, feedback, or customization requests, contact the Winslet's team at support@winslets.com.
