I’ve got one last Cassidy Dress Hack to share with you this week before the Holidays really get into full swing. This one is extra special because I made it to wear to Caroline’s wedding last year. I love how this version turned out!
Photographer Credit: Cassandra
Pssst: You can get Cassidy for 30% off in the shop using the code CASSIDY30. Coupon code valid until December 23, 2024.
We have covered how to make a Cassidy Dress by adding a gathered skirt or lengthening the peplum pattern pieces. Both of those options are pretty straightforward. This hack is a little more complex and takes some figuring out, experimenting, and some math. The result is worth it though!
Because this hack takes more experimentation and will be different for everyone, I am not going to get into specifics about exactly how to achieve it. I will tell you what I did, and if you are anything like me and you enjoy figuring out how to tackle pattern hacks like this, you will have fun with this one!
Finding the center front
In order to make this version, you need to know where the center front is on the front pattern piece. It is ⅜” (1 cm) in from the end of the front facing notch.
- Measure the back waist and front waist (to center front) to get the circle skirt measurements.
- Use the By Hand London circle skirt calculator to get the skirt pattern measurements.
- I made a quarter circle skirt for my version. The fuller the skirt, the more fabric (and wider) is required.
- Draft the skirt on paper. You want a back skirt piece and a full front skirt piece (don’t worry about the wrap right now).
- If desired, add inseam pocket markings.
- Working with the front skirt pattern piece, fold it in half, draw a line there to mark the center front.
- Measure out the overlap and line up the ruler so that it is perpendicular to the hem and is the same length as the side seam, draw the new seam line.
- Add seam allowances throughout if you haven’t already.
- Skirt facing options:
- Re-draft the skirt facing (it will have an angle to it because the circle skirt flares out to the bottom)
- Turn the front edge of the skirt under ¼” and then ⅜” and edgestitch. Tuck the tie end into this edge (this option is faster and is the one I did).
You might need to cut your skirt pieces on the cross grain to get them to fit. If you cannot fit your desired skirt on the fabric, you may need to make a shorter skirt or a less full skirt. I made the quarter circle skirt and it is plenty full and voluminous. I did end up cutting the fabric on the cross grain to get this length.
I used crinkle cotton from Blackbird Fabrics for this make and I love how it holds the volume of this skirt. It is so bouncy and lightweight so it was perfect for this dress! I decided to do the wide tie because I like how it cinches in the waist and makes a big bow in the back. This is one of the fun features of Cassidy.
Photographer Credit: Cassandra
I can speak from experience when I say this was the perfect wedding guest dress! It’s comfortable thanks to the adjustable waist. We had a big BBQ dinner at the wedding and it was AMAZING! I also danced my heart out and there is nothing more fun than twirling around in a circle skirt. It was a blast! Sam wore a Cameron Button Up under his suit so we were repping the patterns well that night.
I think this will be a go-to fancy dress option for me. I really love all my Cassidy Dresses and I hope you give these hacks a try!
Pssst: You can get Cassidy for 30% off in the shop using the code CASSIDY30. Coupon code valid until December 23, 2024.
