The Jade Wrap Dress

The Jade Wrap Dress is a fit’n’flare, apron-style back wrap dress.

 

Extended Size Range – A to F cups in sizes NZ6 to 34
Up to hip 159.5cm or 62 3/4″

Check out the Size Guide Info here.

 

 

The Details

Based on the classic apron styles of the 50s, Jade is a multi-tasking workhorse, able to be worn by itself out for summer-ice cream, as well as working fabulously well layered with knit top tees (the Gable Top is a favourite), or long sleeved blouses for cooler weather.

Jade features a fully lined sleeveless bodice with princess seam front shaping and darted back shaping, finished with a V neckline.

A wide A-line skirt includes side seam pockets and falls to below the knee. The back skirt overlaps almost side seam to side seam (it’s stepped back just a smidge so you can’t see the edge of the skirt when looking from the front), meaning you have plenty of coverage across the back – even in windy weather.

Jade can be made in both floatier fabrics with some drape for hot weather (think cool linens and floaty cottons) as well as heavier weight fabrics like denim and wool suitings for a crisper finish in cold weather.

Layer with a short or long sleeved Gable Top underneath for extra coverage, or try the blouson style of the Luna Lounge Set blouse or Aisling Blouse for some extra whimsy.

 

 

Skill Level

Jade is suitable for intermediate seamstresses or for confident beginners looking to expand their skillset with a little challenge.

While Jade has no additional fastenings – making it a relatively quick sew – taking your time over constructing the bodice is my top tip, paying particular attention to the back bodice angle (this can be easily stretched).

Techniques such as fully lining a bodice, in-set side seam pockets and being patient while your skirt hangs overnight, are all skills that will be built upon during your Jade Wrap Dress construction.

Princess seams and dart shaping are also techniques that are included, as well as optional top-stitching.

 

Sizing

The Jade Wrap Dress includes both the Original and Curve size ranges. The Original includes sizes 6-24 with A to D cup bodices, and the Curve includes sizes 16 to 34 with C to F cup bodices.

 

Plus, Extra Finished Garment Measurements included…

If you’re worried about choosing a size, I’ve also included a whole bunch of additional Finished Garment Measurements, from the standard bust, waist and hips to armscye circumference and back width.

Simply compare these measurements to a similar garment you already like the fit of (or one you know you’d like to alter) and you’ll be surprised at how much of the hard stuff is already done.

You can read about the new sizing here.

 

Fabric Options

Jade is suitable for mid-weight woven fabrics with some drape.

Linen, chambray and denim are lovely and easy to work with. Broidery anglaise, seersucker, jacquard, tencel and sateen also work very well for summery Jade dresses.

Mid-weight wool, suitings, flannels and pinwale cord also make an excellent heavier weight garment for cooler climes.

Choose lightweight linings such as lawn and voile, or use the same fabric as the main garment if using a lighter weight cloth. Synthetic linings can also be used.

Annabel’s Jade Dress is made from a mid-weight linen with a loose weave, making it swing and drape beautifully. Jen’s Jade Dress is made from a light-weight denim with plenty of drape, and is also shown paired with a Gable Top.

 

Free Skirt Expansion Pack

You can now turn your Jade Wrap Dress into an easy, breezy wrap skirt with the free skirt expansion pack. Download your skirt pattern expansion and instructions here.

 

Tutorials

 

• Choosing your JLH Cup Size
• The importance of choosing the right High Bust size
• How to adjust the bust height on a princess seam

Meet the Models

Annabel – Curve, Camel coloured Linen

Annabel is wearing a 24C Curve Jade Dress. The waist is graded out to a 26 along with the hip.

The front bottom armscye was scooped out approximately 1cm (3/8″) and the hemline on the skirt was shortened by approximately 5cm (2″) to account for Annabel’s slightly shorter height. No other adjustments were made.

 

• High Bust: 119cm / 46 7/8″
• Full Bust: 124cm / 48 7/8″
• Waist: 114cm / 44 7/8″
• Hip: 140cm / 55 1/8″
• Height: 164cm / 5′ 4 ½”

 

Jen – Original, dark blue denim

Jen wears a 10C Original Jade dress.  No other adjustments were made to the pattern.

• High Bust: 84cm / 33 1/8″
• Full Bust: 89cm / 35″
• Waist: 73.5cm / 29″
• Hip: 99.5cm / 39 1/8″
• Height: 170cm / 5′ 7′