Val — Backless Maxi Dress Pattern
The Val pattern is a stunning scoop-shaped open-back maxi dress with two adjustable ties and flattering princess seams. By following the curves of your body, these seams elongate your silhouette and create a figure slimming effect. We've added two front slits for a touch of sexy and ease of movement.
The secret to sewing princess seams that lie perfectly flat is to carefully transfer your notches, perfectly match them and clip along the curves after they are stitched together.
For our sample US size 6 pictured in this tutorial we used 3 yards of FS Luxury Yarn Dyed Medium Weight Linen. Any medium weight linen will suit this project.
- Free print-at-home format on A4 paper
- Layered PDF to print just your size
- Most patterns graded in size 0/2 to 28/30
- Many have Step-by-step instructions on The Thread blog
- No licensing restrictions. Sew as many as you like
Pattern specifications:
| Type: | PDF Pattern |
| Skill Level: | Beginner |
| Design Variations: | |
| Sizes: | 0/2 to 12/14, 16/18 to 28/30 |
| Illustrations: | Yes |
| Instructions: | Yes |
Love it. Have to remember most of these patterns run a bit big on me, I've made a few and this ones my favorite so far!
I fell in love with the look of the back of the dress and knew I wanted to lower the neckline but I didn't expect the massive alterations to make this dress (size 4/6) fit me without looking like a potato sack -- I used medium weight linen. The center front panel was excessive and I ended up pinning, basting, cutting, repeat, to get the fit right. In the end, I had to add an empire seam to take up the excess material. I recut the armholes (of course, after I faced them!), took in the princess line seam (again!) to eliminate an arm hole gap, and downsized the width of the strap. I would not even know how to make this dress again, but I am pleased with the result.
F|S Team
hello, I'm sorry you didn't like the look of your dress. If you'd like any sewing assistance in the future, feel free to email us! askfabrics-store.com
I love this free pattern, I made a muslin first and had a friend help me get the fitting perfect. I bought some beautiful IL019 Sulpphur softened linen from this site. I wore it to town and had lots of compliments. I biggest challenge was finding a color coordinating bra.
This was my second sewing project ever, and it was perfect! As a beginner, I was a bit nervous to make this with nice linen, so I made it with 100% cotton I had leftover, but I do think this dress is perfect for linen. My fabric was a bit shear, so I added a lining piece to the center front and center back pieces by simply cutting another piece of the same dimensions as the front and back, but shorter, and sewing them to the front and back panels before beginning the pattern. I made a 4/6 and did have to take in the bust a bit (which was an easy fix), but I think with linen the drape will be perfect, and I likely wouldn't need alterations. This pattern was so fun to make, and the directions were so clear. I definitely recommend, and I love the dress so much, I'll be making another one but with linen...stay tuned! Posted by Erin
Perfect Fit
Downloads this dress and that the fit was perfect. As a transgender, I do have problems with getting the right fit for clothes. Absolutely no alterations were required. And the finished dress was wonderful.
This dress was so easy to make. I did raise the back a little for modesty. I used medium wt navy linen 5 oz
I used IL019 Insignia Blue Softened 5.3 oz/yd2
I love this free pattern, I made a muslin first and had a friend help me get the fitting perfect. I bought some beautiful IL019 Sulphur softened linen from this site. I wore it to town and had lots of compliments. I biggest challenge was finding a color coordinating bra. I am an experience seamstress.
This was my second sewing project ever, and it was perfect! As a beginner, I was a bit nervous to make this with nice linen, so I made it with 100% cotton I had leftover, but I do think this dress is perfect for linen. My fabric was a bit shear, so I added a lining piece to the center front and center back pieces by simply cutting another piece of the same dimensions as the front and back, but shorter, and sewing them to the front and back panels before beginning the pattern. I made a 4/6 and did have to take in the bust a bit (which was an easy fix), but I think with linen the drape will be perfect, and I likely wouldn't need alterations. This pattern was so fun to make, and the directions were so clear. I definitely recommend, and I love the dress so much, I'll be making another one but with linen...stay tuned!
RETURNS & PRINTING INFO
We're proud to share our patterns without licensing restrictions. You may use our patterns to sew for personal use or for your business. For paid digital patterns, we do not offer returns. Please make sure to ask any questions you may have before purchasing a digital pattern.
Please read: Our patterns are formatted to work reliably across all devices that run Adobe Acrobat Reader applications. Each patterns comes with detailed printing instructions on terms of use. If you have any questions, e-mail us at ask@fabrics-store.com and our pattern makers will reply to you as quickly as possible.
SKILL LEVELS EXPLAINED
Beginner - Can sew simple straight & curved seams, some topstitching. Includes crafty-type projects and garments that do not require complex sewing techniques or closures.
Confident Beginner - Has sewn a few simple projects and is ready to learn more. Includes techniques such as set-in sleeves, inseam pockets, patch pockets, generous topstitching.
Advanced Beginner - Eager to continue building skills with new techniques such as zippers, buttons & buttonholes, tailored collars & cuffs.
Intermediate - Comfortable with projects that include multiple techniques such as pleating, yokes, fly zipper, slant pockets, and tailored waistband.
Advanced - Confident with complex, multi-step construction such as welt pockets and unusual details. Enjoys the challenge of new techniques and designer quality.
Val
*If prewashing in hot water, you may need up to extra 10% fabric due to shrinkage. ALL SEAM ALLOWANCES ARE INCLUDED AND NOTED ON THE PATTERN AND IN THE TUTORIAL.
*If prewashing in hot water, you may need up to extra 10% fabric due to shrinkage. ALL SEAM ALLOWANCES ARE INCLUDED AND NOTED ON THE PATTERN AND IN THE TUTORIAL.
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