Category: LBD

Making A Classic Little Black Dress

I want to share making a classic little black dress with you. I haven’t made anything like this in ages, so I was happy to add something that I really needed to my wardrobe. For this project, I pulled out a pattern I’ve had in my stash for quite some time – Simplicity 1417.

Simplicity 1417 black dress front

This is a pattern from 2014, so it’s not terribly old (in my opinion). But the style is so classic that this can be made anytime.

The Pattern For The Little Black Dress

Simplicity 1417 is an OOP pattern that is one from their Amazing Fit line. It features princess seams, a slightly flared peplum, a waist seam, and pattern pieces for B, C, D cups. The point of these pattern details is to give the wearer some shaping and fit options.

There are also some sleeve options with a sleeveless, tulip sleeve, and cap sleeve. I made the cap sleeve option which is View B (and the one on the pattern envelope). This is the perfect pattern for making a classic little black dress.

Simplicity 1417 pattern envelope

Instructions are detailed for those who need extra fit advice or help. 1″ side seam allowances make fitting the dress an easy process.

My Dress

I used a linen rayon blend that I bought from Fabric dot com (it’s an Amazon company). There were no fit issues with mine, so it was an easy process. I did not make a muslin first because I really felt confident that I could get a great fit.

The main difference with min is that I attached to peplum to the outside of the garment, rather than attaching it in the seams (which is how it’s supposed to be done). Instructions call for the peplum to be lined, which is unnecessary. I do recommend that you read through the instructions first to be aware of the process.

S1417 back of my little black dress

Here is the YouTube video I did on this particular dress:

By the way, you should follow me on YouTube as well 😉.

This is definitely something I am so glad I made. I believe I can get a lot of use out of this dress.

Side view of Simplicity 1417
S1417 front

Here are some other recent dresses I’ve made.

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(Gaping) Holes in my wardrobe


Last week my husband and I went to a cocktail/dinner party. While trying to get ready and figure out what to wear, I realized that I have some gaping holes in my wardrobe. Fortunately this past spring I had made my first (and only) LBD. It’s made in a linen-like fabric and was perfect to wear for a warm evening out. But that’s pretty much all I have to wear for a nice evening out. I convinced myself that I didn’t need nice clothes since I’m a SAHM. But I don’t live in a cave and it’s not like I never go out. I have nice clothes, but nothing really dressy. So now I have a clearer focus on what I should be sewing. After I finish the blazer (actually, after I start the blazer), I’ll plan to work on some dress patterns that I have. I’ve even bought fabric, etc. for many of them. And it would be helpful to have some jackets/shrugs to wear with some of the dresses since I sometimes get too hot with long sleeves, but would like something to cover my arms when it’s cold indoors. This is a picture of the dress I wore. I added a sparkly belt to give it a little “umph.”