Introducing our Mini Handkerchief Dress sewing pattern, specially crafted for drag queens seeking to make a bold statement. This daring design features a deep V neckline and long sleeves, perfectly suited for commanding attention on the stage or at any event. Whether you're embracing a modern drag aesthetic, dazzling audiences at performances, immersing yourself in fantasy realms, or embodying your favorite characters at cosplay events, this versatile garment is your go-to choice. Designed exclusively for stretch fabrics, this pattern ensures a comfortable and flattering fit that moves with your body, allowing you to dance, perform, and express yourself with confidence and ease. Elevate your drag persona with the Mini Handkerchief Dress sewing pattern and step into the spotlight with style and flair.
Sizing Details
This pattern is available in our unqiue drag queen sizes (XS-4X). Please review our sizing guide for more information on our size measurements.
Fabric Suggestions
Suitable for stretch fabrics only:
- Spandex
- Milliskin
- Lycra
- Stretch Vinyl
- Stretch Knits
Notions
- 16"-20" Invisible Zipper
Fabric Yardage
This pattern requires the use of stretch fabric. Please find the yardage needed for each size below. Lining should be added under the handkercheif skirt and sleeve cuffs.
| Size | Shell Yards (58” Width) | Lining Yards (58” Width) |
|---|---|---|
| XS | 1.5 | 1.25 |
| S | 1.75 | 1.25 |
| M | 2 | 1.25 |
| L | 2 | 1.25 |
| XL | 2.25 | 1.5 |
| 2X | 2.25 | 1.5 |
| 3X | 2.5 | 1.5 |
| 4X | 2.5 | 1.75 |
For information on converting inches to meters, please check out our conversion guide.
Sewing Instructions
Fabric Pieces
After cutting your fabric, you should have the following pieces: one seamless front, two sleeves, and two back pieces.
Stitches
For this project, the recommended stitches are a serger overlock stitch, a stretch stitch, or a zigzag stitch for the top of the garment. You can use straight stitches for the skirt peices and zipper.
STEP 1
Stack the front and back pieces, right sides facing each other, and sew them together along the shoulder seams.
STEP 2
Sew a 16-20 inch invisible zipper along the center back opening leaving space at the top for hemming. Ensure the right side of the zipper faces the right side of the fabric. Use a straight stitch with a zipper foot for sewing. For a flat zipper finish, you may use a tear-away stabilizer between the zipper and the fabric.
STEP 3
After attaching the zipper, fold the excess fabric at the top of the zipper vertically and hand-stitch it down to secure this fold before proceeding.
STEP 4
Next, fold over the zipper tape horizontally and pin it in place, ready for topstitching. Repeat the same steps on the opposite side.
STEP 5
Topstitch around the zipper sides to reinforce and neatly finish the edges.
STEP 6
Spread out the front and back pieces right side up and gather your sleeves.
STEP 7
Align and pin the sleeves around the armholes, right side of the sleeve facing the right side of the front and back, using notches as a guide. Each sleeve curve is symmetrical, so there's no designated front or back. Serge or sew the sleeves in place and repeat for the other side.
STEP 8
Turn the garment wrong side out and sew the inner sleeve seams closed, continuing down the sides of the top.
STEP 9
Gather your front dress and back dress shell pieces. The front dress pieces are slightly shorter than the back pieces.
Stack the two front pieces, right sides facing each other, and sew them together along the center front seam. You can use a straight stitch here. Repeat with the back dress pieces.
STEP 10
Sew the front and back pieces together along the side seams, right sides facing each other, with a straight stitch.
STEP 11
Repeat steps for the dress lining. Then stack the shell and lining, right sides facing each other, and sew along the outer edges.
STEP 12
Flip dress right side out and top stitch around the outer edge of the dress.
STEP 13
Pin the skirt around the waist of the top, right sides facing each other, and sew the skirt to the top with a stretch, zig zag stitch or serger.
STEP 14
Gather your sleeve cuffs. Stack the lining and shell right sides facing each other and sew along the outer curve with a straight stitch.
STEP 15
Layout the cuff, right side up, and flip it vertically in half so the wrong side is facing up. Then sew the ends together with a straight stitch.
STEP 16
Roll and flip the cuff right side out. Then, along the open end, add a base stitch to help you gather the fabric to match the length of the sleeve openings. Repeat for other cuff.
STEP 17
Pin and sew cuffs to the sleeves with a stretch, zig zag stitch or serger.
STEP 18
Hem around the front and back of the neckline using a rolled hem, stretch stitch, or zigzag stitch.
Paper Pattern Assembly
For information on how to assemble your downloaded pdf pattern, please check out our printing guide.
