Faux Leather Belted Shirt Dress!

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Faux Leather Belted Shirt Dress - Erica Bunker DIY Style!
I'm sure your first thought is: "Erica, it's hot as hell outside? Why leather, sis?" Because you can wear leather and faux leather all year, even in the scorching hot months. Leather is no warmer than denim, in my opinion. Plus, I have no plans to be standing outside, you know! I move from one air conditioned spot to the next. Now, on to this cute dress...
Nanushka Roberta Faux Leather Belted Dress
It all started when I saw this cute faux leather dress from a brand called Nanushka. They make the best faux leather pieces. They all look amazing. I'd ordered this Powder Blue Faux Leather from Minerva and I knew it would be perfect in replicating this dress.
Faux Leather Belted Shirt Dress - Erica Bunker DIY Style!
I used McCall's 8086 and I made several changes. First, I cut a straight hem that stopped mid-thigh.
Faux Leather Belted Shirt Dress - Erica Bunker DIY Style!
I shortened the sleeves and drafted a hidden button placket.
Faux Leather Belted Shirt Dress - Erica Bunker DIY Style!
I edge stitched all of my seams. And I drafted a belt.
Faux Leather Belted Shirt Dress - Erica Bunker DIY Style!
I added a center back seam and I made a full seat adjustment.
Faux Leather Belted Shirt Dress - Erica Bunker DIY Style!
I edge stitched these seams also.
Faux Leather Belted Shirt Dress - Erica Bunker DIY Style!
Here are some of my favorite tips for working with leather and faux leather:

Faux leather and leather sew basically the same. You’ll need a leather needle. I used a size 16/100. You’ll also need specialty sewing machine feet. When I sew with leather, I like to use a walking foot, a non-stick foot or a rolling foot. When cutting leather, I prefer a rotary cutter and a self-healing mat instead of scissors because I like the clean edge. You also should cut leather on a single layer instead of on the fold.
Faux Leather Belted Shirt Dress - Erica Bunker DIY Style!
Also, be mindful that pins can leave holes in leather. You can use them, but be careful and only pin in the seam allowances. Or, you can use Wonderclips or small binder clips. Make sure you transfer all of you markings, but don’t use a tracing wheel. Like pins, tracing wheels can also leave holes. Use chalk, but test on a scrap to see if it will be easily removed with a damp cloth.
Faux Leather Belted Shirt Dress - Erica Bunker DIY Style!
You can forgo seam finishing because leather doesn’t fray.
Pressing? Yes! You can press leather and faux leather. BUT, it must be done CAREFULLY and CAUTIOUSLY. Use a piece of muslin, cotton fabric or silk organza as pressing cloth with your iron on a lower setting. Use a scrap piece to test out your adjusted settings.

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14 comments

  1. Beautiful dress! Thanks for all the good sewing tips, and the link to Minerva. I'm eyeing the red, for a jacket.

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    1. I hope you enjoy your cut as much as I did this. It sews beautifully. Thanks Julie!

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  2. Such a clean finish, very pretty color! Absolutely gorgeous

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    1. I normally go for warmer tones, but I do love this blue. Thanks Lunie Blue!

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  3. That is an amazing dress!

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  4. Love that color of blue and the edge stitching looks great!

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  5. The Queen does it again! This is a beautiful garment. And those exquisite details. Fantastic job!

    Kimberly Wilkes

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  6. This is so pretty! This shade of blue is just superb on your skin though sis! And with these shoes, this whole outfit is FAB!

    But yeah, I'd be on the skeptical side of wearing it in this heat that's been melting us in Barbados since March. Ugggghhhh. Wouldn't wear a denim jumpsuit in this heat either and only ever wear my lightest coloured stretch denim jeans during summer.

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  7. Just beautiful! I love the tips you gave too.

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  8. This dress is amazing! As always, the workmanship is fantastic, and the color is gorgeous too.

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  9. Great dress... spectacular edge stitching!!! What stitch length did you use for it?

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  10. You do such beautiful work, and the fit is excellent. I enjoy reading about your projects.

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