The sewing bug has definitely hit me hard! I’m constantly looking around for new ideas, fabric and patterns to start working on! The inspiration hit me at the most random moment when I thought: I looked at those cut out back dresses before, I’d really like to make one. I have a few dresses on the go to make after the wedding sewing is finished, but when the bug hits, I like to keep a few projects on the side to keep me going and inspired to create more beautiful garments.

ASOS cut out back dress. Source: PurseBuzz

There are quite a lot of nice dresses out there that are either backless or have a low back. My only reservation is I like to be able to hide the straps of my undergarments and I don’t like going without, unless absolutely necessary. More often than not, I prefer to find styles that would still give me what I’m looking for but also allow me that bit of modesty.

Cut out cross over back skater dress. Source: La Frivole

ASOS cut out back dress. Source: Style Hive

Lace cut out back dress. Source: Binbin

Vila Boucle cut out back dress. Source: ASOS

Vero Moda cut out back dress. Source: Chictopia

The compromise I managed to come to is finding patterns with a lower cut out section and a wider top band to hide the strap. I also prefer the more modest flash of lower back rather than the higher cut out between the shoulder blades as it’s not as revealing. Hunting around, I managed to get a vintage Very Easy Vogue 7596 by designer Koko Beall pattern.

The price was slightly more than I was expecting to pay, but as a vintage pattern, this was the only pattern available for sale from the US. It has the higher wide band just below the shoulder blades which appears to be fastened with a button closure and the cut out on the lower back, but not too low, that I like with a shorter 7″ zipper closure.

The next thing to do is to go fabric hunting for the right material! I haven’t decided yet if I should keep it simple as a block colour dress (another LBD maybe?) or to go wild with patterned fabric or fabric with an intricate border for the skirt hem.

If you’re interested in making a cut out back dress, Simplicity 1354, BurdaStyle 116B, Simplicity 1607 Cynthia Rowley collection or Simplicity 1652 are similar in style. You can also convert Simplicity 1373 into a full skirted dress – to do this, follow the lines of the peplum top and draw a line to the length you want on the fabric. Easy!

There are also free tutorials from Create/Enjoy, Viva Veritas and Cation if you prefer to DIY and make your own cut out design.