Faux Leather Belted Shirt Dress!

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...

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.

I used McCall's 8086 and I made several changes. First, I cut a straight hem that stopped mid-thigh.

I shortened the sleeves and drafted a hidden button placket.

I edge stitched all of my seams. And I drafted a belt.

I added a center back seam and I made a full seat adjustment.

I edge stitched these seams also.

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.

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.

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.