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Cut the front and back pieces, the midriff pieces as well as the front and back facing pieces on fold once. Cut the strap and the strap facing twice (making sure each side is mirrored). Cut the skirt pieces on the bias. The bias cut positions the pattern at a 45° angle on the fabric instead of aligning with the fabric's straight weave. Cutting the skirt on bias creates a beautiful flare.
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Sew the darts.
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Stitch the front pieces together (top, midriff, and skirt). Do the same with the back pieces. Overlock or zig-zag the seams. Note: Cutting the skirt on bias creates stretch around the waistline, so it might look wider than the midriff piece. To solve this, just sew a loose stitch along the waistline. It will help reduce the stretch.
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Stitch the straps to the top part of the dress along the shoulder line, then do the same with the facings. Stitch the front facing to the back facing only on the right-hand side of the dress because we will attach a zipper on the left side.
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Sew the dress together along the side seams, all the way up on the right-hand side of the dress, and up to the zipper point on the left side. Then, attach the zipper.
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Layer the front and facing with their right sides facing together, and sew along the seams. Stop before reaching the back piece where the straps will be added. Turn the straps right side out.
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Measure where you'd like to place the straps in the back. Attach the straps to the back of the dress by aligning their ends with the top seam of the dress's back piece. Make sure the straps are on the right side of the fabric.
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Continue stitching the facing to the dress along the edge of the back piece all the way to the end. Fold the facing edge under and sew it to the zipper to conceal the raw seam.
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Finish the dress by overlocking or zig-zagging the hem and stitching it under. Press the dress. Your dress is now complete and ready to wear!
