Pattern Play

Stylized Peplum

Decorative stitching gives the featured garment added intrigue. Experiment with your machine's stitches to find one that suits your fancy––always test on scrap fabric until you feel comfortable with a new stitch.

This peplum includes a basic flared piece with pointed front ends and the addition of rectangles (or tabs), which creates an antique look.

Trace two copies each of the front and back pattern pieces. Position one front pattern piece over new pattern paper.

Draw two overlapping rectangles on the pattern piece. Choose any size rectangle you like. Begin drawing the first rectangle at least 1" from the center-front seamline (11).

Draw several rectangular shapes across the back pattern piece lower edge.

Create a pattern for each rectangle. From the fabric, cut two of each rectangle (one is for the facing).

Position each rectangle with right sides facing. Stitch the sides and lower edge. Turn each rectangle right side out through the upper edge; press.

From the fabric, cut one peplum right front, left front and back on the fold to create a base peplum. (Optional: To add pointed front ends, shape a new front pattern piece prior to cutting so the center front lower edge extends to a sharp, angled point.)

Stitch the base peplum side seams; press open. Position each rectangle over the base peplum so the design is to your liking. Align the rectangle and peplum upper edges; pin. Stitch across the rectangle upper edges to secure them to the peplum.

Stitch the garment following the pattern instructions, leaving the bodice lower edge free.

Stitch the peplum upper edge to the bodice lower edge with right sides facing. Serge- or zigzag-finish the seam; press it toward the bodice. Hem the peplum however you desire.

About the Author

Andrea Dennis is the in-house designer at AdelinaRose Drapery and Sewing in Ontario, Canada. She graduated from Ryerson's University School of Fashion in 1998 and is a pattern-making and sewing instructor.