Description

Overview of the pattern:

Showgirl Dress is a dazzling sequin dress featuring a boat neckline, a gently A-line silhouette, and flattering shaping for an elegant fit. The dress is worked seamlessly from the top down using a beautiful combination of sequin yarn and glitter yarn.

The back is worked flat first to the underarms. The front is then worked flat separately before the two pieces are joined at the underarms to continue working the body seamlessly in the round. If desired, you can add optional bust darts to the front for an improved fit around the bust.

Once the upper body reaches the narrowest part of the waist, increases are worked to shape the hips. These increases are placed at three different points to create a flattering silhouette and if needed, you can do all of them or as many as you like to make the dress fit you. The pattern is easy to customize to your preferred length, making the Showgirl Dress equally stunning as a mini, midi, or maxi dress. Please note that knitting a longer version will require additional yarn.

The hem is finished with a folded hem for a clean and elegant look. Finally, neat I-cord edgings are worked around the neckline and armholes.

I recommend trying on the dress frequently as you knit and adjusting the point where you begin the hip increases to suit your own body shape. This will ensure that the shaping is placed exactly where it flatters you best.

Difficulty level: Easy / intermediate

Sizes: 1 (2, 3, 4, 5, 6) (7, 8, 9, 10, 11) – see measurements below

Recommended ease: approx. 0–5 cm / 0–2” of positive ease

Sample knitted with 5 cm / 2” of positive ease on bust and hips.

Measurements for the finished dress:

• Bust circumference approx: 74 (82, 90, 98, 106, 114) (122, 130, 138, 147, 156) cm / 29.25 (32.5, 35.5, 38.75, 41.75, 45) (48.25, 51.25, 54.5, 58, 61.5)”
• Hip circumference approx: 100 (112, 116, 130, 149, 154) (170, 176, 187, 222, 228) cm / 39.5 (44.25, 45.75, 51.25, 58.75, 60.75) (67, 69.5, 73.75, 87.5, 90)”
• Length from armhole to hem approx: 62 (62, 63, 64, 64, 65) (65, 67, 68, 69, 70) cm / 24.5 (24.5, 25, 25.25, 25.25, 25.75) (25.75, 26.5, 27, 27.25, 27.75)” – this can be altered
• Armhole circumference approx: 36 (40, 42, 45, 47, 50) (52, 58, 62, 68) cm / 14.25 (15.75, 16.75, 17.75, 18.75, 19.75) (20.5, 23, 24.5, 27)”

Note: If you choose to knit the optional bust darts, select a size with a bust circumference approximately equal to the amount added by the bust darts, as the darts increase the finished bust circumference.

For example, if your bust circumference without bust darts is 104 cm (41”) (normally Size 5) and you are knitting the D-cup bust darts, choose a size with a finished bust circumference of approximately 99 cm (39”) (104 cm / 41” − 5 cm / 2”. = 99 cm / 39”). In this case, I recommend choosing Size 4.

Gauge:

20 sts x 26 rows = 10 x 10 cm / 4 x 4″ in stockinette stitch with 4 mm / US 6 needles (blocked). Change the needle size if needed to achieve the right gauge.

Yarn:

Approx. 800 (900, 1000, 1100, 1200, 1300) (1500, 1600, 1800, 1900, 2200) meters / 900 (1000, 1100, 1250, 1350, 1450) (1650, 1750, 2000, 2100, 2450) yards of lace-weight sparkling yarn AND approx. 800 (900, 1000, 1100, 1200, 1300) (1500, 1600, 1800, 1900, 2200) meters / 900 (1000, 1100, 1250, 1350, 1450) (1650, 1750, 2000, 2100, 2450) yards of DK-weight sequin yarn. Knitted holding both strands of yarn together.

Sample knit: 4 (4, 4, 5, 5, 6) (7, 7, 8, 8, 9) balls of Filcolana Paia (245 m / 270 yds / 25 g, 67 % viscose, 33 % polyester), photographed in colorway 705 Copper Shimmer and 6 (7, 8, 8, 9, 10) (11, 12, 13, 14, 16) balls of Sandnes Garn Paljett (140 m / 150 yds / 50 g, 55 % cotton, 45 % polyester) in colorway 3086 Espresso Sparkle. The dress is knitted holding both yarns together.

Needles:

4 mm / US 6 40 cm / 16” and 60 cm /24” or 80 cm / 32” circular needles

Notions: Removable stitch markers, tapestry needle, scrap yarn or stitch holding cables.