The Ambrosia Cocktail Dress Free Sewing Pattern

Transform your chic style into a hauntingly gorgeous masterpiece with The Ambrosia Cocktail Dress Free Sewing Pattern!

Perfect for a spellbinding night of tricks and treats, this design boasts a sleek, elegant silhouette infused with dark, mysterious allure. Sewn together with a sumptuous combination of velvet and velour, the Ambrosia Cocktail Dress features standout details like vintage beaded appliqués for a hint of shimmer, boning for flawless structure, and pleated cups that demand attention.

Are you ready to make this spooky season a runway-worthy affair?! Whether you’re attending a costume party, or enjoying a formal night out, this cocktail dress sewing pattern offers the versatility to work with many different fabrics, trims, and even your own alterations. Elevate the drama with a flowing cape, statement gothic jewelry, or gloves to enchant the night with a look that’s as glam as it is ghoulish! 

Purchase Products Used Below:

• 1.5 yards of Polyester Velvet – Black – Deadstock *Used for bodice
• 1 yard of Stretch Polyester Velour – Black – Deadstock *Used for skirt
• 0.5 yard of Polyester Lining Fabric – Black – Margot Collection *Used for cups
• 2 yards of Black Fabric Covered Boning – 0.25″
• 1 pair of Black Push Up Bra Cups
• 1 each of Vintage Fancy Black Beaded Neckline Appliqué – 13″ x 7.25″
• 1 each of Invisible Zipper 24″ by YKK – 916 After Dark
• 1 each of Gutermann Sew All Thread 1000m – 10 Black
• MDF411 – The Ambrosia Cocktail Dress Sewing Pattern (Free download below!)

Alternative Recommended Fabrics:

• Sateen
• Taffeta
• Cotton Velveteen
• Mercerized Cotton

How To Sew The Ambrosia Cocktail Dress Free Sewing Pattern:

Use a 1/2″ seam allowance for all seams unless otherwise specified.

Step 1

Sew the boning onto the right sides using a straight stitch with your stitch length at 2.0mm. Pin and sew along each side of the boning to secure them onto both the front and back panel pieces (cut from the non-stretch velvet).

• (If using another fabric type, use a stitch length of 2.0 to 2.5mm for lightweight fabrics like cotton and 3.0 to 3.5mm for heavier fabrics like denim.)

Use a denim machine needle or a universal machine needle in the size range of 90/14 to 100/16.

• Ensure that the needle is sharp to avoid snagging the fabric. Using the right needle will help create clean, even stitches while securing the boning effectively.

Pro Tip – As an alternative method for ease of sewing and clean finishing: 

1. Cut the boning longer than needed for the pattern.
2. Push the boning up out of the casing and trim off enough so that the casing is the only thing sewn into the seam.
3. The boning should extend right up against both seams.
4. Secure the boning ends to avoid sharp edges.
5. Reinforce the stitching for durability.

Step 2

For this step, I cut 2 pieces out of lining fabric for the cups, but you are also able to cut 4 pieces (or 2 pairs) and sew them together along the top edge. Sew the cup darts, then sew both cups of lining to the front bodice.

Step 3

Join front and back together by sewing at the side seams.

Step 4

Fold the top edge over and sew the seam allowance for a clean finish.

Beginner-Friendly Method for Sewing Bra Cups

The following method is a beginner-friendly, time efficient way to sew the cups. For a more advanced technique with a lined finish, view the illustration guide below step eight.

Step 5

Sew the bra cups to the front of the top using a hand-sewing needle and thread.

Step 6

Hand stitch the beaded appliqué to the top of the bra cup with a hand-sewing needle.

Step 7

Cut two square pieces on the bias from the non-stretch velvet fabric (approx. 10×10 inches each); then utilize each piece to create a draped look with pleats on the front of the bra cups, covering from underneath the beaded appliqué to the bottom edge.

Be sure to secure your pleats prior to the next step by using a series of simple tack stitches or a basting stitch to close the “darts”—(or outward ends of the pleats).

Step 8

Tuck the seam allowance in and sew the bottom half with the machine. To sew the upper half, sew by hand to get in between the beads.

The method shown above is a faster and more beginner-friendly method for dressing the cups. To avoid raw seams on the inside of the garment (surrounding the cups), follow the alternative sewing method (visual guide below) for a flawless and lined finish.

How to Clean Finish Bra Cups

Please note: The below method requires 4 bra cup lining pieces (or 2 pairs) to be cut from the lining fabric.

Step 9

Sew the sleeve strap across the top and bottom edges, then turn outward.

Step 10

Sew the sleeve strap to the side of the cup and to the back bodice.

Step 11

Join the skirt panels by sewing front and back together at the side seams.

Step 12

Join the skirt and the bodice by sewing around the waistline.

Step 13

Install the zipper up to the notch and sew the rest of the seam at center back.

Step 14

Finish the garment by sewing the hem around the bottom edge.

The Ambrosia Cocktail Dress Free Sewing Pattern by Mood Fabrics

Feel free to share your completed cocktail dress pattern on social media to inspire others and showcase your hard work!

Share this post with a friend (or two!), download The Ambrosia Cocktail Dress Free Sewing Pattern, and show us which fabrics and colors you choose, using the hashtags #MoodAmbrosiaPattern & #MadeWithMood.