How to Sew a Satin Slip Dress: Easy Bias-Cut Dress for Beginners

An easy bias-cut satin slip dress with an open back and thin straps, sewn from the Vikisews Freia pattern. Sexy but classy, and simple enough for beginners.

Why sew a bias-cut slip dress

It's one of the easiest dresses I've made, and perfect for a date night. Because the slip dress is cut on the bias, it hugs the figure and fits like a glove.

Tips for sewing satin, and my changes

• Clipped the seam allowance along the facing. It isn't in the Vikisews Freia instructions, but it helps the facing lie flat.
• Fabric: I used a satin I had at home, but it's a bit stiff for this dress. Next time I'll use a softer silk.
• Satin is slippery: when you cut it, place a piece of cotton fabric underneath so it doesn't move on the table, and tack every seam before sewing it on the machine.
• Press seams open over strips of card, so the seam allowances don't mark the right side.
• The thin straps can also be crossed at the back.

What you need for a satin slip dress

• Vikisews Freia pattern A4 PDF pattern
• Satin, or a soft silk cut on the bias
• Janome 2030 DC sewing machine what sells it for me: automatic buttonholes and speed control, perfect for kids starting to sew Find it ↗
• Singer Heavy Duty 4432 sewing machine Find it ↗
• Elna 664 PRO overlocker Find it ↗
• Bernina L 460 overlocker my second overlocker: I won it in a Vikisews sewing competition Find it ↗
• Loop turner to turn the thin straps right side out Find it ↗