What is a Wrap Dress?

Put simply, a wrap dress is exactly as it sounds - a front closure formed by wrapping one side of the dress across the other, tied with a fastening, usually ties at the front or back which act as a feature of the dress. This style creates emphasis around the natural waist while emphasizing the bust and will balance the silhouette. Wrap dresses are generally knee-length and full length dresses which can be worn year-round dependant on your choice of fabric, they are also fantastically versatile making them ideal for day-to-night styling!

A Brief History of the Wrap Dress

During the Great Depression, Hooverettes were hugely popular, which were a form of house coat or apron featuring a wrap design. Elsa Schiaparelli brought the wrap dress to life in the 1930s and in the 1940s, Claire McCardell whose original 'popover' design became the basis for a variety of wrap-around dresses. As is the nature of design, the wrap dress was later reinvented by Diana von Furstenberg in the 1970s.

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High-street Wrap Dresses

Here's a selection of gorgeous summer wrap dresses that are on-trend this season from the likes of TKMaxx, Freemans and Very to inspire your next make!

6 FREE Wrap Dress Patterns

Browse through our round-up of floaty wrap dresses to find you next make. We've grabbed a selection of free patterns which work for a range of abilities and can be made in fabric of your choice! There's something for everyone in this collection, click the links below to find the pattern you love!

The Simple Sew Lena Wrap Dress

Lena is a classic design with a modern twist in sizes 6-22. There are no tricky closures to deal with and the wrap bodice is fully lined. An inset waistband and skirt border allow you to play with colour and print blocking. Plus you can choose from three sleeve lengths and an optional lace overlay to personalise your dress. Download this dress FREE when you upgrade to CraftWorld Premium today!

Peppermint Wrap Dress

With chic lines and simplistic finishes, the Wrap Dress pattern from Peppermint is the ideal pattern for beginner's to get stuck into. Go for a bold, bright print or something subdued; buttons and trim can be made in a contrasting fabric. Fully lined, the dress is 100% reversible for a two-in-one garment.

The Nyssa Dress

This fab dress pattern tutorial features handy step-by-step images to guide you through the more tricky elements of the garment. The Nyssa Dress boasts fun design details, such as a baggy sleeve and a high-low hem - perfect for summer parties!

Tropical Wrap Dress

This super comfortable wrap dress pattern is the perfect design to be worn to work or dressed up for a special occasion in the summer months! Whip up this dress in block colours to create your own capsule collection.

The Rue Dress

The design team at Mood have done it again, we adore this decadent design which will bring the catwalk to the beach. Featuring long sleeves, a billowing wrap skirt, and a daring slit, the Rue Dress can keep you protected from the sun in style this summer.

Bohemian Rhapsody Dress

Embrace your inner bohemian goddess with this beautiful and breezy dress pattern, made up from lightweight chiffon fabric which is perfect for summer breaks!

We hope you have enjoyed this post and will be inspired to make your own wrap dress! If you're looking for more sewing content on CraftWorld, check out the following links!

An Introduction to Dressmaking

5 FREE Sewing Patterns for Kids

5 FREE Buffet Dress Patterns

5 FREE Cocktail Dress Patterns

5 FREE Dancing Dresses

Happy Sewing,

Betty

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