PDF - Digital Pattern for the Manta Dress and Blouse by Instinct Couture (size 32 to 52)

The Manta Dress is THE pattern to sew for the year-end celebrations or to attend a ceremony, but it is also the perfect top/blouse for everyday wear.
With its generously volumed bodice, its delightfully bare back, and its batwing sleeves, this dress promises to make you the undisputed queen of the party.
For an elegant adaptation to your daily life, consider the version with a closed back adorned with a subtle feminine slit.
The batwing sleeves offer a fullness that will captivate all eyes. They end with fitted cuffs, elegantly closed with loops and buttons. For an extra touch of refinement, add decorative buttons on the back of the skirt, creating a subtle echo of the cuff detail. However, it is an invisible zip that closes the dress.
The top version is adorned either with a knitted belt or a woven belt that you will have smocked or elasticated. And why not opt for a separate set, making the skirt this time with a facing and an invisible zip.

By sewing Manta, you will learn to:
Sew batwing sleeves
Sew loops
Sew a slit
Create smocking with a gathering elastic
Sew gathers

For this dress, you can cut one size for the bodice and another for the skirt (or the belt). To determine the size of the bodice, take into account your chest circumference; if you are between two sizes, choose the smaller one. For the skirt, consider your waist circumference. If your hip measurement is more than two sizes larger than your waist measurement, grade between the two, from the waist to the hips.

The size chart

Supplies

Top only

• 215 cm of fabric (at 140 cm width)

Short dress

• 280 cm of fabric (at 140 cm width)

Skirt only:

• 100 cm of fabric (at 140 cm width)

In addition to the fabric:

• 50 cm of lightweight interfacing
• matching thread

Top version:

• 1 m of gathering elastic (70 mm wide) or 1 m of wide and soft elastic 5 cm wide
• 6 buttons (+1 for closed back)
• thin elastic, satin cord, or loop tape

Dress version:

• 1 invisible zip (22 cm)
• 6 buttons (+1 for closed back)
• thin elastic, satin cord, or loop tape

Skirt version:

• 1 invisible zip (22 cm)

Fabric choice

The Manta Dress can be sewn in many fabrics. Favor flowing fabrics that will suit the volume of the bodice and the flared cut of the skirt and will bring movement and lightness. Avoid cotton fabrics and fabrics that are too stiff. It is possible to choose a slightly stretchy fabric; if needed, consider cutting a smaller size. Depending on the season and the desired look, you can opt for fabrics of varying thickness: sequin, crepe, viscose twill, viscose poplin, cotton satin, etc.

Sewing level

Level: 3/5

Time: 3/5

The Manta Dress is not suitable for beginners. It is a very good pattern to improve your sewing skills and learn new techniques. The various diagrams found in the booklet as well as the video tutorial available on the YouTube channel and accessible via QR code during sewing will guide you through making your dress or top! The video lasts 1h20; it is a true sewing course