1 Cut out all the pieces as indicated in the cutting guide. On your body, measure from the side neck to the natural waistline, then subtract 11.5cm from this. Measure the result down from the top of one dress piece and draw a straight line across the width to mark where the middle insert piece will be. Measure 12cm up from the bottom of the dress piece and draw another straight line to mark where the lower edge of the bottom lace piece will be. Repeat on the second dress piece, then cut the two lines to make the top, middle and bottom jersey pieces.

2 For the front neckline, fold one top insert piece in half, right sides together. Measure 14cm from the fold across the top, then 8cm down (and on) the fold, and mark both. Use a pattern ruler to join these points with a curved line and cut for the front neckline. Repeat on the second top insert piece, 14cm across but 2cm down, then cut for the back neckline.

3 Match the bottom jersey and lace pieces, right sides together, then stitch along one long edge. Repeat to join the centre and top pieces, alternating lace and jersey and ending with the front neckline lace piece, to create the dress front. Repeat with the remaining fabric for the dress back.

4 Join the dress front and back at the shoulder seams, right sides together, then neaten the seam allowance and all remaining raw edges, except the neckline. Fold the neckband in half, right sides together, then stitch across the short edge to form a ring. Using the seam as a starting point, mark the quarter and midway points along both long edges.