There’s something about leopard print that feels timeless—bold yet classic, fearless but wearable. So when I came across this dreamy leopard-print crepe de chine, I knew I had to do something special. One dress just wouldn’t do it justice. This fabric deserved its own mini collection.
Thus began the creative journey of stitching not one, but three handmade dresses, each with its own personality, using three of my favorite patterns:
🧵 Simplicity 9010, New Look 6696, and McCall’s 8105.
✂️ The Fabric: Leopard-Print Crepe de Chine
If you’ve ever worked with crepe de chine, you know it’s pure elegance in textile form. Lightweight with a soft, slightly textured surface, it drapes beautifully and moves with a quiet kind of luxury. Paired with a bold leopard print, it became the perfect marriage of softness and strength—a fabric that demands attention without trying too hard.
Working with it required patience (silky fabrics love to shift), but the reward was worth every careful pin and slow stitch.
👗 Dress One: Simplicity 9010 – The Effortless Statement
I started the collection with Simplicity 9010, a pattern known for its minimal seams, fluid shape, and elegant simplicity. The clean lines made it the perfect canvas to let the leopard print truly shine.
Special highlights:
- Features a loose, flowy silhouette—ideal for drapey fabrics like crepe de chine.
- The sleeve options add subtle variation (I went with a flutter sleeve for extra movement).
- This dress feels like wearing confidence—light, easy, and bold all at once.
It’s the kind of dress that makes a statement just by walking into the room.
👗 Dress Two: New Look 6696 – The Structured Classic
Next came New Look 6696, a dress pattern I’ve loved for years. It’s classic, tailored, and beautifully detailed, with just the right touch of vintage.
Why I love this pattern:
- Comes with two length variations, allowing for customization.
- It’s a very versatile dress patterns—great for prints and solids alike.
This version of the dress feels like a modern twist on safari chic—structured, smart, but softened by the crepe de chine’s drape and the playful leopard spots.
👗 Dress Three: McCall’s 8105 – The Romantic Wrap
To complete the trio, I turned to McCall’s 8105, a gorgeous wrap dress pattern that instantly adds a romantic vibe to any fabric.
What makes it special:
- The wrap design is incredibly flattering, adjusting perfectly to your shape.
- The soft gathers and floaty sleeves bring out the fabric’s fluidity.
- It’s one of those dresses that feels luxurious but wears like a dream.
In leopard crepe, it became something you’d wear to a date, an art show, or just when you want to feel wildly beautiful.
🎨 The Creative Process: Why Three?
Why not stop at one? Because creativity rarely comes in a straight line. As soon as I cut into the fabric, the ideas began to unfold. I wanted to explore what this print could become—how different silhouettes, levels of structure, and styling choices could change its mood completely.
Each dress in the collection tells a slightly different story:
- One is easy and unbothered.
- One is sharp and chic.
- One is soft and romantic.
Together, they reflect the many sides of style—and the many moods we each carry.
🧵 Final Thoughts: Stitching Boldness
Sewing this mini collection reminded me of the joy of experimentation. It was a creative reset, a chance to explore a single idea in multiple directions—and to fall in love with a fabric that surprised me at every turn.
If you’ve been saving a bold print or a luxurious fabric for “something special,” maybe this is your sign: go all in. Create not just a garment, but a collection. Tell a story. Take a risk.
You might just stitch up something unforgettable.
Which of the three dresses speaks to you most?
Drop a comment below or tag me in your own leopard-print creations—I’d love to see your take on bold sewing!