The Chloé sewing pattern is characterized by its smocked effect created using elasticized channels, which are more durable and guarantee a garment that lasts over time, as well as its center button placket.

Here, I offer you a hack to sew the Chloé dress (or top) without a button placket.

Technical drawing of the Chloé sewing pattern without the button placket, short dress version.

Pattern Drafting

To do this, here are the modifications to make to the pattern:

• You do not need to cut pattern piece #3 - Button placket.
• On piece #2 - Front: at the center front, add 1.25 cm along the entire length of your top/dress.
  

Cutting

The Chloé sewing pattern is fully lined; if you wish to sew it unlined but still with a beautiful finish, go here before proceeding to cut your pieces.

Once this modification is made, you can proceed to cut your pieces from your main fabric: be sure to cut the Front piece on the fold at the center front.

Assembly

The sewing steps remain unchanged up to step 9.

Step 9) Sew each channel around the entire garment, making sure to leave a space of about 3 cm for each ➝ this will allow you to pass the elastic inside each channel later.

Ensure that all these openings are aligned to make passing the elastic easier.

Step 10) Refer to the booklet.

Step 11) Refer to the booklet.

Step 12) Attach a safety pin to the end of your elastic, then wrap it with a bit of adhesive tape. This will prevent the pin from opening once inside the channel.

Starting with the top channel, thread your safety pin through the channel, making sure that the end of the elastic (the one opposite the pin) does not go inside the channel.

You will likely encounter a bit more difficulty on one of the sides where your safety pin will nestle into your seam allowances. At that exact spot, I recommend pressing and flattening the seam with your fingers to allow your safety pin to pass through the middle.

Between passing each channel, sew their ends together using a zigzag stitch. Backstitch several times to secure the seam firmly.

Ensure that your elastic does not twist in its channel before sewing it.

Once all the elastics have been passed and sewn, you can close the openings you left earlier.

You're done! Steps 13 to 25 are not necessary for this sewing hack since we have removed the button placket.

Discover the original version of the Chloé sewing pattern and its variations right here.