Cora Half Sleeve Linen Dress Tutorial
One of our favorite projects to date. Cora is a dress that really understands linen. Made with our Midweight Antique White linen fabric, this cut is simple whilst retaining a feminine and elegant silhouette. Make sure to take advantage of our multi-sized PDF pattern which you can download just below. Enjoy!
Materials
3 yards of IL019 Antique White
Thread
Bias tape
A button
Sewing Machine
Pins
Iron
Pattern
You can access the multi-sized printable PDF pattern by following this link HERE. The model is wearing US size 6.
Steps
Once you have your pattern made and the pieces cut out of the fabric, continue onto the sewing steps below.
1. Take your skirt piece and match the two short ends together. Sew using a 1/2″ seam allowance. Iron the seam open.
2. Fold the bottom edge of the skirt piece towards the wrong side by 1/2″, and iron.
3. Fold this edge up towards the wrong side again, this time by 2″, and iron.
4. Pin and sew this in place to create the skirt’s hem. Set this piece aside for now.
5. Take the front and back pieces, and pin at the shoulders and sides. Sew using a 1/2″ seam allowance.
6. Iron the seams open that you just sewed.
7. Clip the edges of the fabric that stick out at the shoulder seams, so the neckline is smooth.
8. Next, fold approx. 2″ of your bias tape onto itself and sew, so that you create an enclosed tube, hiding the raw edges inside the fabric. This will be the button loop.
9. Pin the button loop onto one side of the back of the neck, above the keyhole, with the loop facing towards the end of the shoulder. This will be sandwiched between the body of the dress and the bias tape, and will end up folding out to grab the button once everything is in place.
10. Starting at one of the shoulder seams, pin the bias tape to the neckline, following all around the neckline and keyhole. When you reach the starting end of the bias tape, fold the starting end over by 1/4″, and lay this edge over the folded edge by 1/4″ and trim the rest.
11. Sew using a 1/4″ seam allowance to secure the bias tape to the neckline.
12. Iron the bias tape outwards.
13. Fold the bias tape towards the raw edge of the seam, and iron in place, then fold the bias tape in once more, iron and pin.
14. Sew the bias tape in place, entrapping the raw seam between the bias tape and the body of the dress.
15. Sew a button to the back of the dress opposite the loop.
16. Pin and sew the sleeve to itself on the short edge, using a 1/2″ seam allowance. Iron the seams open.
17. Fold the bottom, flat edge of the sleeve up towards the wrong side by 1/2″, iron.
18. Fold this edge up towards the wrong side again by another 1/2″, iron and pin into place.
19. Sew to create the hem on the sleeve, and repeat with the other sleeve.
20. Use your favorite gathering method to gather the sleeve between the thin and wide notches on the sides of the sleeve.
20. Pin the notch at the top of the sleeve to the shoulder seam, and pin the sleeve’s seam to the side seam on the body of the dress. Match up the notches, and pin around the sleeves.
21. Sew the sleeves to the body of the dress using a 1/2″ seam allowance.
22. Iron and clip the seam to make it nice and neat. You can use an overstitch/overedge/serger machine on this seam if you’d like, which will encase the seam with thread to help keep it from unraveling. Sew this seam to the body, using a 1/4″ seam allowance, or sewing close to the seam.
23. Last thing to do is attach the skirt to the body of the dress! Start by marking the halfway point on the waist hem of the skirt piece, then pinning the side seam of the skirt to one side seam of the body, and pinning the halfway point on the skirt to the opposite side seam on the body piece.
24. Use your favorite gathering method to gather the skirt fabric to the waist on the body of the skirt, pin into place and use a 1/2″ seam allowance to secure it.
25. Iron and clip your seam, then sew to the body of the dress using a 1/4″ seam allowance.
Done! A sweet dress that is great for nearly any season!
146 Comments
Kelly Potocki
Hi again,
I just realized that the instruction here says using 1/2” seam allowance, bue on the pattern it says 3/8”. Which one should I follow? If 1/2” seam allowance is ok, it means I could use French seam because I do not have a serger.
Thanks.
Kelly
Lauren Linen
Please follow the seam allowance printed on the pattern 🙂
Kelly Potocki
Hi Lauren,
I really like this pattern. I have made three dresses and love them all. I want to use this pattern again to make a top. Do I simply need to add desired length to the bodice to make it into a top or is there more to it?
Thank you!
Kelly
Lauren Linen
Hello Kelly, You will want to lengthen and widen the bodice hem so it sits nicely over your hips. You could probably use a similar item of clothing from your wardrobe as a guide for the length, and width you’ll need your hem to be.
Mindy Oshrain
While I had to work a number of changes to get a good fit of the top, I love the final result! I used the darted bodice, but had to decrease the width of the front. I changed the neckline a bit, as it was too wide, so made it rounder. For the skirt, I ended up using a pattern I already had, Made by Rae’s Cleo skirt, and used two of the backs, with inseam pockets added. So while I know that sounds like a lot of modifications, they all work for me! I made a wearable muslin in chambray; on to nice linen soon! Thank you for this pattern; I think now that I have it right I’ll be making more of these dresses.
Halley McKee
Hello!
In the instructions, bias tape was not mentioned. I am to the neck portion and am wanting to know the dimensions for this. I see a 1” width is recommended in the comments. Is that for both the button hole bias tape and the neckline? Also, how long for both of those pieces please?
In other sewing tutorials, it covered the steps of overlaying the edges to prevent fraying, but does not seem to mention it here besides on the sleeves. When I am sewing the edges at the 1/2” seam allowances, should I press to one side and zig zag the seams there to cover my bases?
Lauren Linen
Hello Halley,
Our Apologies, our designer didn’t specify the length of the bias tape in this pattern. In order to find out how much bias tape you will need for your size, please use a measuring tape to measure around the pattern’s neckline curve and then your back opening.
Yes, we highly recommend that you serge or zigzag your seams to prevent ravelling.
Happy sewing!
Halley McKee
Okay, that makes sense! ?? thank you, Lauren, for your help!
Alaa Khaddour
These instructions are confusing at times. I feel like video tutorials are more useful as you can see how each step is done rather than trying to imagine. The instructions around the bias tape and button loop weren’t clear at all, and mine did not turn out like the picture at all.
Mabel Saint-Hilaire
I’m wondering if I should make this with the darted bodice or without it. I have big boobs, so I’m wondering which way I should go
Lauren Linen
Hello Mabel, This pattern is drafted for a B-cup bust, so if you bust size is above this, I would opt for the darted bodice, and then doing a full bust adjustment to add in some extra room for your best fit.
We have a great tutorial for a full bust adjustment here:
https://blog.fabrics-store.com/2017/01/10/sewing-glossary-full-bust-adjustment-tutorial/
Eylül Karao?lu
H?! thank you for a wonderfull patttern and i find out 2 bodice options really cleaver. But in the name of sustainabilty, since the skirt is just a rectangle, ? much prefered if yo just give dimensions like AxB cm rectangele for size 0, CxD for size2 ect… So we could have just cut it on our fabric since linen is such a easy fabric to cut rectangles on. I mmuch prefer not wasting 15 papers andt ime to cut and tape them just to end up with a rectangle. I hope its clear what i am trying to say.
Danielle Rabold
Hi, I am wondering the same thing – does anyone have the dimensions of the skirt or the formula per size to work it out?
Hyolim Ahn
Hi, I thought the same thing and after actually cutting out the skirt pattern, measured and wrote a memo on the pattern cover to avoid keeping a large rectangular piece that was awkward to fold( too many A4s). My size is 0/2 and the measurements for the skirt piece is 56×84(cut on fold)cm. I live in Korea hence the metric system. Hope it helps!!
Heidi Reents
Finally some information on the size of this piece! Thank you! I imagine you cut 2 pieces for your skirt… After sewing the bodice part I can measure the needed length. I will be adding a few inches also to the width to compensate for my size difference, and even if just an approximate, no big thing since its gathered. Also not too difficult to judge by looking at that bottom corner, the last page/pattern. WIll make a note of the measurements i used on a pattern piece for future projects.
Britt White
This dress is absolutely beautiful! I am definitely a beginner, but this dress was very doable, especially with the tutorials that you have on this site. This is now my new go-to in my closet!
Uyen Nguyen
Hello, I’m a beginner sewer 🙂
Could I ask how much fabric would I need approximately for this dress in size 8/10?
I’m planning to shorten the dress and make it long sleeve!
Thank you very much.
Lauren Gates
Hello Uyen, If you’re planning on shortening the dress and sleeves, 3 yards should be plenty. If you’d like to know exactly how many yards you will need, I would recommend making your pattern alterations on your paper pattern first, then laying them out in a mock fabric layout, and measuring how long the pattern pieces lay. This will give you your precise yardage 🙂
Hollis Fouts
Hello and thanks for your help. I’d like to make this dress, but with less gathering of fabric at the waist for the skirt. I don’t want much gather at all. Do you have recommendations as to what ratio i should take this down to? Any direction is appreciated. SO many thanks!
Lauren Gates
Hello, Look out for an email from me 🙂
Diane Dooley
Why in the WORLD are you not recommended at the VERY least a pinked or zig-zagged finish for seam allowances? You’re going to have a lot of very angry sewists when their dresses fall to bits because the seam allowances weren’t protected from fraying.
Kelly Potocki
Hi Lauren,
If I wanted to alter the sleeve of this pattern to be gathered sleeve, do I need to make the sleeve pattern wider as one of your tutorials described?
Thank you so much for your help!
Lauren Gates
Absolutely Kelly 🙂
I’d use the sleeve from your chosen pattern as the basis for making a gathered sleeve using our tutorial: https://blog.fabrics-store.com/2016/12/23/sewing-glossary-how-to-draft-and-sew-gathered-sleeves-tutorial/
this way you maintain the shape of the armhole, while adding fullness to the rest of the sleeve.
Kelly Potocki
I made this dress and I am really glad how it turned out, I did have not so easy time when using the bias tape on back of the neckline where the button loop and key are. There were quite lots of turns. Anyone has easier techniques? I also have a question about the width of the bias tap. When you recommended 1” bias tape, did you mean the width of the bias strip is 1” , or the half folded tape?
Lauren Gates
Hi Kelly, the bias strip width is 1″ 🙂
Kelly Potocki
Hi Lauren,
Thank you for your reply. First of all I really like this pattern and my dress turned out great! Exactly the kind of look I wanted. I am planning on making another one of a different color! I had a challenging time applying the bias binding over the back of the neckline where the button hole and the keyhole were. What do you do with the extra fabric on the bias binding when you turn right above the key hole? It is actually 90 degree turn. Thank you for your help!
Kelly Potocki
I meant button loop.
Lauren Gates
Hi Kelly, When I sew on a binding that goes around corners I try to make a mitered corner. We have a tutorial at the link below which should help 🙂
https://blog.fabrics-store.com/2016/11/14/sewing-glossary-how-to-bind-mitered-corners-with-bias-tape-tutorial/
Kelly Potocki
Hi Lauren,
Thank you for the tutorial! I have another question. Do you think a light weight linen will work for this pattern? I used IL19 natural mixed medium weight one for my first dress. I am thinking of using a different linen for my second dress just for the fun of it.
Thank you!
Lauren Gates
Hi Kelly, Our IL020 Lightweight would work nicely for this dress too. It’s a little thinner and breezy feeling than your IL019 and drapes and gathers beautifully. I like it better than the IL019 for when summer gets really hot here in SoCal!
If you wanted to have a look at how it looks sewn up in a garment, we recommend that linen in our Charlie pattern and plenty of customers have shared their work on each fabric page too. Here are some quick links to them:
https://fabrics-store.com/sewing-patterns/charlie-linen-blouses-pant-bermuda-short-and-dress
https://fabrics-store.com/all-fabrics?article=IL020
rae story
Hello
Thank you so much, I have been wanting to make a dress like this for a while, so very excited to have found this pattern.
Can I ask about the size of this dress, does it have negative ease included, I am a size 32 bust, so I was going to go for the size 0 following the instructions, however, I just read that the model (who looks pretty tiny) is wearing a US size 6 – so if I want a looser look should I go that much bigger – 3 sizes bigger than my actual size?
Many thanks, I will make a toile of course, but I don’t want to have to reprint all the paper if I can help it.
Rae
Lauren Gates
Hello Rae,
Given we are working with Linen, you’ll want positive ease so you create that loose fit look. So to find your best size, compare your bust measurement to the measurements in the booklet which are for the finished garment (no need to add on ease to your bust measurement). If you’re unsure how loose to go, compare these measurements to a garment you have that fits in a similar fashion.
So if you choose the size 6 for your 32″ bust, you will have 4″ total of positive ease 🙂
Ginette Bisaillon
I am confused: the pattern contains two different pieces for the bodice, one that is labeled simply “Front Bodice” and a second one labeled “Darted Front Bodice”. No mention of this anywhere on the tutorial or anywhere else.
Please explain what I am supposed to do.
Thank you!
P.S. I love the patterns, I love your fabrics!!!
Ginette Bisaillon
Sorry, I found the answer in a previous comment. But I do have another question: what is the width of the bias tape?
Lauren Gates
Hello Ginette, we’re glad you figured out the 2 bodice options 🙂 I would recommend a 1″ wide bias tape.
Ginette Bisaillon
Actually, I decided to create a facing for the neckline instead of the bias tape and this worked out really well! I also shortened the darts by 2 whole inches. I’m really glad I always make a muslin!
Femke Lammens
Hey! I am really exited to start sewing this dress but don’t know if the seam allowance is already added into the pattern or if i have to ad it myself. Could someone help me with that? Thanks!
Felisha Mousinho
im confused about the top instructions, do i need to cut out 2 back pieces? can i have some further instructions
thank you
Catina Ferraine
Hello Marilyn, for the bodice of the pattern both the front and the back bodice are “Cut 1, on the fold of the fabric”. This means you will only need one of each. The confusion might be in that there are two front bodice options- one with a dart and one without of dart. The tutorial shows the bodice without the dart, however most ladies with a B cup or more tend to enjoy having a dart.
Marilyn Wylie
I just finished this dress and must say how pleased I am at the fit. I haven’t made any clothes for myself in many years but with trying to stay safe during COVID and getting a little bored from making masks and charity children’s quilts, I decided to try my luck again. I made it from a lovely fabric that I had bought many years ago and found in my stash. I am only 5’3″ so did shorten both the bodice and skirt but other than that the fit was perfect. Your tutorial was very easy to understand and I finished it in a day. Now I would like to make it again in a nice linen and will be looking to order some. On to the next pattern on your site that I like.
Masha Karpushina
Thank you so much for sharing Marilyn. So glad this brought you joy.
Uyen Nguyen
Hello Marilyn, thank you for sharing!
I’m also a 5″3 lady, could I ask you how much did you shorten for both the bodice and skirt?
Much appreciated!
Charlotte Dubery
Hi there,
This pattern is exactly what I’ve been looking for but sadly the link doesn’t work and takes me to a page saying it’s no longer found – would you be able to re-post the link? Thank you so so much and I hope you’re all keeping well and safe in these mad times x
Masha Karpushina
Here it is, the link should also work now. https://fabrics-store.com/sewing-patterns/cora-half-sleeve-linen-dress
Sashanna Hart
I agree with the last reviewer who said that this tutorial is a little bare-bones. I am very thankful that this was not my first pattern from here but my second as I can imagine being incredibly flummoxed at certain stages. Some steps do seem to be missing, or it is expected you will just know when to do them. For instance, sewing the side seams on the bodice is never called for, not is sewing the seams on the sleeves mentioned. I kind of guessed my way through a lot of the procedure. However, the tutorial for the Maria Paula dress, which was my first pattern from this site, was VERY detailed and had in depth tutorials linked to each challenging step (gathering, binding etc) so when it came to making this dress I just searched for a tutorial in the thread on sewing darts, and there it was. I highly recommend starting with the Maria Paula dress if it is at all your style, as it makes doing this one so much easier. This dress looks deceptively easy I think, and is actually a bit fidly. However, I love the result and I think I am confident enough in my sewing skills at this point to actually order some of the beautiful linen from this site to make my next project.
Sally Cameron
I really appreciate all of the free-to-use patterns/tutorials that this website provides – thanks so much for making them so accessible! It’s been an awesome resource during the COVID lockdowns.
I would like to suggest, though, that this tutorial would benefit from some additional clarification, because some of the instructions are frustratingly unclear (especially for beginners).
In particular, there are issues with Steps 1, 8, 9 & 10 of this tutorial (at least from what I’ve gathered after completing this project & reading through others’ comments). Specifically:
Step 1 asks us to “take your skirt piece and match the two short ends together,” but I think what it’s supposed to say is “take your TWO skirt PIECES and match two of the short ends together to create one long, continuous rectangle of fabric.” Perhaps I’m wrong (again, I’m a beginner!), but this is what I did, and it turned out pretty similar to the final pictured version of the skirt.
Further, Steps 8-9 made the button-loop detail impossible for me, and were by far the most headache-inducing steps of this tutorial. When doing this project myself, I eventually gave up on trying to figure out any these steps, and instead just hand-sewed a 4″ long bias tape loop (folded in half to create 2″ of tape for each “side” of the loop) near the neckline. It would be great to have some clarification here, and perhaps even some additional steps/pictures, because based on the comments, others have had trouble with this part, too.
Step 10 states: “starting at one of the shoulder seams, pin the bias tape to the neckline, following all around the neckline and keyhole.” Unless you’re more experienced, you probably won’t know how to tackle the change of direction needed to add a continuous line of bias tape around the keyhole. Personally, I had to use a different sewing website’s tutorial to achieve this. I did use the “Sewing Glossary: How To Attach Bias Tape Tutorial” from this website to attach the bias tape to the neckline, which was very helpful, but that tutorial unfortunately does not explain how one might go about changing directions when applying the tape. Adding that information might be a cool, valuable little addition to that tutorial.
I know this is a lot of feedback, but overall, I had a lot of fun with this project and cannot wait to try more from this site. Thanks again for posting these – they’re by far the best free patterns/tutorials/designs I’ve come across! 🙂
Jessica Campbell
This is the most wonderful website. I am so excited to try making something. For some reason I can’t seem to open the pattern from any of the links posted. I also can’t open links to fabrics on the site. My fingers are crossed that this is just a blip! I hope I’m not too late in discovering this wonderful site!
Julia
Printed High Low Hem Collarless Shirt and Half Sleeve Linen Dress patterns and tutorials – no problems! I am glad, however, that my sewing skills are much better than my computer/printer skills! Can’t wait to get fabric and make these. THANK YOU!
Lesley
Is this pattern still available? None of the links work?
Masha Karpushina
Lesley, you can find the pattern here: https://fabrics-store.com/sewing-patterns/half-sleeve-linen-dress/
thank you
Margo
I am so extremely this pattern has been reposted. I have saved it this time for my go to linen pattern. Thank you Masha for the link.
Masha Karpushina
?? happy you are happy Margo! Let us know how it goes . 🙂
Pamela Wolf
I’m having trouble accessing this pattern download. I’m using an iPad. When I click the “Download Now” button, it just brings me to a page that explains how to get acrobat reader and find the file there. But I can’t find a link on your page that actually starts a download. However, on your pattern page the dress pattern is listed as one of my downloaded patterns. Thanks for your help. Can’t wait to make this dress.
Masha Karpushina
here it is again: https://fabrics-store.com/sewing-patterns/cora-half-sleeve-linen-dress
Deanna Hislop
It is the Half Sleeve Linen Dress
Christine
I couldn’t find the link on the tutorial page. Thanks.
Ksenya
Hi Christine -what link are you looking for please?
Christine
the link for the half-sleeve dress. When I click on the link, it sends me to the tutorial page but I don’t see the dress.
Kat
I also cannot find the link.
Masha Karpushina
Kat, you can find the pattern here: https://fabrics-store.com/sewing-patterns/half-sleeve-linen-dress/
Masha Karpushina
Christine, you can find the pattern here: https://fabrics-store.com/sewing-patterns/half-sleeve-linen-dress/
Masha Karpushina
Thank you for your patience. Everything works now, you can find the pattern here: https://fabrics-store.com/sewing-patterns/half-sleeve-linen-dress/
Elizabeth
Can you please link to the pattern with multiple sizes? That wold be great!
Masha Karpushina
Elizabeth, you can find the pattern here: https://fabrics-store.com/sewing-patterns/half-sleeve-linen-dress/
Terri Kiplinger
I’m sad. I like this dress very much and you seem to have removed it from the pattern page, as the links do not work. Would you consider re-offering it, please? Thank you very much.
Mary B.
HOORAY!!! I was able to download the pattern today, 5/8/2018, from the link on the tutorial page. I then opened it with Adobe Acrobat Reader DC (the newest iteration) and viola, the pattern comes up and then it can be printed. If one is not a size 4, one will need to grade or draft the pattern to the size that works for ones measurements.There are also tutorials for drafting and grading on this site. It also might be helpful to glance at the posts from the beginning as there are answers to a lot of questions.No, the Half-Sleeved Dress pattern is not on the current pattern selection page, however, the pattern is on the tutorial page. I’m so appreciative of Fabrics-Store for offering these free patterns to us linen lovers of the world! The simplicity of the patterns enhances the beauty of the linen.
Masha Karpushina
Terri, you can find the pattern here: https://fabrics-store.com/sewing-patterns/half-sleeve-linen-dress/
Nancy Stockman
is this pattern still available? I don’t find it using either link given
Masha Karpushina
Nancy, you can find the pattern here: https://fabrics-store.com/sewing-patterns/half-sleeve-linen-dress/
sandy
The pattern is not available at the link above. Is there another location to download this pattern?
Thanks,
Sandy
Maria
I would think that if Fabrics Store wanted to sell fabric, they would see to it that the download links are working. Just my thought.
Masha Karpushina
Sandy, you can find the pattern here: https://fabrics-store.com/sewing-patterns/half-sleeve-linen-dress/
Lucia
Thanks, I downloaded and cut the pattern pieces. What I don’t understand is the double pattern for the front bodice, with darts and without. I am supposed to chose one, am I not?
Rachel Anne
This dress is such a dream! When will this specific color be back? Im basically dying, waiting to see if it’ll come back in stock ever 🙁
Masha Karpushina
Hi Rachel, this fabric is very much available 🙂 https://fabrics-store.com/fabrics/linen-fabric-IL019-antique-white-softened-middle/
Tamar Rein
I’m confused about the specified 33.5 inch length of the skirt. If the rectangle for the skirt is cut 34 inches deep, and you hem up first 1/2 inch and then fold that over another 2 inches, you now have a skirt length of 31 1/2, and that’s not including the seam allowance where you join the skirt at the bodice. Seems like length would be much closer to 31 inches?
Lisa
Hi!
I must be missing something in this tutorial! I cut all of my pieces out as directed on the pattern but when I read your intructions here on the tutorial something is off on tne skirt instructions. The pattern piece is a large rectangle that says cut on fold 2 times! This means that you end up with 2 pieces for the skirt but when you look at # 1 of the instructions it says One piece! I can work with this as is but it doesn’t make sense to me in the instructions. There seems to be a disconnect between the pattern pieces and the instructions! Please let me know!
Naty
Hi, I’m Natalie.
I making this dress.but I don’t understand skirt’s size.
so, I want just know skirt’s size, only that size. What is width? What is length?
BoB
The short dimension is the skirt length and the longer one is the width which will be gathered to the bodice (waist). I did not reference the pattern itself but this is common way it is done. If you are very tall or big around then you will have take that into consideration and also read any directions which are on the pattern pieces.
Morgan
While I appreciate the free pattern, these instructions need a lot of work to be useful.
1. The materials list just says “bias tape”. What width? How much? This is important!
2. The pattern includes optional bust darts but there is no mention of them in this tutorial.
3. We need much better instructions and photos for the button loop. First of all, that is NOT 2in of bias tape in the picture – it’s more. Do you sew & pin it to the right side or wrong side of the fabric? HOW ABOUT A PICTURE?
4. You need to include better instructions for getting the bias tape around the keyhole. In the image, it looks like the bias tape goes continuously around the neckline and keyhole, but how?
5. Overall, you need to specify whether you’re working on the right side or wrong side of the fabric.
This was a hugely frustrating project due to the lack of good instructions. I’m at the bias tape stage now and I can’t move forward. I’m setting this aside until I get answers to my questions above.
Elizabeth
Morgan,
Good grief! You are obviously a novice seamstress. While I congratulate you for trying to sew, this pattern is so basic that you should be able to craft it without instructions. The directions numbered 9 through 16 are perfectly clear concerning the placement of the keyhole and loop, and, the length of the loop would be dependent on the size of your button.
Stick to buying ready made clothes, darling. Or take a sewing class.
Sincerely,
Elizabeth (not affiliated with this website)
Kris
“Stick to buying ready made clothes, darling. Or take a sewing class.”
Wow – I hope you aren’t this insufferable in real life. Perhaps you should up your dosage of menopause medications, dear.
Nastya Yagoda
Hello Lauren. I don’t understand, do I need to add allowances to the pattern or are they already included in the drawing?
Lauren Linen
Seam allowances are already included in the pattern 🙂
Kadhrin
They should have included this link in their instructions… https://blog.fabrics-store.com/2016/05/17/how-to-bind-a-neckline-with-a-bias-band-tutorial/
Laura
I’m feeling really dense, so please forgive this stupid question. I downloaded the pattern template for the bodice (it looks like it’s just one size?), but can’t find the pattern for the skirt anywhere. What am I missing? Thanks.
Catina
We have the pattern graded in all sizes and available for download from our new Patterns page. I will include the link here. Happy sewing! http://www.fabrics-store.com/first.php?goto=sewing_pattern_product&pattern_id=40
Laura
That’s what I got last time: a two-page file with a link to sewing instructions. Nothing to cut out for the skirt, no idea where to get it. Nothing about sizes for the top. You might double check what you’re sending out. 🙁
Catina
When you open the PDF download in Adobe Reader, there are additional files “attached”. These are the printable pattern files that are graded into all sizes. 🙂
Kay Elam
The dress pattern is not on the link you provided. Guess again and repost, please.?
Catina
We have the pattern graded in all sizes and available for download from our new Patterns page. I will include the link here. Happy sewing! http://www.fabrics-store.com/first.php?goto=sewing_pattern_product&pattern_id=40
Jean
They don’t provide a pattern piece for the skirt. From the instructions: “You’ll also need to cut out a large rectangle that is 34″³ long x 91″³ wide. This is for the skirt.”
Heidi Reents
TO ALL! Can someone tell me if these (“You’ll also need to cut out a large rectangle that is 34?³ long x 91?³ wide. This is for the skirt.”) are still the measurements for ALL SIZES for the skirt or has it changed since this comment was made in 2017. The pattern now provided has “Part 2” for the skirt, ALOT of paper for a straight piece that could easily be cut without a pattern if they would just add the size of the skirt rectangle to the tutorial, now nowhere to be found except in THIS COMMENT…
Tara
You missed reading the part where it tells you you’ll need to cut out a rectangle of X dimensions for the skirt.
Mariette van Huyssteen
I have difficulty downloading the patterns. Dropbox just stops responding. Can anyone shed some light please?
Mary Jacobsen
I had the same problem…. I am not using drop box, but I can not get a down load to run either, I just get the cover page with no further links or download “button”.
Catina
If you mean the download from the Pattern page on the website http://www.fabrics-store.com/first.php?goto=sewing_pattern_product&pattern_id=40 …. make sure you are actually downloading the PDF to your computer/device and you are opening it in the free, authentic Adobe Reader. If you need more detailed help, just contact us over at customer service so we can engage more fully with you.
LisaL
There is no longer any pattern download for this particular dress on the above link… just a bunch of different ones. This makes me sad because I REALLY want to make this dress, it is adorable. How can I find the pattern?
Tyia
I had no problems downloading this pattern. I used Adobe Reader. There are 3 parts, 2 of which are attachments (Parts1 & 2). Each attachment needs to be opened/downloaded and under the layers section you need to deselect/un-mark the sizes that you do NOT want saved or printed, so only the size you want is marked. Then make sure to save them. The first part is only two pages, Pg 1 is a photo of the dress, Pg 2 contains the pattern details, download instructions, tips, sizing & yardage,and the link to this Website (currently commenting on) with Step-by-step sewing instructions and photos for this pattern. Also Make sure to read and follow the instructions on the 1st page of each attachment prior to printing. There’s very important details on how to check the scale before printing all the pages of the pattern.
Catina
Thank you for your informative comment Tyia!
Catina
We have the pattern graded in all sizes and available for download from our new Patterns page. I will include the link here. Happy sewing! http://www.fabrics-store.com/first.php?goto=sewing_pattern_product&pattern_id=40
SCLady
Talk about looking a gift horse in the mouth !
All of you complaining about “if you’re going to post, you could at least give the size”. When you are offered something free, if you can’t use it, just don’t accept the freebie, and certainly don’t complain.
Cris
Super cute! I think I’ll make one adjustment. I’ll make the skirt in two pieces, front and back, so I can add pockets at the side seams. I love pockets.
LisaL
Yes, definitely!!! No casual dress is useful without pockets! 🙂
Sophie MacKenzie
I’m trying to make this dress for an event in two days and just noticed the skirt is supposed to be 91 cm, thats 7 feet! Is this correct? Thanks for the beautiful pattern, I can’t wait to make it.
catmum
91 cm is just shy of 3 feet. 36 inches
Jean
It says 91″ at the top of the instructions. That equals 2.5 YARDS which is closer to 7 feet, a full gathered skirt.
Marsha
I think what people are asking for is the measurement of the model so they can tell how to alter the pattern to fit themselves. The measurements you keep putting on the replies is the same measurements as in the description – the measurement of the pattern pieces. One cannot know how much ease to allow between one’s own measurements and the size of the pattern if one does not know the measurements of the model. She’s obviously teeny, so shouldn’t mind, and we don’t know who she is, anyway.
Thank you.
Eliza
Hi, thanks for uploading such a fabulous dress tutorial! Apologies if this question has previously been asked, but I’m wondering whether a seam allowance has already been included in this pattern, or whether it need to be added? Thanks so much!
Courtney
I love the fit of the dress on the model. Can you tell me how much ease the garment has, or the difference between the model’s measurements and the final bust and waist measurements? Is it somewhere around 4-6″? I’ll be grading this pattern up and wold like to try to replicate the fit. Thanks!
Daphne
I love, love, linen. I love the feel. I love the look. I love to sew on it. I am however firmly in the plus sized category and none of your patterns seem to be in those sizes. Have you considered sizing some in larger sizes for those of us who are not a size 4? I would love it if you could.
Susana
Steps 24 and 25 seem to contradict. Step 24 says to gather using your favorite method (and the photo shows two lines of gathering stitches, as I just recommended on another tutorial) and to sew with 1/2″ seam allowance. Then Step 25 says use 1/4″ seam allowance.
I would never use a seam as small at 1/4″ for a waistline. Step 25 should probably just be ignored.
Martha
Susana, Step 25 is done after you’ve completed Step 24 and attached the skirt to the bodice. It catches the seam allowance of the seam from that joining, pressed towards the bodice and attaches it to the bodice with a 1/4″ seam. It ends up looking like a top-stitching. It’s the same as what happened with the sleeve after it was attached to the bodice in Step 22 and you can see the result in the photo below that step. It adds a nice finished detail to the dress while helping to reinforce and finish the seam allowances.
LisaL
You sew it on the 1/2″ allowance first, then sew it again at 1/4″ allowance. This makes the gathers lay flat and reinforces the main seam. It is a standard method in most pattern instructions. Even when it is not mentioned, I always do it as a matter off protocol because it makes a much nicer looking seam when there is gathered fabric against flat fabric. And always press it away from the gathered side of the seam, it will lay much better! I also sew over the main seam (in this case the 1/2″ allowance) one more time to make sure it is strong and won’t let go. Over the years I’ve learned that an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure when it comes to sewing! Easier to do it in the construction phase than have to go back and mend it later. 🙂
Peggy
You should be able to work this pattern, no matter what your size fro a bodice made with your measurements! Thank you, I love this dress, I think I might even color block the top white, bottom, kachi, I can’t wait to make it! I hope I can figure out how to post!
Tammy
This dress is so cute! I think I will make mine with cap sleeves, and large hidden pockets, in ” wisteria”
sheryl
I was wondering where is everyone getting their linen thread from. Thank you!
FLWendy
Beautiful dress with a free pattern!? Thank you!!! I will be downloading and making a dress for my daughter ASAP! Thank you!
R
Ladies there are several tutorials available on line for adjusting sizes on a pattern, or if you really like the style and don’t have the time or want to put in the effort to making adjustments simply print out the picture, take it to a store where you purchase patterns and buy one similar in your size. Masha has repeatedly given the measurements here.
Sherrir
There HAS to be S0MEwhere to go to for help with sizing your patterns! Want to tell us where ? How?
Masha Karpushina
Hello! The model in the photo is a size 4. But the dress is made to fit very loosely, so easily will fit upto size 8.
Masha Karpushina
Hey Sherrir, sorry for delayed reply, our seamstress no longer works for us. Here are the measurements of the dress as shown in the photo. It is not meant to be a fitted dress: Skirt Waist: 38″³, bust: 36″³, 13.5″³ length of sleeve, 13″³ from nape of neck to skirt, length of skirt 33.5″³. Hope this helps. Thank you.
Lynn
I also am frustrated when the patterns don’t show sizes. However, it seems that no matter whether I use Explorer, Chrome or Firefox, the free patterns aren’t reachable. The links to patterns I can purchase are ALWAYS available. It’s even more frustrating than a non-sized pattern.
Masha Karpushina
Hey Lynn, can you please clarify- are you not able to download from dropbox?
Denise
I agree with all the above comments. Could you at least reply with sizes or recommended enlargements
Masha Karpushina
Hi Denise, sorry for delayed answer, here are the measurements of this dress. It is not supposed to be fitted as you can see in the photo: Skirt Waist: 38″³, bust: 36″³, 13.5″³ length of sleeve, 13″³ from nape of neck to skirt, length of skirt 33.5″³. Hope this helps. Thank you.
Livilla
I love this dress but I printed out the pattern and it looks as though it is sized for a large doll or something. Without sizing, it is extremely difficult to determine what goes where and how. I know for a fact that the first piece is not meant for any adult at all. I can resize it myself without too much difficulty, but it would be much easier to use these patterns if there were some directions as to printing (resize 200%? 300%?) and pattern sizing itself.
Masha Karpushina
Hi Livilla, this dress is really not supposed to be fitted. You can see in the photo (that’s me), I am actually a size 4, and the dress is super loose on me, but its lovely this way. Our seamstress no longer works for us, so unfortunately can’t answer about the print out question: Skirt Waist: 38″, bust: 36″, 13.5″ length of sleeve, 13″ from nape of neck to skirt, length of skirt 33.5″. Hope this helps. Thank you.
Ginny Lewis
Sizing is not the problem; we just need instructions as to how to print the pattern! It must be resized on the computer; but what proportion ??? as stated previously, 200%, etc. Please help. This is a darling pattern and I have not been able to find anything similar commercially. Thanks.
Ginny Lewis
Hi! Me again…..I printed out the entire 10 pages and it now fits together and makes perfect sense! Sorry for the confusion; I was printing out only one piece and it appeared to be way undersized but when you print the entire pattern, it works! I do plan to make a few adjustments; add pockets, raise the waist and lengthen the skirt a bit but I think it has potential and I thank you!
Allan Wafkowski
I believe you printed but did not cut out the pattern. It is most certainly is the size stated.
AmyCat =^.^=
I agree with Phyllis. WE ARE NOT ALL PERFECT MODEL-SIZE LADIES! A pattern with no sizes is useless. If you’re going to PUBLISH it, you should at LEAST tell us the size of the model for whom you made this (the pretty lady in the photos). MINIMUM information we’d need: Waist measurement and bust measurement. Also useful: circumference of upper arms at widest point, length of sleeve ((from point of shoulder to elbow), length from nape of neck to waist, length from waist to hemline.
Masha Karpushina
Hello, I will get back to you with measurements tomorrow. The model is a size 4 with very loose fitting of the dress. Sorry for a long wait for this answer.
Masha Karpushina
Hi Amy, here are the measurements, our seamstress no longer works for us, so sorry for the delay in answers: Skirt Waist: 38″, bust: 36″, 13.5″ length of sleeve, 13″ from nape of neck to skirt, length of skirt 33.5″
Phyllis
Again we have a pattern with no indication of measurements. Is the dress sized for a size 4, size 10, or a size 16? How difficult would it be to give some indication of the size? I know I could print out all 10 pages, tape them together and then measure. However it would be so much easier if you would just tell us. I have made this request before and I know I’m not the only one who finds this inconvenient since I’ve seen many similar comments. While we appreciate the fact that you share these with us, this is a small and easily accommodated request. Thank you.
Masha Karpushina
Here are the measurements, our seamstress no longer works for us, so sorry for the delay in answers: Skirt Waist: 38″, bust: 36″, 13.5″ length of sleeve, 13″ from nape of neck to skirt, length of skirt 33.5″
Shirley White
I can’t understand what you mean, because when I open the PDF document, there are layers which show the different sizes.
You just have to click on the ones you don’t want to see and leave the size you want.
I don’t see the problem?
sarah scott
I like this dress. What about the sizing…is it one-size-fits-all? I looked at the download and there is no gradations. Did I miss something?
Masha Karpushina
Our seamstress only made one size- The model is a size 4- yet the dress is very loose on her. It could fit size 6/8 easily.
Kelly Potocki
Hello Lauren,
I really like this pattern. I have made three dresses and love them all. Now I want to use this pattern again for a top. What would you recommend in terms of lengthening the bodice to make it into a top? Do I just extend the bodice to the desired length? what do I need to do for the hem of the bodice? I ask because the bottom of the bodice on the pattern is not evenly leveled; the center is slightly longer than the sides.
Thank you!
Kelly
Masha Karpushina
Here are the measurements, our seamstress no longer works for us, so sorry for the delay in answers: Skirt Waist: 38″, bust: 36″, 13.5″ length of sleeve, 13″ from nape of neck to skirt, length of skirt 33.5″
Shirley White
Yes, the it is a layered PDF with each layer for the different sizes. You don’t have to grade the sizes yourself, it is all there.
Maybe your version of Acrobat is not the latest or something.
TerriSue
I really like this dress. It would help if you would have put the measurements of the completed piece. Even some indication of what sizes it would fit. Anything!
Masha Karpushina
Sorry ladies, our seamstress left. I shall measure the dress tomorrow and will get back to you all. thank you for your patience. As I mentioned before, the model is a size 4.
Masha Karpushina
Here are the measurements, our seamstress no longer works for us, so sorry for the delay in answers: Skirt Waist: 38″, bust: 36″, 13.5″ length of sleeve, 13″ from nape of neck to skirt, length of skirt 33.5″
Deanna Hislop
I would really like this pattern, it is exactly what I’ve been looking for, the link for download doesn’t work however. What am I doing wrong?