Aiko Ombre Maxi Dress Tutorial and Free Pattern
There’s something about deep blue color that suits all skin types; blondes, brunettes, redheads and pretty much anyone! The Aiko dress is all about that! A simple two-tone maxi dress in two shades of gorgeous blue: one is a rich navy Dress Blue linen and the other – yarn-dyed chambray linen from our signature Premier Finish collection. Classic a-line silhouette, round neck finished with facing, sleeveless style with two front accent pockets that look interesting while being very practical.
This easy beginner sewing project provides you with endless possibilities to experiment with color blocking and create unique styles and flattering looks.
Materials
For US size 6 pictured in this tutorial: 1 yard of IL042 908 FS Premier Finish Medium Weight Linen for the bodice and 2 yards of IL019 DRESS BLUE Softened Medium Weight Linen for the skirt. For larger sizes, please refer to the yardage table in the PDF pattern.
Matching sewing threads, lightweight fusible interfacing
Tools
Scissors, pins, ruler, chalk, fabric marker, measuring tape, sewing machine
Difficulty
Beginner
Time
4 hours
Pattern
You can access the multi-sized printable PDF pattern by following this link HERE. All seam allowances are included. The model is wearing size US size 6.
If you need help adjusting the pattern for a fuller bust, we have a great Full Bust Adjustment tutorial HERE.
Steps
Note: Prewash your fabric and tumble dry it until it is still slightly moist, dry at room temperature. Iron the fabric so it is easier to work with.
1. Attach the all-in-one facing to the dress bodice and sew the side seams following the instructions in this detailed tutorial.
Topstitch around the neckline and armholes 1/8” from the edge.
After you’ve completed all the steps in the tutorial, your bodice is pretty much assembled and you can set it aside for now and move on to the skirt.
2. Pin your skirt front and back pieces at the side seams right sides together and stitch at a 3/8” (1 cm) seam allowance. Finish the seams together with a serger or a zigzag stitch and press towards the back of the dress.
3. Take your two pockets and pin one edge to the bodice waist and the other – to the skirt waist, right side to right side. Refer to the pocket placement marks in the pattern.
4. Stitch the pockets to the dress along the pinned edges at a 3/8” (1 cm) seam allowance and finish the seams.
5. Press the pockets open so that the right sides are all facing outwards.
6. Pin the bodice and the skirt at the waist right sides together. Match up the side seams and the pocket edges.
7. Sew the pinned edges together at a 3/8” (1 cm) seam allowance and serge/zigzag the raw edges together. Press the seam allowances down towards the skirt.
8. Hem the dress by folding the bottom raw edge twice to the wrong side: first 3/8” and then another 1”. Press and pin.
9. Edgestitch the hem starting and ending at the side seam. Remember to backstitch and press.
10. Give your dress one last good press and you are all done!
We love seeing what you make! Don’t forget to share your pictures and tag your creations with #FabricsStoreAikoPattern hashtag.
We just love this color combo but you can always create your own ensemble by picking the colors you love from our selection of linen fabrics!
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7 Comments
Antoinette Kavanaugh
This was a wonderful pattern. Thank you so much. I am 5’10” and probably a 14/16. The only change I made was to add length. I wanted it to come to just above my ankles. After viewing it on the model and reading everyone’s comments, I decided on the 12/14 because I didn’t want it as boxy. I made a toile and didn’t have to make any other alterations, no darts, no yolk, nothing! Now, I have a beautiful, two-tone dress that reminds me of Cynthia Ashby’s design but at a fraction of the price!
Marilyn Moore
I’ve been looking for a pattern for a tank top with pleated front but have been unable to find one. This dress was perfect and it even had interfacings for the neck and armholes which I much prefer over bias strips, plus in was in linen rather than jersey. Simply had to add a yoke in the front, add seam allowance, then add six inches in the middle for pleats and extended the length of the top. Perfect!
Ita Corboy
I’m afraid that I found this pattern to be completely shapeless and unwearable.
I followed the size guidelines and made size 12/14. It was much too big for me…the bodice gaped at the armholes (it needed a dart to give it shape….) the skirt was completely without style and the hemline was too narrow to facilitate my long strides. Also I think the waist line was way too low…It made it look like a maternity dress.
I know it’s a free pattern……but a little bit of extra attention to style and shape could make it wearable.
Thankfully I made a toile so I didn’t waste any of my nice linen.
Sorry to be so negative….but that’s how I found it.
Barbara Kass
Wasn’t able to find the pattern.
Lauren Gates
Here is the link 🙂
https://fabrics-store.com/sewing-patterns/aiko-ombre-maxi-dress
kim drew
Super easy dress to make and very flattering. great for hot days. thanks so much for the freebie!
Mary Montgomery
When will this pattern be available for download?