PATTERN REVIEW: The Riva Dress Hack in Midweight Linen
Riva Hack Dress made with FS Kenya Midweight Linen
The Riva Dress. Wait!? The Riva Pattern doesn’t come with a dress option. No, it doesn’t, but it CAN. I like my FS Zina Shirt dress so much that I thought, why not try making a Riva Dress option as well. I saw the potential that seemed like a pretty simple alteration so I took a gamble and it paid off.
Riva Hack Dress made with FS Kenya Midweight Linen
I made the Riva Top (sleeveless version) before so I was familiar with what size worked for me and knew it would only need a couple changes to the pattern. All I needed to do was lengthen two of the pattern pieces and all of the directions would be the same. You can customize your length but here are the lengths I used. I made both of the two B pieces (front bodice) approximately 34 inches long and the A piece (back bodice) approximately 32.5 inches long. The bottom of the dress need not have the curve for this design, so I made the line straight at the bottom.
Riva Hack Dress made with FS Kenya Midweight Linen
I traced my original Fabrics-Store pattern pieces with the extra length added to equal this new length onto some oversized tissue paper I had on hand. If you don’t have this option, you could simply lay the current pieces down and just use your measuring tools and use a chalk pen or a pencil to draw the proper cut line on the fabric. I was able to do this project with the two yards of FS Kenya Midweight Linen. that I already had on hand. You will need a few extra buttons as well.
The only additional change that I made to the pattern instructions was to add pockets in the side seams. I always want pockets in any cozy dress but they are definitely optional. I put a mark about 8 inches below the armpit curve on both the B and A pieces. You can use another pattern on hand or a quick online search to find the directions for adding pockets on the side seams. Pin and stitch them to A and B pieces before Step 2 on page 31 of the Riva Pattern Instructions.
This was a very fun project and possibly the most comfortable shirt dress in my wardrobe. I hope you enjoy this project too!
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Alisha Cooke
Ma Ma Osa is a handmade clothing brand that offers heirloom quality garments and patterns, hand-made by a mother. We celebrate the cherished craft of sewing and seek to honor the art of slow fashion in all our practices as a brand.Leave a comment
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5 Comments
jane coste
what is this type of back pleat called? is there a name for the deep tuck and angled overlap?
Barbara Ferguson-Marks
I remember when this style was called “the sack”!
Lisa Willis
Cute!
Michele Beall
Alisha I love the dress it’s so cute! I cannot tell if the front buttons extend all the way to the bottom allowing it to open or does it pull over your head? Thank you:)
Kelly Singh
I love the idea of a Riva dress! I get complimented frequently on short sleeved Riva shirts I’ve made. Its the pleat detail in the back people like. Really wish I could see the entire front of this dress though. Also appreciate the instructions in her post. Perhaps we could convince Alisha to post a few bonus photos so we can see the front a bit better?