I've got a little freebie for you today - a pdf copy of my Picnic Dress pattern! For me, this is the perfect summer dress pattern -- it's simple, quick to sew, and is pretty versatile for achieving different looks with different fabric choices.
This was the version I made last week:
And this was how my love affair with this little pattern began, and indeed where the name came from:
I've only used floral prints so far, but some bold, wide stripy prints could look super trendy, too.
At the moment I've uploaded the pattern in my size only, but I do hope to grade it to a multiple sizes in the future. Do bear with me ;)
Sizing
To help you determine whether we are "body doubles" (hello!), and/or enable you alter the pattern to fit you, I am a little lady who is 5'3 tall (160cm), wear UK RTW 4-6, US 0-2, fit Simplicity patterns in 4-6, and Burdastyle 30-32, and often benefit from a slight small bust adjustment.
What you'll need
- 45'/112cm wide light/medium weight woven fabric - you will need 180cm. I think cotton works perfectly for this pattern, but I can also see this working with some cool, summery and drapey viscose/rayon prints. You could also achieve a smarter look with a taffeta, with some added boning in the princess seams.
- Interfacing is optional, and you'll only need a small piece (some scrap pieces perhaps?) for the small facing pieces only.
- Invisible zip 16'+
Instructions
Firstly a word of warning, I didn't write instructions for this one. This is because it is quite a simple pattern, with princess seamed bodice and a rectangular gathered skirt and spaghetti straps, and I would expect that many of you could sew this up in your sleep ;) That said, if you would like to sew it, and would like some help with the steps then please do let me know and I'll write them up.
To download the pattern, click on this link (if you haven't already clicked on the one at the the beginning of this post). When you print, make sure you choose "actual size" rather than "fit to page", and do measure the test square before you start cutting. Then you are good to go :D
Here is a close-up of the bodice
Back view
This is a great dress! It's a bit too cold for it down here right now, but I'll save it and pull it out in a few months when it warms up. Just one question, what's the bodice length like? Are you short waisted, long waisted, or normal waisted? I'm the same shape but a bit taller than you, and am trying to work out if I'd need to add any length.
ReplyDeleteThank you! Good question - I should have mentioned. I think I'm pretty normal waisted, so if you are not petite then I would suggest adding a little bit of length to the bodice.
DeleteHope this helps and I look forward to seeing your version in a few months' time :D
What a sweet dress and a great name! When I get the time, I will give it a go!
ReplyDeleteThank you, and yes please do! It would be lovely to see what you make from it :)
DeleteThis is a really cute and summery dress! Thanks for the pattern!
ReplyDeleteYou are very welcome, and thank you for the kind words :D
DeleteVery cute dress! Love the fabric! Thanks for sharing the pattern. I am pinning it and might try it some time. Although I'm only 2 cm taller than you, I will have to add quit a bit to the width of the bodice. Shouldn't be too hard with princess seams, I hope.
ReplyDeleteAltering the pattern should be pretty straight-forward - with a princess seam you could even use wider seam allowances for a toile and adjust as you go along. You won't even need to tweak the skirt, as it's so full anyway. Good luck and let me know how you get on :)
DeleteWow, the dress looks amazing on you - and you are giving it away as a free pattern!! How Great.
ReplyDeleteYep! I am really happy to be able to do that :D
DeleteBody double hello moment. =D
ReplyDeleteOh hello hello!! How have we never met until now? I've been looking you for so long ;)
DeleteThank you for this wonderful pattern! This dress is so lovely! I'm sewing it for my youngest daughter and it seems that it will be perfect. Unfortunately the invisible zip is too short, I'll have to buy a longer one. I will tell you when I put the pictures on my blog! Véronique (a french reader)
ReplyDeleteThat's really great, and thank you for the feedback re the zip!
DeleteDone! My linen dress is perfect, thanks again for this great pattern!
ReplyDeleteIt is amazing!! I think I prefer your version...! It suits your youngest daughter perfectly. Thank you for putting the faith into my little pattern, and it's so wonderful to see one made up!
DeleteSo I made this dress last week and just posted it. It's been hot here already and looks like a hot summer, so I think I'll be wearing it a lot!
ReplyDeletehttp://antipodeanstitcher.blogspot.com.au/2015/11/bali-batik-picnic-dress.html
There are surely a wide variety of sewing machines available in the market today, and all you have to do is determine what you really need and you're good to go. portable sewing machine
ReplyDeleteHey!! I love this dress and I plan on making one, but I'm a beginner at sewing and was hoping you could put the instructions on here. Thanks :)
ReplyDeleteA great website with interesting and unique material what else would you need. professional sewing kit
ReplyDeleteWhat made style so well known among individuals was really the TV. The second style hit TV, in the late 1960s and mid 1970s, was the second when everyone got keen on this angle. What's more, design magazines, sites or even style online journals were just one stage away. woman clothing
ReplyDeleteWhat made style so well known among individuals was really the TV. The second style hit TV, in the late 1960s and mid 1970s, was the second when everyone got keen on this angle. What's more, design magazines, sites or even style online journals were just one stage away. woman clothing
ReplyDeleteThank you sharing the perfect summer dress pattern dress pattern/ for everyone.
ReplyDelete