The sizing on this dress is based on your body circumference measurement, taken at the bust and waist. (The hip measurement is ‘free’ size)

If your bust and waist measurements fall within different sizes, don’t worry, just pick the size that aligns with the bigger of your 2 measurements. The dress is elasticated and fully adjustable and your smaller measurement will be accommodated by adjusting the elastic during the fitting stage.

The instructions included with the product provide clear explanations of how to properly fit your dress.

Please see the below table to help you to select your preferred size

The dress features a structured, fitted, elasticated bodice with a full skirt.. the design features 3D bows that sit on the hips and back straps, at the shoulder blades.

There are optional pockets in the side seam.

The main dress is made up of just two main pieces (front and back), two lining pieces, separate strap pieces. All shaping is achieved through the process of gathering the fabric onto multiple elastic lengths.

By gathering fabric channels, pattern-cut into special shapes, 3D bows are created on the hips and back straps.

This design does not use a shirring or smocking technique, but rather the insertion of elastic into multiple sewn channels to achieve an elasticated corset-like structured effect.

There is a 30cm concealed zip inserted in the side seam.

Making a toile of your garment is always best practice before making your final version, however the instructions include a method for adjusting the main elements of fit throughout the construction process, should you choose to not make a toile.

(Note: the lining pattern provided is for the top (elasticated) part of the dress only. If you want to FULLY line your dress, there is advice on how to do this in the pattern amendments appendix at the end of the instruction booklet - read it before you start, as you will need more lining fabric than the lengths stated in the ‘fabric usage’ section.)

The design has been developed specifically with repurposing fabric in mind. The large pattern-pieces are designed to be cut cross-grain, from repurposed fabric such as silk curtains / cotton sheets; lightweight fabrics with a bit of body are great for this dress.

Recommended fabrics for this design include lightweight dupion, taffeta, cotton and linen. Ideal fabric weight is between 30gsm and 150gsm. This recommendation is to ensure the fabric around the elastic, gathers nicely. A thick or heavy fabric may bunch or cause more problems with twisting of the elastic. Remember to remove any curtain lining from your repurposed curtains before use!

We recommend using 2.5cm wide elastic for inserting into the bodice channels / back straps.

We recommend a lining fabric that is as lightweight as possible, to avoid bunching in the elastic channels.

If sourcing fabric from (for example) repurposed curtains, you need to ensure that you will have sufficient fabric to cut the front and back main pieces and the smaller pattern pieces too. Because curtain widths and lengths can vary so much, the provided fabric usages are based on a 140cm width fabric. Suggested cutting lays are also provided in the instructions - these are also based on a 140 width. Remember that that large front / back pieces and linings are cut cross-grain.

You will need approximately 8m - 13m of 2.5cm width elastic for this style (depending on your size). Full details are provided in the instruction booklet.

Fabric usage is show below:

This ROBERTS | WOOD KiT project is provided as a PDF pattern with full sewing instructions. It includes an A4/US letter printable PDF pattern, which can be printed and assembled at home using any standard home printer. Also included is an A0 pattern that can be printed at a print shop. All our projects include detailed instructions, showing you step by step how to make the project.

As well as the Damsel Dress pattern, you will also find the Damsel Top and Damsel Skirt Pattern, included in the download. (Alternatively these can be purchased as individual patterns)

The instructions also include appendices containing guides on how to make basic amendments to the pattern (length, volume and strap shape), as well as guides on how to make different versions of the dress e.g without hip bows, or an easier-fit version with a higher waist (see the black version of the dress in the carousel of images above)

Materials required:

Lightweight fabrics for cutting the pattern pieces.

Lightweight lining fabric for the lining pieces

Roll of 2.5cm wide elastic for inserting into the strap / channels

There is an option to fuse the Front Straps and the small upper facings on the Hip Bows, if your fabric is very unstructured, so you will need some small pieces of fusible interfacing if you want to do this.

You will need a 30cm concealed zip

Equipment required:

Paper scissors, sellotape (for assembling A4 / A0 pattern), Iron, fabric scissors, measuring tape, chalk pencil for marking fabric, lots of safety pins, lots of pins, sewing machine.

Intermediate sewist level and beyond

This project assumes knowledge of basic sewing techniques and terminology, although most of the processes are very straightforward and easy to follow. It is a fun project for anyone who wants to learn new textile and sewing skills.

The project also provides detailed instructions, broken down for each step, so don’t worry if you don’t know where to start with assembling the design.

One of the most challenging aspects of the project is handling large widths of fabric when pinning and sewing, so if you have previous experience of this, that will be a benefit!

This project will likely take 2 or more days to construct. As with all our projects, this one is designed to be enjoyed at leisure, embracing the joys of slow-fashion and hand-crafting your own special designer garment.