Notched Peter Pan collar long sleeve shift dress pattern

Let's talk about being an alien in the clothing stores. I know this is the common feeling of those who have the non-standard figures like me.

I am short, have big breasts and small hip, but I am not the typical apple body shape. I have narrow shoulders and really small hip. And with many ready made clothes, I find it quite a nightmare to get a piece suitable for me. If it fits my heavy top, the bottom will be too loose. If it fits the bottom, I can't get the zipper up to my breast. Even worse, the clothes are often made for taller people, and petite clothing line seems to be rare and the designs are not very attractive. Everytime I went to the stores, I felt myself less confident. Sometimes I thought I was so ugly, so different, I could never be beautiful and glow like the models on the internet.

The problem got worse after I gave birth to my dear son, who is 8 months old now. My breast jumped from C cup to F cup, and it was even harder to find an item that would not make me a 3-headed monster. For the first months, I buried myself in slouchy T-shirts and pajama pants, and was not very concerned about my looks as I thought I did not need to be so collected when I stayed at home to look after my baby. But when my baby was 2 months old, my best friend invited me to her wedding - and I found myself having nothing to wear to such an event!

I searched all the clothing stores in my town to find me a suitable piece - but, again, the problem remained: the dresses were either too long or too tight or too loose. You can understand my feeling back then - so disappointed looking at the mirrors and find yourself just not belong there - in the store.

I decided that rather than wasting my time at the stores with almost no hope, I should make myself a dress. And I chose the notched Peter Pan collar shift dress, and uncovered the sewing machine. And voilà, after just a few hours (interrupted a few times for breastfeeding my baby), I got the dress I want.

The dress was pretty much the same as the picture (sorry I can't post the picture of myself here - I am not confident enough to show off my face online). Because I had not got back my shape after giving birth, I chose a dark color fabric and added a white collar to brighten up the dress a bit.

I know a lot of women have the same problem with me. And some are content with the store bought clothing even if they do not fit them very well. They spend a lot of time in the stores looking for their acceptable pieces, and of course they will find the things they want after a long time of searching. But for those who are capable of sewing, just invest a little of your time to sewing your own dresses, you will find yourself more and more attracted to the self-made items. Not only do you have a custom made item, but also you can find a feeling of accomplishment after making such piece.

I'm sharing in this post the pattern for the notched Peter Pan collar shift dress to you here. Hope you will enjoy making the dress and feel more confident about your beauty!

The pattern is made in pdf format. Download the pattern of your size (check the Size Chart before downloading), print it on A4 paper at no scaling/actual size/100% setting, cut and tape and start sewing!

Hope you will enjoy this and please share with me your masterpieces!

XOXO 

Tiên the Little Sewist

Download links:

Petite XS	Regular XS
Petite S	Regular S
Petite M	Regular M
Petite L	Regular L
Petite XL	Regular XL
Petite XXL	Regular XXL

V neck basic sheath dress pattern

(Scroll down to the end of the post for download links)

I am sharing the pattern for a basic piece – a V neck sleeveless sheath dress. It has a deep V neck to add sexiness to the very common sheath dress, and also to those who has heavy top, it helps flatter your body shape. You can also make a really small and easy modification to the shoulder darts to add something special to this staple garment: instead of sewing it into a dart, make it a little box pleat, or gather it to create a ruched shoulder detail. Be adventurous, and you will be surprised with how creative you are!

The dress pattern I share in this post has a straight skirt. If you prefer a pencil design, narrow down the side seams, starting from the fullest part of the hip (marked with notches) down to hemline. It is a really quick modification, mark a point at the hemline at the desired width of skirt hemline and draw a straight line (the red lines) from the hip notch to the marked point. Then redraw the seam allowance (the blue lines) and cut the pieces. You can see in the demonstration below:

The pattern is created in pdf format using A4 paper. I can also create the pattern in other paper sizes (A0 to A4, Letter, Tabloid), so please inform me if you need them.

Print the patterns on A4 paper at actual size/no scaling/100%. Not sure how to print and cut the patterns? Check the guide here.

Do you want to add side seam pockets to the pattern for additional convenience? Just go ahead because it is too easy, just follow the quick instruction here.

Again, happy sewing! I look forward to seeing your masterpiece!

XOXO

Tiên the Little Sewist

Cutting instruction:

The cutting instruction is for the garment with facings. If you choose to sew it with bias binding, skip the front facing and back facing pieces. If you choose to sew with bodice lining, skip the facing pieces and cut a set of front and back pieces in lining fabric.

A. Front - 1pcs

B. Back  - 2pcs

C. Front Facing - 1pcs

D. Back Facing - 2pcs

Download links for the dress:

Check for your size in the Size Chart before downloading. Not finding your size? Comment your height, bust – waist – hip measurements in the comment box below and I will send you the custom-made pattern for you as soon as I can!

Petite XS	Regular XS
Petite S	Regular S
Petite M	Regular M
Petite L	Regular L
Petite XL	Regular XL
Petite XXL	Regular XXL

UPDATED: The classic tunic dress pattern

August 24, 2019

I HAVE UPDATED THE PATTERN WITH LAYERED PDF FILE FORMAT! NOW YOU CAN DOWNLOAD ONCE AND GET ALL THE SIZES IN THE SAME FILE WHILE STILL BE ABLE TO PRINT ONLY ONE SIZE OF YOUR CHOICE.

ENJOY!

A really easy dress to sew to keep you cool during hot summer days!

What time is it? Summer time! And what comes with it? Heat waves.

I live in the tropical monsoon climate and in my hometown, it is both hot and humid during summer. The temperature often stays at above 30 degrees Celsius, some days up to 45 degrees, combining with humidity of above 80%, which prevents your sweat from evaporating, all make the air almost unbreathable. Your skin will be sticky and irritated with sweat and you can’t feel better even if there is wind. The wind will just make things worse because it just brings you hot air.

You will have a temptation to stay in the air-conditioned room forever. But that is impossible, you know, we must go out anyway. I think you all understand the feeling of going out in the scorching sun of the tropical region – your skin will begin to be burnt in no time. You can see how women in my country protect themselves from ruining their skin – by wearing sun-proof dresses when heading out (of course they will take them off after getting inside). I often joke that in Vietnam, we can never see a beauty on the street at daylight, we only see ninjas who are covered from head to toe in unattractive and ridiculous outfits.

Image: Woman in the sun-proof dress, really funny huh? Source: afamily.vn

During the hottest days, what I really need is something that does not make me hotter – I don’t even need something to keep me cool, because almost everything I put on will be soaked in sweat after I go out for a few minutes. And I also need something that look decent, something I can go out in. And that’s why I choose the tunic dress. Although it does not look very attractive, it is modest enough for a casual work day. The loose fitting of the tunic dress and the light and sweat-absorbing fabric I choose help me feel comfortable, like I am wearing nothing on (ha ha).

The pattern I share today is a classic tunic dress pattern with slit neckline, half sleeves and knee length. The pattern has zipper at the back, but to those who are a newbie at sewing, you can skip the zipper and just sew the pieces together because of the loose fitting and the removal of the darts of the dress. You can just save yourself some time sewing and pulling the zipper up. This tunic dress is so easy and so comfortable that I’ve made a few of them to wear during hot days. I think you would love to have it in your closet.

This pattern is also versatile. If you want to wear it to work, keep the sleeves on. If you plan to just wear the tunic at home, you can skip the sleeves, and you will have a sleeveless tunic which is even more comfortable during hot summer. I have both in my closet and love them all.

The pattern is created in pdf format. You download the pattern of your size (check in the Size Chart) and print it on A4 paper at actual size/no scaling/100%. There is a test square where you can check if the pattern is printed true to size. If your size is different from the one shown in my blog, please comment your measurements below, and I will make a pattern closest to your measurements.

Again, happy sewing! I hope to see your masterpiece!

XOXO

Tiana the Little Sewist

Download link: Classic Tunic Dress (Size XXS - XXL)

Esme Vie inspired coat pattern

(Download links at the end of the post)

I must admit that I often take inspiration form high-end fashion. Many of my dresses are made after I look at the newest fashion collection. Although my amateur skills are far from those artists who made them, but I still wish that one day I can make such beautiful pieces (don’t laugh at me, I know I can never have my hands on those expensive fabrics!)

The pattern I share today is inspired by the Esme Vie coat, which is sold at $3,000 on Moda Operandi. For those who haven’t heard of this Italian brand, just Google the name and you will see a lot of beautiful designs. The dress features an elegant midi length, button down placket, long sleeves and flower pearl buttons, which is so suitable for a late fall or winter wedding. In fact, I have seen pictures of this dress worn by a bride. She looked totally gorgeous! Don’t you think that this dress is pretty princess-like? I remember Kate Middleton wearing many similar designs in royal events.

When you sew this dress, fully line it to create the feeling of a thousand-dollar baby. Also choose the right buttons so you do not undermine the dress. You may not have the flower pearl buttons exactly the same as the Esme Vie dress, but you can choose from a wide range of handmade vintage buttons at the craft stores or online.

So if you are a bride-to-be who loves to DIY your own wedding dress, this Esme Vie dress is one worth considering not only because of its elegant design, but also because it is pretty easy to sew. Choose heavy bodied fabrics like sateen, dupioni or brocade to ensure the volume of the dress.

The pattern is created in pdf format using A4 paper. The patterns use the sizes in the size chart here. If your size is different from the one shown in my blog, please comment your measurements below. I will make a pattern closest to your measurements. I can also create the pattern in other paper sizes (A0 to A4, Letter, Tabloid), so please inform me if you need them.

Not sure how to print and cut the patterns? Check the guide here.

Again, happy sewing! I hope to see your masterpiece!

XOXO

Tiên the Little Sewist

Download links for the Esme Vie inspired coat:

Check for your size in the Size Chart before downloading.

Petite XS	Regular XS
Petite S	Regular S
Petite M	Regular M
Petite L	Regular L
Petite XL	Regular XL
Petite XXL	Regular XXL

Instruction for cutting:

This dress is fully lined, so you should prepare one part of self-fabric and one part of lining fabric.

Self

A. Center Front Placket - 2pcs

B. Front Skirt - 2pcs

C. Back Skirt - 2pcs

D. Front - 2pcs

E. Back - 2pcs

F. Back Facing - 2pcs

G. Sleeve - 2pcs

Lining

A. Front Skirt - 2pcs

C. Back Skirt - 2pcs

D. Front - 2pcs

E. Back - 2pcs

F. Sleeve - 2pcs

The short sleeve sheath dress

I have a habit - I must admit - of spending a lot of time looking at the fashion icons' news to see what they would wear everyday. And because of this habit, my standards for my self-made clothing gets higher and higher. I now cannot find any piece to pick up at the low price stores - because the seams are not carefully sewn, the darts are not straight or the hemlines are not hidden. I've become too picky, I know, haha. That's why I have to sew most of my clothes. Luckily, I do not need too many pieces in my closet. Just a few dresses, tops and bottoms, and I can last for a long time - the items that I made myself can last longer than the store-bought ones, of course - look how careful you are when you think the dress is made for yourself, you can understand my feeling. Each time I start sewing, I always choose my most favorite style at the time - and many times I have chosen the short sleeve sheath dress.

There are many reasons the short sleeve sheath dress is one of my most preferred one. First, it is easy to make - it takes me only a few hours to get a brand new dress! Second, it looks modest and not frumpy at all. Third, I can wear the dress from 9 to 5, and from work to cinema, just change the shoes and the makeup. And lastly, it doesn't require much mixing and matching - only a necklace or a belt , or the dress only, would work. I have a petite body type, and you can imagine how I would disappear under layers of clothing - even if it is really a hot fashion trend.

As you can see from a few examples above, the dress can be made with different fabrics and prints and can be easily mixed with other accessories to get a complete outfit for work, parties or simply a day date. I remember a saying that I read somewhere: "Detail is king". Choose this simple dress and add a distinctive detail, and you will not look boring at all.

I have a pattern for the sheath dress, and each time I try a bit of modification to make the new dress slightly different than the older ones. For example, choose a V neckline instead of jewel neckline, or change the length of the dress and the sleeves. No one can say you are wearing the same dress, only different fabrics.

I'd love to share in this post my favorite sewing pattern - The Short Sleeve Sheath Dress. Like usual, the pattern is made using A4 paper format, with different sizes. Please check for your size in the Size chart here.

Just download the pattern, print it out at actual size/no scaling/100% and enjoy your sewing journey!

XOXO

Tiên the Little Sewist

Download links:

Petite size XS	Regular size XS
Petite size S	Regular size S
Petite size M	Regular size M
Petite size L	Regular size L
Petite size XL	Regular size XL
Petite size XXL	Regular size XXL

The basic straight skirt pattern

I'm posting this basic straight skirt pattern because it is one of the easiest pattern to sew, and because it is used a lot in every day life, especially for those who work. It can be paired with button down shirts and jackets for a formal meeting, or with a t-shirt for a more casual feeling. 

This is one of the first patterns that I used to create my own clothes, and I am now so used to making it that I can finish a straight skirt in just 45 minutes. Making it in such a breeze can also cool me down when I have a complicated project to work on. After all, finishing one simple skirt like this can give you the feeling of achievement and boost your spirit (haha). If you are not such a sew-aholic like me, it might take longer, but not too long. 

This pattern is also one of the basic blocks for making clothing patterns. If you are interested in making your own patterns, you can use this pattern (seam allowance removed) to modify to your taste.

The pattern is made with A4 paper format, and with petite and regular sizes. Please check for your size in the Size chart here.

The links for download are listed at the end of the post. Hope you enjoy your sewing journey! Please don't forget to share with me your projects!

XOXO

Tiên the Little Sewist

Download links:

Petite XXS	Regular XXS
Petite XS	Regular XS
Petite S	Regular S
Petite M	Regular M
Petite L	Regular L
Petite XL	Regular XL
Petite XXL	Regular XXL