
Whether you’ve RSVP’d to a wedding this fall or you’d just like to update your seasonal wardrobe, the Nyssa Dress free sewing pattern needs to be on your sewing list as summer comes to a close. Its full and flattering drape looks gorgeous in a variety of fabrics, making it the perfect transitional dress. Try a Mood Exclusive crepe for a version that can be easily dressed up or down, or follow our lead with a crushed velour that would look stunning at your next special occasion event!

A huge shout out and thank you to The Legacy Castle for providing the gorgeous background for this photo shoot. Follow them on Instagram!

Purchase Materials Used Below:
- 5 yards Gray Violet Crushed Velour
- MDF044 – The Nyssa Dress Sewing Pattern (free download below!)
Alternative Recommended Fabrics:
All seam allowances are 1/2″ unless otherwise stated. See chart below for sizing specifications. Note, this specific pattern is available up to a size 22.

My favorite thing about this pattern is that it can easily be dressed up or down, depending on the fabric you choose. The original gave off some casual beach vibes, while the velour used here instantly brings it into special occasion while still remaining one of the most comfortable dresses ever.

For this Redux, I didn’t make any changes to the original pattern, but some other options for this project could included removing the sleeves for a more summertime look. You could also do the opposite and draft simple long sleeves to bring this dress into the warmer months.
Let me know in the comments if you have any other ideas for how to alter this pattern!

A huge shout out and thank you to The Legacy Castle for providing the gorgeous background for this photo shoot. Follow them on Instagram!
15 comments
Great pattern
Did you shorten the bodice of this dress? The line drawing shows the tie at the waistline, yet you have a very lovely empire waist. Or is that just how the pattern fit your body?
Hi Christine! The pattern just happened to fit the model’s body this way, but you can very easily alter yours to be more of an empire waist. Since the dress is such a free form wrap style, you can kind of place your ties anywhere without having to alter the actual pattern. You’ll see where the waistline is on the pattern pieces as they flare out at that point, and you can place your ties a couple inches up from there. 🙂
What makes this redux of the Nyssa dress different from the original pattern?
As mentioned in the post, there were no alterations to the pattern this time around – just showing it off in a different fabric type than the original. 🙂
Quick question for you, Courtney! 🙂
I made this dress a few months ago in viscose batiste and I love it! I was thinking about making another one with a stretch ponte knit. Do you think that would be too heavy? If not, do you think I’d need to size down due to the fabric stretch, or does the wrap-style fit of this dress make that unnecessary?
Hi, Elisabeth! I didn’t change the sizing when I sewed this knit version, so the wrap design definitely helps out on that front. Depending on the thickness of the ponte, I think it’d look really great! If it’s on the stiffer side, it’ll have a bit more structure in the shoulders, but if it’s a bit more fluid, it’ll sit very similarly to this velour version. 🙂
Hi, is the seem allowance already in the pattern or not?
Yes, a 1/2″ seam allowance is included. 🙂
Beautiful pattern. I want to make this with a silk charmeuse do you think this is a good idea?
Hi, Visalia! I made this dress in a silk charmeuse for a friend’s wedding and it was absolutely stunning!
bonjour, je souhaiterais faire votre jolie modelé mais en broderie anglaise, croyez vous que cela soit possible merci à vous
cordialement
Sylvie Lys
Bonjour Sylvie! Un tissu de broderie anglaise peut être trop rigide pour ce patron. Vous devrez peut-être augmenter la taille. 😀
Hi! This dress pattern is so beautiful! I was wondering if it would still look good with a knit? Like Liverpool or double brush poly? ❤️
Hi Sarah, yes, since this was drafted for a stretch velvet, I think that would work! I wouldn’t choose anything super stretchy and heavy though, since it might have a tendency to grow.