With the announcement of Mood’s 2022 Textile of the Year being rayon, a new pattern was necessary. The Dill Dress goes perfectly with rayon’s fluid drapability and eco-friendly nature! Featuring a simple tunic-like top and gorgeous ruffle bottom, this new pattern pairs well with both 100% rayon and rayon-linen blends like we used for today’s project.
Purchase Materials Used Below:
- 4-5 yards Heathered Mushroom Stretch Linen and Rayon Woven
- MDF287 – The Dill Dress Sewing Pattern (free download below!)
Alternative Recommended Fabrics:
Note: All seam allowances are ½’’ unless otherwise indicated.
Note: I recommend using a French seam on all seams aside from the skirt bottom and armscye.
1. Print, tape, and cut your pattern.
2. Lay the fabric out and pin pattern pieces, then cut.
3. Cut interfacing for the facing pieces and iron them to the pieces.
4. Mark all notches and darts.
5. Pin and sew darts.
6. Pin wrong sides together at shoulder and side seams. Trim, press, and stitch seam.
7. Pin the wrong sides of the skirt together and sew. Trim, press, and stitch.
8. Once the sides are sewn, hem the bottom of the dress. Fold up ½’’ then ¾’’ and topstitch.
9. Sew two lines of basting stitching around the top. Start to gather matching side seams and notches. Once gathered, pin the top to the skirt and sew. To finish the raw edge sew using a zig-zag stitch, serge, and or pink your raw edges.
10. Sew sleeve inseams using a French seam.
11. Hem your sleeve the same way you did the bottom of your skirt. Fold up ½’’ and then ¾’’.
12. Attach the sleeve into the armscye matching notches and side seam. You will have to ease the sleeve in.
13. Sew your neck facing at the side seams, then press seams open. Do a rolled hem on the bottom of the facing.
14. With right sides together, pin facing to neckline and sew at ⅜’’. Once sewn, press seam nice and flat. Note: Since this facing is so small, it’s optional to hand tack at the side seams.
15. Lastly finish the armhole with a zig-zag stitch, serged, or pinked edge.
15 comments
Hey can you guys try to do that type of corset that a lot o people been using to turn T-shirts around, like it’s a straight neckline the front ends in like a U shape, almost like modern stays, i really appreciate everything you guys do
Heya! Do you have a link to an example? I can certainly add it to our inspiration list. 🙂
I’m not entirely sure what they are talking about, but based on the description I wonder if this is it. If so, it would be pretty cool.
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/414401603208299390/
Agreeeed – something like that would be a fun pattern. Thank you!
I would like to know the amount of ease built into the pattern. Also is that neck a crew or Bateau neck? Although I do make a muslin first knowing these things would help when I make changes.
Hi Margrete, take a look at the finished garment measurements to calculate the ease for your size. 🙂
this looks really cool <3
would i be able to use non-stretch fabric like basic polycotton for this, and woud i need to size up to make up for the lack of stretch?
i have a big old stash of thrifted curtains and duvet covers to use for my sewing.
Good morning! Stretch is not actually a requirement for this pattern, so you should be fine with your regular size. 🙂
Hello, it’s just a suggestion, you could make some patterns inspired by the Wednesday series and the Addams family, it would be really amazing
Hi Nadia! Check out our latest free pattern: The Nightshade Dress 🙂
MOOD HELP. This skirt pattern is INSANE. Please tell me how it makes sense to cut 2 of these. Is this supposed to be a tent?!?!? I know this says “beginner friendly,” but there are barely any instructions. Someone please help me make sense of this nonsense.
Hi Casey! I know it seems like a lot, but once it gathers down it looks nice and full! You can always adapt the skirt pattern if you want to cut back on the amount of fabric used. The general rule of thumb when calculating how much fabric you need for your gathers is 1.5x – 3x the width that you’re gathering into (depending on preference and the fabric weight). However, for this garment I wouldn’t recommend anything less than 2x the dress hem width. Happy sewing!
I am making this pattern. I have made some changes. I little less volume no gathered diagonal skirt. ok an simple Tshirt dress.. I will add pictures when I am done.
Do you think I could easily add in some pockets to this dress? and if so how far down the side seam do you recommend I aim for?
Hi Emma! Adding inseam pockets might be a little challenging, given the asymmetrical design, which means that one of the pockets might get sewn into the skirt. To find the length, measure from the armpit seam on the garment you’re currently wearing. Transfer that length to the Dill pattern. If adding a pocket to the skirt, keep the seam allowance of both the top and skirt in mind when you are calculating how far down on the skirt it needs to go. Check out this article on how to make an inseam pocket