Serving up ‘aces’ with style on and off the court: The Olympia Tennis Dress free sewing pattern is a stunning, 2-piece tennis dress made for chic performance!
From sportswear to swimwear, The Santorini Plus Collection is truly a girl’s best friend for the spring/summer season! Made with a recycled Stretch Tricot, this 2-piece look features a paneled bodysuit and a half-circle skirt with Mesh overlay.
The Olympia Tennis dress is a game-changer for the modern-day athlete, incorporating fashion-forward design while paying homage to traditional tennis fashion. Pair it with some cute tennis shoes and a visor for a sporty look that is ready for action. Whether you’re getting on the court or going for a joy walk, this dress has you covered in winning style!
Purchase Products Used Below:
- 2.5 yards of Santorini Plus Almost Apricot UV Protective Stretch Recycled Swimwear Tricot
- 1.5 yards of Silver Pink Polyester Stretch Mesh
- 1 each of Dritz Black and Nickel Sew-On Skirt Hook & Eye Closures – 4ct
- 1 spool of 357 Shell Tan 100m Gutermann Sew All Thread
- 1 each of Schmetz Jersey Ball Point Machine Needles in Assorted Sizes
- MDF373 – The Olympia Tennis Dress sewing pattern (Free download below!)
Alternative Recommended Fabrics:
How to Sew The Olympia Tennis Dress Free Sewing Pattern:
*Sew two separate sets of the upper bodice, one for the outer main-fabric and one for the inner self-facing.
Step 1
Pin the front upper sides on each side of the front upper center and sew with 1/2″ seam allowance.
Step 2
Pin the front waist panel below the upper front panels and sew with 1/2″ SA.
Step 3
Pin the upper back panel to the lower back panel and sew together 1/2″.
Step 4
Right sides together, pin the layer of the main fabric to the layer of the self-facing layer for the bodice. Sew with 1/2″ SA along the left strap, then sew along the right strap. Leave the top of the straps open at center back.
Step 6
Pin the self-facing to the main fabric along the V-neck. Sew the layers together with 1/2″ seam allowance.
Step 7
Flip the bodice outward and pin the top of the straps together at center back. Sew the halter neck with 1/2″ SA, right sides facing each other.
Step 8
Pin the two layers of the collar together along the top and the sides, leaving the bottom open. Sew with 1/2″ SA up on one side, across the top, then down the other side. Clip the seam allowance at the corners, press the seams open, and turn the collar outward.
Step 9
Pin the two layers of the collar band together with the finished collar sandwiched in between. Sew with 1/2″ SA down on one side of the collar band, across the bottom, and back up the other side.
Step 10
Pin the back side of the collar to the outside of the neckline and sew right sides together with 1/2″ SA.
Step 11
Press the seam allowance on the other side of the collar band. Pin the front side of the collar band to the inside of the neckline. Sew by stitching in the ditch over the outside where the first layer was sewn.
Step 12
Pin the two front short pieces and sew together 1/2″ along center front.
Step 13
Pin the two back short pieces and sew together 1/2″ along center back.
Step 14
Pin the front side of the shorts to the back side by the side seams. Sew 1/2″ seam allowance with right sides facing each other.
Step 15
Pin the front shorts and the back shorts at the inseam. Sew right sides together with 1/2″ SA.
Step 16
Pin the finished shorts to the upper bodice along the waistline. Sew the two right sides together with 1/2″ SA.
Step 17
Pin both sides of the underskirt at center back and sew 1/2″ up to the closure notch.
Step 18
Pin the raw edges of the underskirt, the overskirt, and the skirt waistband all together along the waistline. Sew the three layers with 1/2″ seam allowance.
Step 19
Hem the edges of the skirt opening at center back. Sew with 1/2″ SA.
Step 20
Thread a needle to sew the hook and eye closure at the back of the waistband.
We hope you enjoyed this process on sewing The Olympia Tennis Dress free sewing pattern! Don’t be afraid of stepping into the realm of athletic wear, although it may be different than sewing with other fabrics, working with stretch fabric can sure be a fun challenge to learn from! Here are some helpful tips that we recommend: Use a ballpoint needle or a stretch needle specifically for knit fabrics, as well as using a stretch stitch such as a narrow zigzag or a lightning bolt stitch. Avoid using cotton thread, as it may break when it is being stretched. Opt for polyester thread as it offers both strength and flexibility.
There’s no match you can’t win and no style you can’t conquer! With so many different fabrics to choose from for athleisure, what fabric will you be using to create this fun project? Leave a comment below to share how you would add your own twist to The Olympia Tennis Dress free sewing pattern! #madewithmood #moodolympiapattern
Are the bottom edges of the shorts and skirt unfinished? Won’t the tricot curl?
Hello, if the fabric doesn’t curl, you can get away without finishing the edges. If the fabric does curl, you can finish the edges with a rolled hem.
Hi there, I tried to leave a comment a few days ago but I guess it didn’t go through. I was wondering if the tricot used in this project tends to curl/roll at the hem, since the bottom of the skirt and shorts are unfinished? If so, what do you suggest to minimize curling?
This Tricot fabric does not curl, but if you find yourself with a fabric that does curl, you can hem the bottom with 1/4″ rolled hem.
The Olympia Tennis Dress pattern is a game-changer! Thank you for sharing this fabulous resource. The detailed instructions and free pattern make it accessible for all sewing enthusiasts to create their own stylish tennis attire. Can’t wait to hit the court in style
How lovely! I wonder if there’s any connection to a certain movie that is coming out right now… Completely see Zendaya wearing this at some sporty event 🙂
Mike! You have been cooking with all these patterns. Thank you so much, every single one has been beautiful hope you’re not overworking yourself
I’m trying to remake the swimsuit from High Society, and this pattern looks like a great place to start!
Is this a quarter circle skirt?
Hello, this is a half-circle skirt.
Mil gracias
I’ve been looking for this exact garment! Yes! Thank you mood, you inspire me to be more myself.
how to attach top part to the skort? or is it two piece
Hello, it is two pieces. The skirt is worn over and closed with a hook & eye.