Making A Dress From A Tunic Pattern

One thing I have wanted to do is to make a dress from a top pattern. So when I had a chance, making a dress from a tunic pattern became a my next project. The process was much easier than I had thought it would be, and the results turned out really well.

The Inspiration

Amazon pic of woman wearing red dress — *Tunic dress*

Above is the inspiration, although I knew I wanted to make mine a bit different. The sleeves and collar in particular would match the actual pattern I was using. At some point, I might like to change up the collar into a more traditional collar like the photo.

My Process

The first thing I had to do is re-trace the pattern. For this, I used the Linda Tunic pattern by Angela Wolf Patterns. Next came extending the pattern pieces (front and back) so that it would be at whatever dress length I wanted. Pockets were also being added, so I needed to make sure to trace a pocket pattern that I could use for the in-seam pockets. By the way, I chose this pattern because the lines of the inspiration photo reminded me of this top. This is something I’ve made many time before so I already had the short sleeve pattern made.

Woman wearing pink and white plka dot dress

I made sure to measure from back neck to the length I wanted. Here is a picture of the front pattern piece.

I did a slash and spread at the bottom starting at just around the hip area in order to make the dress wearable. Otherwise, I wouldn’t be able to walk in the dress.

The same thing was done to the back piece as well.

The Results

Woman wearing pink and white polka dot dress — *The Linda Tunic Dress*

Everything really came together easily with this project. The fabric, which I had in my fabric stash, is a rayon fabric I think. It’s perfect for this because it has really nice drape to it.

Back view of woman wearing pink and white polka dot dress

Making the muslin for this was very important since I really wasn’t sure how this would look. I had to check the walkability of the dress and whether or not I liked the length. Each time I do something like this, the results get better and better. And as you can see, your inspiration and your project don’t have to be exact. You can use your inspiration photo to expand your own creativity and skills.

I encourage you to give something like this a try if you want to. Just be sure to take the time needed to get a successful result!

Fashion Trends For Summer 2026

In this blog post, I want to talk about fashion trends for summer 2026, but particularly for women over the age of 50. You don’t have to follow trends to be fashionable. In fact, I think the most fashionable people are those who wear what they love regardless of what’s trending. But, I always like to know what’s trending because that will shape what we see in stores and online (including pattern selection). So this will not be all-inclusive, just some of the main things I’ve noticed.

Vests

If you’ve looked at any magazine or any online retailer, you’ve most likely seen a multitude of vests. They range in style from more traditional to long, almost floor length.

This is one that I made a year ago using Simplicity 3108.

But I also found these ready-to-wear (RTW) versions online.

Woman wearing button up vest — *Open Edit vest*

Woman wearing v-neck button up vest — *Open Edit Icon vest*

This is a look I love that is easy to make yourself. I used the shorts from Collette Patterns/Seamwork Iris.

Wide-leg Pants/Jeans

Woman wearing McCall's 8408 pants — *McCall’s 8408*

I’ve also noticed a lot of wide-leg jeans and pants. I used M8408 for these, but there’s also another pattern that’s current (and almost exactly the same style silhouette. That is McCall’s 8630.

This is a look that is modern and vintage (circa 1970’s). A lot of people like them because they balance out the body, they are comfortable to wear, and can give a very classy/classic look.

The pattern above also features another trend that’s in these days…

Capris

I’ve seen capri pants in various lengths and fabrics. There is truly something for everyone with this style. They can also be wide-legged like the pattern above, or skinny like leggings.

Stretch twill capris — *Open Edit Stretch Twill Capris*

I haven’t made any capris, so I don’t have any examples of patterns I’ve used.

To add to the pants theme, there are also barrel-leg jeans. Personally, I’m not much a jeans wearer during the summer because it’s too hot and humid where I live. But I have made a pair before. I used a Seamwork pattern for mine (Iggy pants), but there is also a pattern form Vogue that I have (but haven’t made yet).

Seamwork Iggy pattern picture — *Seamwork Iggy*

Elevated Loungewear

This is the last category I’ll cover in this post. There are so many other garments but I wanted to keep this to just a few items.

For elevated loungewear, imagine yourself relaxing in something soft and comfortable. You could wear these to bed, but they can also be worn as a vacation or weekend outfit at home.

I recently made these from some designer fabric from Mood Fabrics.

Woman wearing green leaf print top and pants

This set was made from two different patterns.

Conclusion

Overall, summer is a time of cool comfort, at least for me. Summer dressing takes on a more relaxing feel with bold, bright colors or cool nature tones. Either way, I hope you are inspired to try something new and perhaps, sew up something that you might want to try.

Paige Joggers By Minerva

The Paige Joggers by Minerva are what I refer to as elevated loungewear. And I think that this is a pattern you’ll want to make again (and again). I’m a Minerva brand ambassador so I was gifted this pattern. I did use my own fabric from my fabric stash in order to make these. When I say elevated loungewear, I mean relaxed, but not sloppy, effortless and easy to wear. While you can wear these around the house all day, you may not want to. So, here’s my review.

*This post is not sponsored but may contain affiliate links. I will earn a small commission if you shop through those links and there’s no additional cost to you. Thanks for your support!

About the Paige Joggers Pattern

This is a paper pattern that includes a range of sizes from US size 00-16 and 14w-32w. This corresponds to EU sizes 28-46 and 44w-62w. The pattern is described as a pull-on pant, relaxed through the hips with softly tapered legs.

There are also in-seam pockets. It’s designed for medium to heavy weight knit fabrics. I believe the rating for the pattern is for confident beginner/easy. In fact, these can be made in a couple of hours, particularly if you have a serger.

The instruction booklet has a lot if information, not just about this pattern but about sewing garments in general. There’s also a place at the back of the book where you can write your own notes on sewing the pattern.

My Version

For these, I used a fabric called Telio yoga knit. The fabric is similar to a medium weight ponte knit. I think the fabric was specifically made for making yoga wear and leggings (I’ve actually used it for leggings before). Unfortunately, this fabric is no longer available.

This pattern is really easy to put together. The only change I made was to shorten the center front seam. It took me only a few hours to complete this project. I did as much as I could on the serger. And when I tell you these are super comfortable, believe me, they are! These are nice enough to wear out and could be a perfectly cute and comfortable look with the Lamma Sweatshirt and Hoodie pattern I made earlier.

I think these could be made from a lighter weight knit fabric that’s not clingy to wear in the Spring/Summer. I always enjoy a pattern that can be made from a variety of fabrics for year-round, or mostly year-round, use.

And if you want to elevate the look even more, a textured sweater knit set can be made. That will give you a matching, perhaps monochrome look that will be perfect for travel and lounging.

However you choose to wear these and from whatever material you choose, this is a great and easy pattern to make.