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!

Simplicity 8014 Shirtdress

Sometimes when you love a fabric, you want to make “just the right thing” with it. I chose Simplicity 8014 shirtdress as the perfect pattern to match with this blue and white floral fabric.

Why This Pattern

One of the main reasons I chose this particular pattern is because I like that it has a waist seam. I think that gives more definition to my waist (which I don’t really have). The belt that’s included with the pattern will also cinch in the waist a bit.

woman wearing Simplicity 8014 front view

I made View B with some elements of View A. A full bust adjustment was made and there’s a YouTube video about that process. I use “The Complete Photo Guide To Perfect Fitting” by Sarah Veblen as my go to book for this.

At this point I checked the fit, just to make sure things were going as planned. Something that I did not do that this pattern calls for is the pocket flaps on the chest pockets. With the print of the fabric, they wouldn’t be needed or missed since they are purely decorative.

woman wearing floral dress making Simplicity 8014 shirtdress — *Checking the fit of the bodice on Simplicity 8014*

Making The Dress

Previous shirtdresses I’ve made have had a slightly different process. Those patterns did not have a defined waist seam as this one does. So for Simplicity 8014, first the bodice is constructed, then the skirt. Because the skirt panels are a bit wide, I found having extra fabric essential to being able to cut them out as the pattern instructs. My fabric was only 44″ wide, so I would use 50″ wide or above if possible. I think that will make things much easier.

Other than that, the process for sewing the dress was pretty straightforward.

Back view of woman wearing blue floral dress

Conclusion

This is a terrific, versatile pattern. I think it could be made for wearing during most seasons of the year. Luckily, this pattern is still available. I always love a classically styled dress and sewing pattern. If you haven’t made this one yet, I highly recommend it!

Summer Dress With McCall’s 7889

I made a summer dress with McCall’s 7889 because I wanted something that would be quick and easy. This pattern did not disappoint. It’s described as being a very loose-fitting top and dress with button front closure.

The Pattern

I made a version that combines both Views D and B. I rarely make something that is strictly the way the pattern is designed! The suggested fabrics are all lightweight and flowy, so that will give you some idea of how this is intended to fit and look.

The Dress

I got this fabric from my mother-in-law who used to sew quite a bit. I’m sure it’s from the 1970’s or 1980’s since she’s held on to it a long time. It’s 100% polyester, but it’s very lightweight, breezy and thin. The fabric was in perfect condition and was perfect for this dress.

While the fabric is easy to sew and the pattern is rated easy, I did have a bit of a struggle with the pleats. There are three pleats on each side of the front and on each side of the back. Although they are easy to make, pleats are one of those things that sometimes throws me off. I think it’s because I really need to slow down and sew more carefully to get them placed correctly. There was a similar issue when I made this skirt years ago. Here’s that pattern; unfortunately, this one isn’t available.

woman wearing summer dress with McCall's 7889

I would dispute the pattern description that the dress is very loose. Because the pleats in the front and back gently cinch in the waist, the dress does have some shaping.

The pattern also includes a belt as you can see in the photos. That also helps to bring the waist in. Please be aware that there are no pockets in the dress. So that’s something you’d have to add if you are so inclined.

front view of woman wearing summer dress with mccall's 7889

Now, I will admit this dress is shorter than what I’m normally used to. If I was to make this again, I would probably add a few inches to the length. I debated with myself about doing that and decided against it. But next time, I will add a bit more fabric to the bottom of the dress.

Conclusion

I’m not sure I would sew this dress again, but I do think it would make a cute top (that’s View A in the pattern).

But, if you’re looking for a cute summer dress, this could be the one!

For those of you who would like to see the video review I made of the dress, that’s here below.