Looking for an effortlessly chic dress you can wear on sunny strolls or brunch by the beach? This shirt dress from Patrones 419 (Model 20) is a beautiful option to sew at home. Featuring a button-down front, relaxed silhouette, a self-tie belt, and rolled-up sleeves, this design feels both classic and modern. Made in a breezy, drapey fabric like viscose or rayon, it’s the perfect project for intermediate sewists. Below are the complete sewing instructions based on the original pattern layout from the PDF.
📏 Pattern Pieces You’ll Need
(PDF sizes 40–48)
Piece 1 — Front Bodice
Piece 1a — Front Facing (Placket)
Piece 2 — Back Bodice
Piece 2a — Back Facing
Piece 3 — Sleeve
Piece 4 — Belt
Piece 5 — Patch Pocket (optional)
All pieces are cut along the fabric grain line. Front and back bodice center lines and facings are cut on the fold where marked.
Step-by-Step Sewing Instructions
Cut out all pattern pieces according to your chosen size, following the grain line markings. Apply fusible interfacing to both the front facings (Piece 1a) and the back facing (Piece 2a) for structure.
Join the shoulder seams of the front bodice (Piece 1) to the back bodice (Piece 2), right sides together. Press the seams open.
Sew the shoulder seams of the facings — attach front facings (Piece 1a) to the back facing (Piece 2a). Press the seams open.
Attach the facings to the bodice. Pin the assembled facing to the neckline and front edges, right sides together. Sew around the neckline and front opening.
Clip curves and corners, then turn the facing to the inside of the garment. Press well and, if desired, topstitch along the edges for a clean finish.
Sew the side seams. Join the front and back bodice pieces at the side seams, right sides together. Press seams open.
Prepare the sleeves. Sew the sleeve seams, folding each sleeve (Piece 3) in half lengthwise, right sides together, and stitching the underarm seam. Press seams open.
Insert the sleeves into the armholes, easing the sleeve cap as necessary to fit smoothly. Match notches and underarm seams. Pin, sew, and press the seams.
Hem the sleeves by folding up twice to create a narrow hem. Optionally, fold up the sleeves as cuffs for a casual rolled-up look, securing them with a tack or button tab if desired.
Make the belt (Piece 4). Fold the fabric strip lengthwise, right sides together, and sew along the long edge and one short end. Turn it right side out, press, and topstitch if you like.
Hem the dress. Turn up the lower edge twice (narrow double fold hem), press, and stitch.
Add buttonholes and buttons along the front placket. Mark button positions according to your preference or pattern markings, sew buttonholes, and attach buttons.
Optional: Add patch pockets (Piece 5) to the front bodice as desired. Fold the pocket edges, press, and topstitch onto the bodice.
Final press all seams and hems neatly. Thread the belt through, tie it around the waist — and your beautiful handmade shirt dress is ready to wear!
✂️ Fabric Suggestions:
Viscose
Rayon
Cotton blends
Lightweight linen
