Dovetail Dress

An “all season” maxi style dress with designer centre front pleat & optional back pleat.

The long pleats fall down the centre lines of the dress, creating strong vertical lines that flatter.  This is particularly effective with the sleeveless version. The design allows plenty of movement and can be worn on it's own or with a fitted top underneath for cooler temperatures.

Choose your fabric for the season. Mix and match sleeves and your choice of back for a range of different looks.  The Dovetail dress is a versatile and modern classic that won't date.

 PATTERN FEATURES:

• Pleated front
• 2 dress back options (pleat or plain)
• Maxi or knee length
• Internal side pockets
• Flattering V neck
• 3 sleeve options (sleeveless, short or 3/4) 
• Modern classic style.
• Sizes NZ/AU 6-24 | US 2-20 (purchased in size bundles of 4)-refer purchasing options

Share your makes on Instagram & Facebook tagging #TSRDovetailDress and @thesewingrevival

FABRIC

MID WEIGHT WOVEN fabrics that press well to maximise the featured pleats :
We highly recommend 100% cotton (broadcloth), linen or woven woollen suiting.

Refer product images for examples of fabric we've used.

DIFFICULTY

EASY INTERMEDIATE

Learn how to sew a featured pleat.

SIZE & FITTING

The Dovetail dress is designed to fit comfortably around your chest and loosely around your middle. The long pleats fall down the front and back centre lines, creating strong vertical lines that flatter.  This is particularly so with the sleeveless version. The design allows plenty of movement and can be worn on it's own or with a fitted top underneath for cooler temperatures.

Each purchase comes with 4 sizes (please refer to the last image for size chart and international size comparisons):

Small - (NZ/AU/UK 6-8-10-12  | US 2-4-6-8)                    
Medium - (NZ/AU/UK 10-12-14-16  | US 6-8-10-12)       
Large - (NZ/AU/UK 14-16-18-20  | US 10-12-14-16)        
X-Large - (NZ/AU/UK 18-20-22-24  | US 14-16-18-20)    

You can view our size chart here.

WHAT DO I GET WITH MY PURCHASE?

Please note you are purchasing a digital pattern that will be sent directly to your email inbox after payment. You can print this pattern at home on A4 or US letter-sized paper or take it to a print shop for large scale printing (AO size). *You will not receive a hard copy printed pattern.*

Instant download available immediately after checkout includes:

1. Instructions

2. PAH Pattern file (PAH=Print at home)
For printing in A4 or US Letter on a home printer. Printing at home is the most cost-effective, and sticking your pattern tiles together to make your full size pattern is easy. Further information for printing at home can be found in our Resources section here. 

3. AO Pattern file
AO is a large scale file designed to be printed at a Print Copy Shop. You cannot print this on your home printer as it is too big. If you choose to use this large file you will pay extra to have it printed but you do not have to stick anything together. Further information for printing in large scale can be found in our Resources section here. 

You can use the ADOBE LAYERS FEATURE to open the PAH pattern file and print only the size you need (and eliminate the "noise" of the unwanted sizes). You can also use the URL and bookmark links within the file to quickly access information and support. Download Adobe Reader for free (for Windows and Mac) here.

STYLING IDEAS

The silhouette of the sleeveless Dovetail Dress is very flattering as it visually thins and lengthens the body. Whilst we offer a sleeved option, our favourite styling technique is to layer up (or under) the sleeveless version (pleated or non pleated back).

The Dovetail dress works beautifully layered with the Undercover Top in short or long sleeves. We've used a short sleeve version of this sewn in a tulle for warmer weather - a great alternative to the sleeved dress.

A long sleeve undercover top in a cotton/elastane is also perfect for winter. We love this with a cropped jacket (think denim, or the cropped Mallard Coat).

The cropped edition of the Akaroa Sweater (we love this in merino wool ribbing or a lambswool) is also flattering and practical. 

Examples of all these styling options are included in the product pics. Enjoy the inspiration.

PRINTING

Each PDF sewing pattern comes with 4 sizes (please refer last 2 images for size chart and international size comparisons - hover over the image to magnify).

Small - (NZ/AU/UK 6-8-10-12  | US 2-4-6-8)                     AO 2 pg  | PAH** 46g**
Medium - (NZ/AU/UK 10-12-14-16  | US 6-8-10-12)        AO 2+1pg* | PAH 47pg**
Large - (NZ/AU/UK 14-16-18-20  | US 10-12-14-16)         AO 2+1pg* | PAH 52pg**
X-Large - (NZ/AU/UK 18-20-22-24  | US 14-16-18-20)      AO 2+1pg* | PAH 52pg**

**PAH = Print At Home. For help printing at home click here.
   You will not have to print all pages - you only need to print pieces needed for each style. This ranges from 27-38 pages depending on your size and the style you choose.

*AO= Large scale requiring a special printer. Note for View A you only need to print 2 AO pages. Add page 3 for View B back.  For help printing at a Copy Shop click here