Nikau Dress

This pull on, open neck dress is a versatile all season staple with several mix and match style options.  Decide between the 3/4 featured balloon sleeve, wear your dress sleeveless or choose from 2 new sleeve options (the barrel sleeve or 3/4 standard sleeve - both purchased separately).

Professionally finished with a simple front facing, the collar can be worn folded or standing depending on your preference. Sew an optional waist belt or simply leave unbelted for a more casual and relaxed fit.

Beautifully cool in 100% cotton or linen for summer or sew in a wool or warmer woven for cooler months. 

This dress will take you from the beach to the board room.

PATTERN FEATURES:

• In seam side pockets
  
• 3/4 balloon sleeve (gathered at both the shoulder and wrist) or sleeveless style options
• Adding a barrel sleeve or 3/4 standard sleeve makes the Nikau dress extremely versatile (purchase separately as a sleeve Add On).
• Easy sew combined neck and armhole facing for a professional looking finish (for the Sleeveless option)
• Optional waist best
  
• Collar can be worn folded open or standing
  

Watch the Video Tutorial on how to sew a combined neck and armhole facing

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

FABRIC

Please refer to the FABRIC REQUIREMENT CHART as one of the last images on this product listing. You can magnify this image if viewing it on a mobile phone whilst in a fabric store.

WOVEN fabrics : Most light to mid weight fabrics will work with the Nikau dress.
Linen, cotton and linen/cotton blends are highly recommended for summer. 
Wool blends and suiting or other mid weight wovens are great for winter.

DIFFICULTY

Confident beginner ready for the next step. Easy Intermediate (3/5).

SIZE & FITTING

The Nikau is a pull on dress that can be worn with or without a belt. It is neither fitted or too loose and easily graded between sizes (if you have a smaller bust and larger hips for example).

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 18-20-24  | US 14-16-18-20)       

PATTERN UPDATES

This pattern was updated on 8 October 2021 with the following changes:
* Optional neck tie was added
* Size range extended
* 2 more sleeve options were added (to be purchased separately)
   - Barrel sleeve (fitted at the shoulder and gathered at the forearm) - 3/4 length
   - 3/4 standard sleeve
* The double belt was removed

PATTERN HACKS

 The instructions provide tips on how to easily turn the Nikau dress into a top or shirt.

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 (PAH) 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. 

The number of pages to print for each size bundle:

Small - (NZ/AU/UK 6-8-10-12  | US 2-4-6-8)                   PAH*=37 AO=2
Medium - (NZ/AU/UK 10-12-14-16  | US 6-8-10-12)      PAH=40 AO=2
Large - (NZ/AU/UK 14-16-18-20  | US 10-12-14-16)       PAH=40 AO=2
X-Large - (NZ/AU/UK 18-20-24  | US 14-16-18-20)         PAH=41 AO=2

*PAH = Print-at-home pages (A4 and Letter)
*AO = large scale for printing at a Print Shop

 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.

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.