The free dress pattern this month is a super simple, easy dress pattern for the ‘Wear Everywhere Dress‘. Made for knit fabrics with a moderate stretch, this dress has just two pattern pieces, the sleeves are already built in and its easy to fit to your shape. A perfect beginner sewing pattern. Plus – this dress is so versatile – dress it up, dress it down, dress it smart or casual. It all depends on your fabric choices and accessories.
Features:
- Built in sleeves
- Learn how to sew an easy knit neckline facing for a neat finish
- No darts or zippers
- Unusual square shaped neckline
- Easy to fit to your shape
- Range of sizes, from 31 to 40 inch bust
- Super flattering
- Make it figure-hugging or figure-skimming. You decide.
- Versatile
- Full sewing instructions are downloaded with the pattern pieces
Skill level:
Beginner. The instructions for this dress include instructions on picking stitches and finishes for use with knit fabrics. There are no complicated darts or zippers, and instructions are included on how to sew the neckline facings.
Where can you get the Wear Everywhere easy dress pattern ?
As usual, to make downloading easy and reliable, the pattern is hosted in my design account with Payhip. If you don’t already have an account, you will need to sign up to download, but don’t worry, it’s free, quick and easy. Add the pattern to your cart, and then checkout – no payment/address details etc needed.
Download multi-size pattern pieces from my design account at Payhip...
Can I see some more pics before I decide if it's for me?
Of course you can. I made a couple of versions, one in a diagonal print and one in a black and white vertical print. I think both look great!
Choosing your fabrics
You'll need a fabric with a moderate stretch. This pattern is so simple that it can accommodate a wide number and variety of stretch fabrics including novelty and sweater knits, but be aware when choosing your fabric that thicker fabrics and those with less stretch may need to be sewn with greater ease and may require you to go up a size. It looks good in both prints and solids.
Making up your pattern
See the downloadable instructions for details on how to print and piece together your pattern, and cut your fabric. Your pattern has a front, back and neckline facings.
What Size Do I Need?
Please use this table as a guide only as although our body measurements may be similar, different body shapes may require fitting differently.
I highly recommend the Sew the Perfect Fit course if you want to learn more about how to pick the right pattern size, make a muslin and get the correct fit. Making a muslin is always recommended prior to cutting your good fabric. If you are in between measurements, do measure the actual pattern pieces to determine what size would suit you best.
| Bust | Waist | Hips | |
| 1 | 31.5 | 26 | 34 |
| 2 | 32.5 | 27.5 | 35.5 |
| 3 | 34 | 29 | 37.5 |
| 4 | 36 | 31 | 40 |
| 5 | 38 | 33 | 42 |
| 6 | 40 | 35 | 44 |
If in doubt test the larger size and adjust for fitting at the side seams during construction.
Wear Everywhere Dress Sewing Instructions
Seam allowances – 5/8th of an inch throughout unless mentioned.
Abbreviations used: RST – right sides together.
Note on finishing seams – seams should be finished as you sew. Use your favorite method or see the suggestions in the full instructions download.
I recommend the Sewing with Knits course if you want to learn more about sewing with knit fabrics. Read my review of the Sewing with Knits course.
These are abbreviated instructions and small photos for the blog only. The pattern download includes more detailed instructions to help you step by step along the way to a great finished Wear Everywhere dress. This is just a quick overview.
- Join center back seam. Join center back seam of neckline facing.
- Sew neckline facing to back, RST. Trim seams allowances by half.
- Stitch neckline facing to front, RST. Trim seam allowances by half.
- Join front to back at shoulders and along top of sleeve, opening out facings to join these at the shoulders.
- Open out neckline facing, right sides up. Press seam allowances towards facing and understitch through facing 1/8th inch from seam line. See this tutorial on understitching.
- Press facings to inside, top stitch around neckline 1/2 inch from seam. Trim facings.
- Join side seams. Try to fit and adjust if necessary.
- Finish sleeves and hem. See this tutorial on using a double needle to hem knits.
- Wear and enjoy!
Thanks for downloading this pattern. I'd love to see what you sew, so please upload your completed projects to the pattern page on Craftsy.
Watch out for the next pattern coming soon to the So Sew Easy Pattern Store. I know you are going to love it!
As usual, to make downloading easy and reliable, the pattern is hosted in my design account with Payhip. If you don’t already have an account, you will need to sign up to download, but don’t worry, it’s free, quick and easy. Add the pattern to your cart, and then checkout – no payment/address details etc needed.
Download multi-size pattern pieces from my design account at Payhip...
Authored by: Deby at So Sew Easy
I solved my printing problem by taking my laptop to Officeworks (Australia) who have a printshop section. One of the very helpful ladies did a huge sheet with both pattern pieces on it. She checked the test square, declared it correct, and sent me on my way. I’m tempted to do this always, since it saves a lot of time compared to ’tiling’ and still works out less expensive than buying a retail pattern. It also means that the master pattern is all in one and easier to fold, or roll, and store.
Hi, I really like the simplicity of this dress, but it won’t fit me :(. I’ve got a 44-36-48 body to dress. I’ve swiveled patterns before to accommodate the differences, but with only two pieces, I’m a bit hesitant for this pattern.
I’ve downloaded the Wear Everywhere Dress pattern, but when I open it in Adobe Reader to print it shows the document is one 36″ x 48″ page and not 8.5″ x 11″ pages to put together. Is there a different file to download that has the pages that are printed and taped together?
The instructions for the pattern are on the article above. Please click on the highlighted words and follow along. Kind Regards,
Made this dress over the weekend. My first time ever sewing knit fabric, and first real piece of clothing I’ve made. The instructions were easy to follow and the dress came out beautifully. I wore it yesterday to the office and got tons of compliments on it. It’s easily the most comfortable dress I own!
Very happy for you!
I would really love to make this dress! Is there another way of getting the pattern, other than through Bluprint (ex Craftsy), which i think is a subscription only service)?
Many thanks.
I will move this pattern to https://ko-fi.com/soseweasy soon.
I have also the problem that I cannot download this pattern in a way that I can print it on A4 sized paper. It only shows one little bit of the pattern. I tried several times to download it again because I figured maybe I have done something wrong. Is it possible to get the pattern in some other way?
Mayra–
This is the only pattern my computer will not download. I can’t install a zip drive and there is no “poster” feature for printing. Is there some way for it to be downloaded and printed the same way as the other patterns?
You do not need a zip drive, that is probably an add, depends on your browsing history. No we do not a poster file, however you can save the pattern in a thumb drive and take it to a printing company and see what they can do for you.
Would it be possible to make this pattern into an A-line dress?
if you know how, absolutely!
I made this dress just last night. I cut on line 6 based on my bust, waist, hip measurements and the chart provided. The dress was HUGE. I had to take in about 2 inches at the shoulder and 1 inch on each side. It fits better but the neck is gaping. I plan to make another one cutting it smaller and shorter in length. I will add stay tap to the neckline to see if that helps a bit. I will add a picture of the new one once I finish it. Thanks for the great free patterns.
Hi Deby,
I’d love to make this dress and have the fabric but…I’m a larger size than your pattern. Any suggestions as to another dress this simple that I could make. Measurements 44/38/48. Thank you so much for your gift of all the patterns you share and helping those of us that are new to sewing.
I have downloaded the pattern and tutorial, but it was quite complicated. Did not download in the usual way.
I love the look of the pattern – on you. My hip (read backside) size is usually 1-2 sizes larger than my bust size. I know how to adjust the pattern, the question is, Will it look okay? or should I just avoid this type of pattern, especially in knit. I do have 2 bought knit dresses that look okay, but I am wary of making one.
Any suggestions welcome. Thank you.
Hi Lesley, hard to say without a photo, but to be perfectly honest I don’t see why not?
Hi, I downloaded the pattern but it only showed one page. Obviously it will need multiple pages to print in order to get the correct pattern pieces. I downloaded winrar to unzip the pattern, but it still will not unzip. I followed the instructions on unzipping but still it did not work. I followed your video but it did not show how to unzip a file. Please help.
Hi Jennifer, you need Adobe Reader to download and open the PDF. I have never used nor required Winrar. Please print on Actual Size.
I have Adobe Reader, the PDF opened but only one page. The size of the folder is small, 132 mgb, to hold multiple pages of pattern. Whereas the instructions are over 2000. I have never had problems opening other files from your website, which, may I say I love, but this one is beyond me. My son in law, who is an IT tech tried and even he could not do it, with or without the winrar. I have a new computer with Windows 10. I absolutely love this dress and would love to make it. Thanks. Jenny
Ohhhhh. Duh. *slaps forehead* I did it. So sorry. Thank you so much for your patience. Idiot alert.
Sorry, but I can only print the first page with the test square.
Hi, Jennifer, please send me an email at mayra@so-sew-easy.com and I will send you a new file. I have checked the link we have and it works well so I am at a loss on why you have such a strange file size.
Just a thought, is there only supposed to be one page and we make the pattern ourselves?
My measurements are not on partern do you have one for my measurements bust 42,waist 45.5 and hips 54.thanks
Hi Tisha try this one
It looks lovely and I have downloaded the pattern but Acrobat Reader says that the link has been corrupted and cannot be read/opened. Are you able to post a new link for this please?
Hi Susan, you have to try again. The link is working fine on our side.
Hello. Thank you for your article. I am a beginner, I’ve made several blankets and skirts for my daughter, this would be my first attempt at something for me I have this gorgeous galaxy fabric from Joanns fabrics that is 86%polyester 14% spandex. Would that work for this? Any tips are welcomed.
Thank you very much
Gaby
Yes that would work!
Hi. I’m fairly new to sewing still, and I was wondering, could you make the bottom half of this skirt with a different color then the top part of the dress?
You can just remember to add seam allowance when you cut it. Enjoy!
Hi! Could you explain a bit about the differences of a built in sleeve versus us a set in sleeve on a finished garment? Assuming I use a stretch knit, why would you choose one over the other? Just wondering, since built in sleeves are so much easier to sew!
Hi Vicki, this particular dress is all in one, the sleeves are already in the garment, you dont need to worry about attaching the sleeves. I will try to answer your question in an article. Best Regards,
Mayra
I love it! And BTW you are working that dress!
Hi! I’m basically a totally noob, having only sewn two pillowcases before (though they did have cording on the edge…bonus points for me?). I’m trying to use this pattern for a Medusa costume, and the fabric I’m looking at buying is described as such:
“Black snakeskin fabric with 15% 2-way stretch (stretches horizontally but not vertically). Soft polyester backing and snakeskin embossed vinyl finish on opposite side.”
Would this work ok for this dress pattern? I know it’s utterly different than a knit, but it does have stretch.
Thank you so much for your advice, and thanks for posting this pattern! I’m really excited to try something new and will send along some photos…if I can pull this off, haha!
It might work, but you would need to measure carefully to make sure it wasn’t going to be too tight anywhere. Compare the pattern measurements to your body and make sure it will fit in the hip. You may still need to add a zipper to the back because it may not stretch enough to get it on and off. In all honesty, using a pattern designed more for a stretch woven would give you a more certain result without having to try to make it work. Good luck with it, it sounds amazing.
Hi Deby, I am so humbled by your generous spirit to share what you have with others, may you be greatly blessed. I am one person who has always had passion in making clothes for myself but actually never did. Thank you for reviving that passion within me. I am intending to start trying sewing something for myself this month and I ll definitely try this pattern. Thank you for rekindling the fire within me.
Kealafilwe
Thats’great to hear, I’m so happy that you are inspired to sew for yourself. I hope it turns out well for you. maybe you would think about joining our sewing chat room and enjoying the 24hr sewing inspiration and information there. And of course, you can share all of your sewing success too! https://www.facebook.com/groups/soseweasychat/
I am unable to open your file, and you please email a pdf version, thanks. syn20000@gmail.com
I’ve tried several times but been unable to email you the pattern. Please read through this article and download the software you need to unzip the file into the PDF files inside and then you’ll be able to open the file easily.
Thank you! This was a great pattern. I used it to make a dress for my daughter’s Tinkerbell Halloween costume. She looked fabulous in it. The fabric I used had stretch in both ways so that made it easy, and your instructions were easy to follow too. Together with the pictures to follow along it was really not difficult. Took me 1 Sunday afternoon.
I love this dress! I’ve made three so far. So comfortable.
Wow – 3 already. That’s great that you’ve found a pattern that you like that much. Would you share so we can all see? You can load your completed project back to Craftsy and link it to the pattern download so that people can see your examples. Or send me your photos on email and I can share them on the Facebook page. I’d love to see what you made.
Beautiful dress and it looks good on you.
Thank you Gwen. Are you going to give it a try?
I made this dress after I downloaded the pattern it was a great dress to make. I want to thank you for sharing this great pattern with everyone. I have also made the wraps dress you have on your site and I loved that one to. Thank you again.
I’m so glad the patterns for the dresses have worked out for you Gale. Do you have any photos? I love to share completed projects on the Facebook page from time to time. Do send me a photo if you’d like to show off what you made.
Goodmorning Deby,
I was looking for this kind of dress as my very first ever self made dress. I printed out the pattern according instructions, cut it, taped it, measure myself and choose sizes between 5 and 6. But this pattern looked so big so I compared it with one of my old dresses which fits perfectly and get a little bit confused. The old dress is about 12cm smaller in width comparing to your pattern and now I’m afraid to use it for my new dress. Where could be the problem? Wrong printing (the test square is exactly 2 inches (5cm))? Wrong sticking together? Are seam allowance already included in pattern width?
Yes seam allowances are included in the pattern, and also a little ‘fitting ease’ which is usually present in all sewing patterns for you to be able to take in the pattern a little on the side seams during construction so that it can be better fitted to your exact body shape. It also depends on where you are measuring the pattern compared to your existing dress and how much stretch your fabric has. There are so many variables in pattern drafting and sewing, that when sewing clothes from a pattern for the first time, you are always encouraged to sew a ‘test’ version in some remnant cheap fabric to test for fit. The style and fit of this dress may also be a little different to the one you are checking against, especially around the bust. I hope it works out for you.
Thanks Deby, that’s very encouraging. And I really appreciate that you reply so quickly to queries.
Hi Deby, I was about to cut out this dress but just realised that my fabric has a lot of stretch – definitely more than a moderate amount. Does that matter? I really hope not!
I find that the more stretch a fabric has, the more loose it feels when I wear it. So even if I cut two dresses exactly the same size, if one fabric stretches more than the other, it just seems looser, perhaps also because fabrics with more stretch tend to be thinner. It can also depend on the weight of the fabric too, how much it pulls down. This dress won’t be too hard to fit, so make it up as expected, and if it does come up a bit big, you can take in the seams at the side and center back to get a better fit to your shape.
Fabulous pattern. Haven’t sewed in over 20 years but think I’ll try. I’m 54 and have your same shape, but a bit taller. The sleeve length is exactly what I’m looking for … not happy showing my arms above my elbows. How hard would it be to make it a scoop neck rather than square? Debbie
Yes it should be easy to change the neckline. Just redraw before you cut out the pattern and it should be fine. If you are making a scoop neck, you may use a regular neckline binding, or just turn in the edges and stitch, rather than need a facing. I hope it turns out well for your Debbie.