Another free pattern for you today. Another quick and simple to sew dress pattern that looks good on lots of different body shapes.
I know many of you will be feeling the chill as you are approaching winter, but that also means many are feeling things warming up and summer approaches for the other half of the world. Here in Cayman it's always summer so a sassy dress to show off my tan is appropriate every month of the year.
Features of the Graffiti dress:
- Sleeveless with narrow shoulders to show off your tan
- Slightly cut in arm holes front and back
- Scoop neckline at the front and interesting V in the back
- Option for a contrast waist band
- Full circle skirt with ‘choose your own length' pattern
- Full video tutorial including fitting tips
- Available to fit bust 29-41 inches and hips 33-45 inches+
My Graffiti fabric
I was only browsing, not really intending to shop when I came across this fabric and it HAD to be mine! I think I'm usually pretty conservative in my dress, nothing too bold, but sometimes I just fancy an exception to that and I NEEDED this fabric – it just seems ‘young'. Do you know what I mean?
I bought this graffiti knit fabric at Fashionfabricsclub.com, which is a great site for beautiful, but low-cost fabrics. It was a bit more than I usually spend, but it's really great quality, very nicely printed, a heavier weight ITY knit, and more stable than the thinner and lighter ones I usually buy. That made it really nice and easy to sew with too and gave the circle skirt some more body.
I can't find the exact fabric anymore, but Fashion Fabrics Club has a fun collection of other interesting knits, so check them out. I'm really wishing I had bought the coral red floral one too! Maybe for a future project – leggings? That would be wicked!
Just hover over any of the swatches below for more information.
Materials needed for the Graffiti dress:
- Knit fabric ideally 58-60 inches wide if you want a knee-length skirt. I used an ITY knit.
- Optional – knit stay tape
- The pattern – download below
You can download the pattern from my design account on Payhip. Add it to your cart and check out - its FREE. The pattern will be saved in your Pattern Library safely until you are ready to sew, then you can download and print it at any time.
I also made another in a longer length skirt in a thinner ITY that looked a bit like a flame fabric. The beauty of the choose your own skirt length system on the pattern. Take care if using a fabric that stretches both ways because adding a long heavy skirt can cause the bodice of the dress to lengthen a little so take that into account when cutting your bodice length.
Watch me sew the free Graffiti dress pattern
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Simple step by step
Cut out your pattern for the bodice front and back and waistband front and back.
For the skirt, cut according to your waist measurement for the smaller curved line. Now you can pick your own length for this skirt. Measure on your body how long you want your skirt to be. Remember to add 1 inch seam allowance to your length measurement (1/2 inch at waist and at hemline). Now measure down from the line for your waist, until you meet a line which is closest to your chosen length.
Cut your pattern piece on that line and use it to cut your skirt length accordingly – voila, the perfect length of skirt.
Cut out your fabric. Use a contrast fabric at the waistband if you like. This dress could also look great with a wide contrast band at the hemline too. Maybe give that a try on your next one.
[Apologies – the design on this fabric makes the pictures look like they are out of focus.]
Join your back waistband pieces to the bodice pieces RST. Press seams towards the waist. Repeat to join the front waistband to the front bodice.
Take care to use accurate 1/2 inch seam allowances throughout so that the waistband turns out the same width all the way around the body.
Optional but recommended. If using a lightweight or very stretchy knit fabric, consider stabilizing the neckline and armhole edges with a knit stay tape to prevent wavy seams.
Join the front and back at the shoulders, RST. Press seams to the back.
Join the center back seam. NOTE – start your stitching 1/2 inch down from the V neckline at the back to allow for the neckline edge to be turned.
Turn in the entire neckline edge 1/2 inch and stitch. You may need to make slight clips into your seam allowance at the center front around the curviest part of the neckline, to allow it to sit flat. Press.
Repeat for the armholes turning in 1/2 inch to the wrong side. Clip around the tightest part of the curve under the arm if needed. Press.
Try on the bodice so far and check for fit.
Join the skirt to the bottom of the waistband RST, front and back. Find the center of the skirt waist and match it to the center of the waistband easing any skirt to fit. You should be able to stretch the waistband just as a little as you sew to match the two without gathering or puckering the skirt piece. Press the seam downwards.
Try on again to check the fit. Pin or baste side seams.
Sew side seams and press. Start on each side under the arm and sew to the bottom of the skirt, matching seam lines at the waist neatly. Shape as needed for a nice fit.
Hem your skirt with your favorite method for knits. Suggested 1/2 inch single turn hem or twin needle finish. Press. Now twirl and enjoy your new dress!
You can download the pattern from my design account on Payhip. Add it to your cart and check out - its FREE. The pattern will be saved in your Pattern Library safely until you are ready to sew, then you can download and print it at any time.
Thank you for this free pattern. I can’t wait to make it. I have the perfect blue animal print I’ve been holding knowing the perfect project would pop up for it and this is it!!!
Thanks for the pattern I’ll have a go
Is it only for knit fabric or can I use a cotton quilting fabric?
lovely dress!!
Your posts are always so informative and fun. Seeing where you are writing from is fun too. I love all your patterns but have a question, I am fairly ‘bottom heavy” and noticed your pattern shows up to 45 inch hip, mine is more than that, approx 48. If I expanded that section do you think the skirt of the dress would still hang nicely?
Just found your website! Mature sewer here. Lol Haven’t done much sewing in a while but getting interested again! Began teaching my granddaughter who is 9, sewing basics. We made an apron together. The sewing flame has been rekindled! I have a great newer sewing machine. I have been looking for a new Summer dress! Love knits, too. I may have to make this. Followed your FB page, too. So excited to get back into sewing! Thank you!
What is the approximate yardage needed (58′-60′) for dress and contrast band? Also, do you have cutting layout suggestions? Thanks!
beautiful dress dear
This looks like a great pattern! It’s definitely something I would wear, and is definitely a flattering, classic style. Thanks so much for your generosity.
All types of sewing has taken me to a happy place, as you say, for as long as I can remember. My mother, a self-taught seamstress, passed on her knowledge and helpful tips to me. She taught that edge stitching, understitching, top stitching, and all the fine details make a huge difference. My daughter often reminds me that Grandma used to say, “you can always cut some off, but you can’t put it back on.” We giggle and say,” Oh, Grandma!”
Quilting has been my main passion for about the last 20 years.
A recent retirement may take me back to more garment sewing, as I have 2 sweet little granddaughters to sew for! After working for 4 decades as a nurse while we raised 3 children, I feel like a kid in a candy store with so many choices of what to do with my time. Lucky me!
Thanks again ….. stay safe, and be well. ????
It’s a beautiful dress! I am a quilter but not a seamstress, but I’d like to learn. Thank you for your beautiful free dress pattern and your great site????
Oh, I only just found your site and have enjoyed browsing through your patterns. But this graffiti dress pattern? OMG, it’s exactly the kind of thing I would wear! I’m a brand new sewing queen, finally taking the time to learn this fun craft, so I just downloaded the pattern, this will be my first attempt at using knits. Thank you SO much for sharing your ideas and patterns with us!!!
My pleasure Charlene, love your enthusiasm! Welcome to the fun and creative world of sewing, a very happy place.
Does this have to be knit fabric?
Yes, it must be, since you will need the stretch to put the dress on and fit around the chest.
Thank you!
Hello –
I don’t want to print all the sizes/layers in the pattern, but they are labeled by letters and not numbers or S M L etc. How do I find out what these letters G, F, D, C mean?
Thank you
The pattern instructions has the letters and their body measurements listed
Love this and going to try it this summer. Do you have this pattern for kids 5 and up? 3 Daughters would love to match and this would make for a fun summer project.
No sorry, only for adults right now.
Hi
Sorry… I have a question, not on this dress however.
I shall make this dress and just only downloaded it. Pattern seems quite simple and I love the comments here… I will try this on my next project 🙂
My question: Do you have a PJ Shirt step by step pattern with facing / button front ?
If yes, please can you send it to me ? I am currently on the go with one of that but I am stuck with the facing part on the front.
Really appreciate it if you can help me.
Sorry, Sam, I do not at the moment, check back next year!
I think this is a lovely dress. Unfortunately, it doesn’t come in a woman’s plus size. With a 41 inch bust being the largest size that leaves a lot of women out. Like me at a 52 DD. What has bothered me for years is that women who are hefty Goddesses have been put to the wayside in terms of style and color, Granted the chances of us pulling off a figure flattering fitted sheath is a bit much unless said Goddess has a medium to extra large bust, small t waist that is medium long but wide hips with a flat stomach and perhaps large thighs and bouncy rump….she may be able to pull it off. But someone like me who has big boobs, big belly, a flat squared over sized rear and thick thighs and chunky legs would look like a sausage. We NEED variety for us bigger plus size women. We need color. We need style. What we don’t need is black, browns, and , grey to be the main or only color. What we don’t need is totally baggy. And what we don’t need is prices jacked up unreasonably. Bra patterns for women my size are practically non existent. Mrs. Depew has one that can be used for a Barbie doll up to I think it’s a size 60 in a down load. I bought it. I don’t understand it. If there is one thing to help flatter our garments it is a well fitted and COMFORTABLE bra. Already made bra’s don’t cut it….even for smaller breasts. Our ladies are different even on our own bodies. Some can get away with stretchy straps. I can’t nor can any other woman with large heavy ladies. I’d like to see more effort put in for the benefit of larger women in everything I’ve mentioned above. Not just here but in a whole lot of other places. One of the reason I will unsubscribe from a site such as this is because it doesn’t pertain to me all that much. There is no sense in having emails sent and filling my box when I can’t use the information. Thanks for reading. ~D~
I love this dress! I saw a dress with a similar silhouette at H&M and -lucky me- I have some matching Fabric! Here’s my question: I am a size B/C Bust and Hips and a size A Waist… Do I just make a “deeper” curve along the sideseams to fit it to my measurements?
Is the half inch seam allowance included in the pattern or do we add it ourselves to all the pieces?
I made this dress recently and LOVE LOVE it!! I did put bands on the neck and armcycles and used an A-line maxi skirt, but the look the same. The fit is great and spot on by measurements. Thank you for this pattern. I will be using it again. It is very flattering.
I am thinking of making it with 1/2 circle skirt or a full A line
I recently made this dress (with a simple straight maxi length skirt). I love love this bodice. The measurements are right on and the dress was made in a very brief time. I did cut the neck and arms without seam allowances and added bands to the neck and armcycles. This worked out great.The fit was so perfect. I’ve got another one in the works right now. Thank you so much for your patterns. They are well written and easy to follow.
[…] an option for a contrast waist band. If you get stuck while you're making the dress, check out the how-to video that the designer […]
I’ve made an adaption of your grafitidress as my first sewing project :-). Quite proud of the result, which unfortunately I cannot post here….
Please send me your flicker URL with the phot and i post it on our Pinterest account with 139300 followers. or on our chat group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/soseweasychat/
Do all the patterns run the same size. Is a graffiti size C the same as a fit and flare size c?
Yes Shirley they do.
I love your dresses Deby and this one is no exception! It looks great on you and that fabric is scrummy! Thank you for sharing.
How much fabric was needed for the graffiti dress, at the length you used? Sorry if you already said, I couldn’t find it any where . . .
Hi Molly. The fabric requirements for this dress depend really upon your size, the width of the fabric and the length of the skirt you want so there isn’t a one size fits all measurement. However a guideline is available on the top left of page 4 of the instructions. Hope that helps.
Looks great. Can I make this with cotton fabric? I tried one of your Empire dress with knit . Fit of this dress is good and easy to sew. I like your patterns they are easy to sew.
Let me know if can see with cotton fabric.
This Pattern is for knits only, knits also come in cotton. Just keep that in mind. For a woven fabric and if you are confident at pattern alterations you would have to add a zipper and a bust dart and perhaps bring the armholes a little higher.
Thanks for the reply. Am not so confident sewing with darts. Will try next time.
Thank you so much
Deby, what a fabulous dress! I’ve been making dresses that are similar for my daughter, the skater dress is her favorite pattern! I can not tell by the pictures and since i am at work and not at home and can not print out your pattern to see, do you have any darts on your bodice?
Thanks Angie, no this one doesn’t have any darts in the bodice, but there’s no reason you couldn’t add some for extra shaping if you needed it.
Perfect for our hot Australian weather at the moment. Featured today, Deby.
I’ve just finished it and it looks good. We are in the summer here in (Australia) and the weather can become quite hot. This Dress is just ideal to wear anytime of day or evening. Thanks I love your patterns, there’s just not enough time to make them all.
We would all love to see it Clasina. Are you a member of our sewing chat group yet? Come and join us at https://www.facebook.com/groups/soseweasychat
Yes, it does make you look young! 🙂 Thanks again for the pattern and tutorial.
Hi Deby,
Great dresses! I don’t wear dresses because I’m only 4’10” and I look even shorter in a dress! You, however, are smashing in the dresses you have made!
A comment: You start your blog introduction with, “I’ve just recently started to be interested in sewing, and with the help of…”
I say you’ve more than “just recently” been interested in sewing. How ’bout you change it to “I’ve become very interested in sewing, and with the help of…”
Your progress has been amazing, and I’m impressed with your ability to learn so many sewing techniques in such a short time. I’m even more impressed that you so willingly have shared them with the rest of us.
Keep sewing and writing!
You are absolutely right, I need to update that introduction now I’ve been sewing a few years. Doesn’t time fly when you are enjoying yourself.
Me encantan sus diseños, porque sirven también para una mujer madura. Gracias por compartir.
Love it! And jealous of your warm weather right now. I’ve got a Craft Gossip post scheduled for tomorrow morning that features your free pattern: http://sewing.craftgossip.com/?p=85706 –Anne
Wow I LOVE the V in the back! It’s a little unexpected. Such an awesome dress. I may just go ahead and start making myself one with a knit I’ve got in my stash…here in AZ it won’t be long until I can wear tank dresses again.
My the time Christmas is over Spring will soon be on its way 🙂
So cute! Another perfect dress that is just my style. And I love the easy construction since it’s the only way I usually get to sew for me!
Me too, it has to be quick and easy or it won’t ever get finished! Not many people have time for couture these days, nor the opportunity to wear it. Get it done, and ready to wear in a couple of hours and we can all make it and wear it in an evening.
Love this dress!!! Perfect for our Florida weather! I am looking for the perfect knit fabric to start making this dress soon!
This is so cute! Can’t wait to make this one. Your designs are such fun and simple enough for most anyone to tackle. I look forward to your next project!
Oh how I wish it was warm enough here to wear this dress! It looks great on you!
Love it! Now is the time of year I plan for our warm weather in Michigan. Perfect timing and thank you! I truly adore your site!