Sophie Dress

A sweet and versatile dress with vintage charm for all seasons.
Easy-fitting with gathered skirt, fold over empire waist pleat detail, hem pleat detail & back keyhole opening with button & loop.
View A has full gathered sleeves. View B is sleeveless. View C is sleeveless with tie detail at the shoulder.

Downloadable PDF pattern - print at home on A4 or US letter. A0 copy shop/large format file is also included. Patterns are layered and colour coded - please read the printing instructions.

Pattern is intended for personal use only and cannot be used for commercial purposes

Download includes detailed photo instructions. There are 12 colour pages of instructions - you may prefer to read directly from a device instead of printing.

Sizes 6-9m, 9-12m, 1yr, 2yr, 3yr, 4yr, 5yr, 6yr, 7yr, 8yr
Ability level - Advanced Beginner

Recommended fabrics: lightweight woven cottons: lawn, poplin, double gauze. Light to mid-weight linen. Rayon poplin or challis.

Required trims:
A small amount of fusible interfacing for back keyhole facing
1x 10mm (16L) button
6mm (1/4") wide elastic for sleeve cuffs (view A only)
A hair pin or loop turner to make the button loop

Sewing techniques:
This is a fairly easy make. The skirt is a simple rectangle with gathering at the waist, a clean finished hem and an added pleat stitched just above the hem.
View A - neckline is finished self bias binding. Back keyhole opening has a self-fabric facing. Sleeve cuffs are double turned to create a tunnel for the elastic.
View B - neckline & armholes are bagged out with a self-fabric facing using the burrito method.
View C - neckline, armholes & shoulder ties are bagged out with a self-fabric facing.
An overlocker/serger is required for all three styles.

Khaki floral printed linen view C is size 2yr is worn by a 2.75 year old model.
Pink view A is size 4 worn by an average sized 4.5 year old.

Sizing:
The patterns are designed to fit an above-average sized child (around the 75th percentile) for the year that matches their age. For example, if the child is an above average-sized 18 month old, a size 1yr will still have some room to grow. In most cases there is no need to size up unless the child is at the very top end of the growth charts. If the child is small, do consider sizing down, or expect that the fit will be generous.