Sundress Sewing Patterns: Sister Dresses 6 to 14 and 14X-24

Written by Marjorie Vaudreuil in Sewing Patterns & Reviews

Pattern Illustration

Sister Dresses for the Summer

We created the pattern for the summer shift, square neck in 2021 and it was a huge hit.  (Illustration below)  We just love the simplicity of the design and the fresh feeling it projects.  The neck line is lovely with the trim, but not too fussy. 

We wanted to make another one just like it in plus size, however….

We soon learned that this design does not translate well into plus sizes, unless you’d like to look like you are wearing a paper bag. And we didn’t think you’d like that! So we changed the square neck to a slight V and added princess seams.  It worked!   The design is still reminiscent of the shift dress, only better!  (Illustrative of Hummingbird dress in Featured Image)

Square Neck Shift Dress
Sleeveless Option
Sizes 6 to 14
Intermediate Level Pattern

Help us name this dress by writing in the comments at the bottom of this page.  Suggest some names that would work well.

Square neck shift dress
Summer dress illustration
Gathers at the upper bust (instead of darts) make this dress possible for the Intermediate Sewer to successfully construct.  Normally, a square neckline is a bit difficult to cut, but with this design, we use a sturdy fabric like a wide trim or brocade fabric using a pattern piece.  This creates an easier neckline for an intermediate than a bias tape neckline.  However, there is a facing with a burrito roll technique that makes this dress an intermediate level sew.  
 
We suggest intermediates who want to try this dress, view the burrito roll video first and practice before applying to this dress.  They may even try a child’s size burrito roll pattern first on spare fabric. The video is also on our membership site when logged in.
 
 
TIPS: Use blends to prevent extra time and steps to prevent fraying.  Beginners do not use pure linen.
 
There are no fastenings on this dress, so watch the measures around the bust, waist and hip.  
 
Main Fabric: 3.5-7.5 oz wovens like linen (advanced sewers), linen blends, handkerchief linen. Cotton chambray, shirting, or dobby. Bamboo blends. Silks (only for master sewers).  You may even try a stretch linen with up to 3% elastine only.
 
Coordinating Fabric: Fashion wovens similar in weight and fabric type used in the main fabric. Not more than 2oz heavier than main fabric, or it will not seam well with the other fabric and will be too stiff.  Use brocade, Japanese brocade, damask, dobby, jackyard, or herringbone.
 
Notions:
None 

"The Hummingbird" Summer Dress
2 Sleeve Option
Princess Seams with Neck Edging
Sizes: 14X-24
Intermediate to Advanced Level

Pattern Illustration
Pattern Illustration
Notion:  Zipper in the back.
 
Main Fabric: 4.5 – 5.5 oz Linens/Linen Blends, Cottons/Cotton Blends with up to 5% spandex.
 
Coordinating Fabric for Neck and Hem Borders: Fashion wovens similar in weight and fabric type used in the main fabric. Not more than 2oz heavier than main fabric, or it will not seam well with the other fabric and will be too stiff.  Use brocade, Japanese brocade, damask, dobby, jackyard, or herringbone.
 
 
 

Current Members:  Access these patterns on our library by logging into the library.

>> See our other showcased patterns in our blog page here.

Purchasing this Pattern:  If you’re interested in purchasing the pattern, it’s only available as part of our pattern library (125 patterns for $67) in our sales offer at www.sewingpatternsecrets.com/vsl

Marjorie Vaudreuil

HI. I'M MARGIE I love creating and creations of all kinds! I love Jesus, I love my family and I love to teach! That's what makes life exciting for me and that is why I have so much to share with you. I am founder and owner of SewingPatternSecrets LLC, based in Boston, MA. I am a writer and an avid sewist with a background in fine art and design from New England School of Art and Design, Boston. Sewing Patterns Secrets was conceived with my husband (my #1 supporter), inspired partly from my grandmother, but largely inspired by my mother, who passed in 2017. She supported many decades of my artistry, including, but not limited to, sewing. Whilst my mother was indeed, an important benefactor, my husband has unfailingly supported all of my endeavours and is the Director of Sales. As the Product and Project Director, I conceptualized, developed, produced, tested, and edited all of the 125+ curated sewing patterns, instructions and ebooks, using my decades of experience. I managed a team of fashion designers to help me with the 3D software and production. I and three other master seamstresses, vector artists, graphic designers, and one amazing fashion illustrator. Production took two solid years of detail and hard work and another six months of sales funnel creation. I give thanks to: Fer, Rima, Oksana, Debbie, Kathreen, Suanne, Elizabeth, Jacki, Bronwen, Kimberly, and the many others who contributed. As such, I am gifted with the ability to share with you my expertise and everything that I have learned along the way, as relates not only sewing, but to project and product creation and all areas of design: web, graphic, fashion, pattern and product creation. This would include 10s of software, marketing and SEO tools, affiliate marketing and so much more. All you have to do is ask! In addition to writing all of the ebooks for Sewing Pattern Secrets, I am also the main writer of this blog, but looking for other (Human) sewing bloggers who would like to partner with us. We welcome guest bloggers, vloggers, influencers and also an invitation to blog for you as well. We always want your advice and we also want to hear from you regarding ideas and improvements to our blog, product, or advertising. PLEASE COMMENT. Please do write me at support@sewingpatternsecrets.com. Blessings, Margie "Make it your goal to live a quiet life, minding your own business and working with your hands, just as we instructed you." 1 Thessalonians 4:11 www.sewingpatternsecrets.com/vsl www.thesewingbuzz.com www.marjorievaudreuildesigns.com www.buysewingpatternsonline.com (coming soon)

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