About:
There are two videos and three blog posts to accompany this pattern:
- How to sew a knit neckband.
- How to pleat the skirt.
- How to make the skirt panel super full.
- How to add a hood.
- How to add a gathered woven skirt.
Difficulty: Advanced Beginner
Techniques Involved: Sewing stretch fabric, pleating or gathering, sewing a knit neckband, topstitching, hemming, sewing knit sleeve cuffs.
All files are PDF files that can be printed at home on Letter or A4 sized paper. Each pattern includes one file for the pattern and print-at-home pieces, a file containing the copy shop A0 (33.1″ wide) pattern pieces, and a file for use with projectors. We’ve placed the pattern pieces on individual layers so you can print only the size(s) you need, saving you on paper and ink.
The Wendybird Dress pattern is designed for knit fabrics with at least 25% stretch and requires up to 1 3/4 yards of fabric for the dress and up to 3/4 yard for the contrast panel. Cotton-lycra jersey, cotton jersey, and brushed poly are all great fabric options.
Additional Supplies:
- Pins or Clips
- Tape Measure
- Tape or Glue (for piecing pages together)
- Paper & Fabric Scissors
- Rotary Cutter, Mat, and Acrylic Ruler (optional but encouraged)
- Matching All-Purpose Thread
- Universal Needle
- Sewing Machine with stretch stitch
- Iron & Ironing Board
- Fabric marking tool
- Seam Ripper
This pattern includes baby and kid’s size Newborn to 12 years.
See what others have made in our Wendybird Dress Gallery.
Jamie –
I love this dress. It is easy to sew up and and has so many different options. The pleating is easy with the video and it adds that extra special touch.
Anisha (verified owner) –
This is such an adorable pattern! With the accompanying videos on pleating and attaching the neckband you just can’t go wrong. It’s also a surprisingly quick sew!
Andrea (verified owner) –
I love how this dress flows! The way it gets put together is amazing too I love the pleat look on this dress too!
Nicole (verified owner) –
Such a cute sew! The tutorial is easy to follow and the videos are so helpful for making the pleats!
Nurul salita yausoff (verified owner) –
Im in love with the bubble sleeves and pleated skirt.
Beside that this pattern also easy to sew 😍
Valentina vineyard (verified owner) –
This is a very fun pattern. I love combining the fabrics to create different and interesting dresses. It comes with a regular and bubble sleeve options, and regular and boat neck. It is beginner friendly and gives yh chance to learn to gather and pleat if you haven’t done that already.
Charissa (verified owner) –
Love love love this dress. The pieces sewed up together easily and it fits great.
Randi (verified owner) –
I tested this pattern – and am pleased, very pleased to recommend it! With all the options and details, it is well worth the price, and the instructions, and the availability of additional videos and tutorials is invaluable! So, go sew it up, you will be so thrilled!
Ummul (verified owner) –
Love love the bubble sleeves and thw pleated panel. You can be creative with the wendybird dress!
Robynne Mills (verified owner) –
I am so in love with this dress! The tutorial and included videos make it an easy sew and the finished product comes out beautifully even for a beginner.
Shannon –
I love this pattern, it has a lot of great options, sleeves and skirt options. The instructions are great and easy to follow with agreat tutorial on how to do the pleat option.
Kelly (verified owner) –
I was so scared of pleats when I started making this dress, but then I followed Jennifer’s awesome video tutorial and it was so easy! I love the pop of color that the panel provides, and all of the different sleeve options!
Paula (verified owner) –
With so many options in one simple pattern, h ow could you go wrong. Great dress! Simple Sew!
Megan (verified owner) –
Excellent instructions, helpful photos. Everything goes together as expected. Cute dress with several options
Jill Auxford (verified owner) –
LOVE this pattern! It is beautiful and fun and offers lots of great options and a huge size range!
Kelly –
Love this pattern! It goes together easily and has a ton of options.
But more importantly, my picky daughter loves it too and has requested more!
Shahaidil (verified owner) –
Such a lovely pattern. Im in love with bubble sleeves and pleated skirt.
Kati (verified owner) –
I absolutely love this pattern!!! My girls love the hood add on. It’s quick and easy to make, runs true to size and has lots of options to match my girls personalities. This will be a staple in our wardrobe.
Aukje (verified owner) –
It is a lovely dress which fits great. A well drafted pattern with different sleeve lengths suitable for each season. I love the colour block with the panel, which you can sew with pleats or gather (or omit completely if you like). With all options and extras (videos and hacks) it is a versatile pattern.
Emilee –
I absolutely adore this sweet little dress. The directions are clear for beginners, the pattern pieces line up perfectly and the size chart helps me mash sizes for my girls who aren’t straight sized on anything. All of the options are just a bonus!
Brenda Hennis –
This pattern is so excellent! I especially love the puff sleeves on my girl. Feels like she stepped out of a fairy tale.