Sewing time is short right now and I need guaranteed results, so I’ve been doing quite a few repeat makes of TNT patterns lately. This dress merges the best bits of two of my wardrobe essentials to get another dreamily simple easy-to-wear everyday dress. Guess the two references from my recent makes…?
Answer: the base pattern is the Named Inari dress, and the fabric choice and mods were inspired by my Style Arc Celine. I wear one or the other of those weekly (and have made a second stripy Inari already) and now this one’s gone straight into rotation too.
The pattern ‘hack’ was really easy:
– Freehand convert the round neckline to a V. Tip: cut the V shape in a slightly concave (curving outwards) line rather than straight diagonal: it sits nicer on the upper chest.
– Cut the front as a pair rather on the fold, adding seam allowance, as it’s easier to make a nice V-neck if you sew the shoulder seams, then sew the neckband on, then seam the CF
– Add six inches to the length
– The tie is a separate skinny piece, sewn RS together as a tube then turned RS out, the ends tucked in and sewn closed.
The fabric’s the same as my Celine, cheapo poly-blend rib knit from MyFabrics, but in navy instead of green. The fabric’s held up really well on my Celine, no bobbling/pilling yet despite many washes. I’m going to buy yet more for future variations on this theme.
The Inari is designed for either woven or knits, so I didn’t alter the sizing. I think the pattern even includes instructions and a pattern piece to do a neckband for knits instead of the facings. I added about 1.5″ onto the sleeve length and left off the bands.
One final detail was to leave a small slit at the centre front – easy because of the new CF seam. I was going to level off the hem but decided I quite liked the small extra detail of the stepped hem. I forgot to take a photo without the belt, but it looks pleasingly sack-like and cocoon-y, so it’s really two looks in one. All in all, it’s cycle-friendly, comfy and took like an hour to sew. I need more makes like this in my life right now!
I love this! I’m hoping to start sewing more clothes and this looks exactly like the sort of thing I’d wear! x
Love it Katie! I’ve been wanting to make something very similar to this for spring – thanks for the inspiration!
This is absolutely gorgeous, what a great idea Katie! I might have to give it a whirl
Lovely. Which fabric did you go for? There are 2 price levels in the link and I’m not sure what the difference is. Like the way yours drapes so would like to try to get something similar
It’s named Sabrina, but looks like they are all the same and just some colours have been discounted differently.
It looks great, I’ve checked out the fabric and it is amazingly cheap! Is it a bit “sweaty” though, being poly? I might buy a few colours if it feels comfortable to wear, not like a plastic bag!
No it’s very soft, not plasticy at all in my opinion and quite breathable as it’s slightly loosely knitted.
Thanks, I will get shopping!
Your dress look great, you look super in it and it’s comfy which is a huge thing for me :)
This is fantastic! I love the changes you made – that v-neck! And it looks so comfy too!
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