Sometimes I’m drawn to a pattern because of its versatility, and sometimes I’m drawn to a pattern for its intricacies. Today’s Origami Dress is one of those I love for its detail and uniqueness.
I had this idea floating around, so I began trying to draft something beautiful. The only problem is that I’ve never drafted a pattern before, and something with so many darts and intricacies was a little challenging.
But I love the results. I used these gorgeous Art Gallery prints from the Cultivate line for my Origami Dress, but I also think this pattern would be stunning in solids so the darts stand out on their own without the need for trim.
The Origami Dress pattern is for a long-sleeved dress with a lined bodice and is a size 5-6. It doesn’t have any closures, and just slips on over the child’s head. I’d say this is an intermediate pattern. All seam allowances are 3/8″ unless otherwise stated.
Origami Dress Supplies:
Click the links below to find supplies you may need (affiliate)
Cut pieces from fabric using the pattern pieces and also cut two 18″ x 36″ rectangles for the skirt. Transfer the pattern markings onto the front bodice.
For the front bodice, start with the first dart (marked on the pattern piece) and fold in the direction of the arrow. Press your dart, then repeat with the second dart.
If you’re adding trim to the folds, sew the trim as close to the folded edge of the dart as possible.
Turn your bodice over, and sew a presser-foot’s distance from the folded edge of the dart like in the photo below. We’re defining the dart but leaving space so you still see the folds on the front side.Here’s what the front looks like when you flip it over again (with all the darts complete).
Repeat for the third and fourth folds. The third fold is not symmetrical, so the fold on the back of the bodice won’t be completely straight. Repeat steps 3 and 4 for these last darts. (Also, there may be a place where you need to trim excess, but I have tweaked the pattern to line up better since this photo was taken.)
Baste around the edges of the front bodice where your darts are to secure the darts.
With right-sides together (RST), sew the front bodice and back bodice at the shoulders. Press open seams. Repeat for lining.
Lay your bodice and lining RST and sew around the neckline. Then notch your curves or use pinking shears on the seam allowance.
Flip your lining to the inside, and press your neckline. Topstitch around the neckline. (And..different fabric for the rest of the tutorial. Ha!)
Pin your sleeve to the armhole (armscye) of your bodice making sure the center of the sleeve aligns with the shoulder seams. Sew them together, and finish your seams. Repeat for the other sleeve.
With RST, sew up the sleeve and down the sides of the bodice in one seam pivoting at the armpit. Repeat for the other side.
To make the skirt, place the two rectangles RST and sew or serge both of the short sides (18″ sides) together to get a tube. I usually also serge around the bottom of my skirt at this point (as you can see here) but you can do it at the end too.
Sew three lines of basting around the top of your skirt and gently pull the ends to gather your skirt.Now turn your skirt inside out if it isn’t already.
With the bodice right-side out, place it inside your skirt so the raw edges are together (and right sides are together). Pin your skirt in place making sure the side seams of both your bodice and skirt are aligned.
Sew your skirt and bodice together. Then flip it right-side out and press your seam up and check your gathers to make sure everything looks good. Then topstitch around the bodice.
Love the look of this dress!! I signed up for your newsletter and confirmed my e-mail this morning but haven't seen an e-mail with the link to the pattern. Does it take a while to process or did I miss something? Would love to make this for my 5yr old, perfect for our cool winters :)
Hi Chrystie, the pattern should have popped up when you confirmed--perhaps it closed before you saw it. I'll send you a quick email with it! And thanks for your sweet comment!
Thank you! Got your e-mail :) Can't wait to try it out!
Awesome! I can't wait to see!
Beautiful and yes I downloaded the pattern !! Thank you ever so much !!
Thank you Diana! You are always so supportive.
You are so very welcome. Love your site and that you put it all there in blogland for all us to see , Thank you !!
Trying to download origami dress pattern with NO luck...can you, pretty please email a link or pattern?
Thanks.
Hi!
I tried to download the dress pattern. It it keeps bringing me back to the top of the tutorial page. Would you be willing to email it to me?
Thanks!
Amy
Hi Amy, I'm guessing you are trying to download on a tablet or phone. These work best on a desktop, but if you are using a tablet/phone go to the bottom of the page and choose the desktop view and then it should work for you. The pop ups don't like the mobile site.
This is gorgeous! I didn't see it mentioned specifically, but are you using cotton here? What kind of fabric?
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It's so pretty, I'm looking forward to sewing this. Thank you for releasing this free pattern!
Thank you so much, Mary--I hope you love it!
Thank you for the free pattern Lisa! It's adorable!!
Thank you!
Congratulations! Gosh this looks wonderful!
Oh, thank you Jen!
Beautiful! I've featured your free pattern out on Craft Gossip: http://sewing.craftgossip.com/free-pattern-girls-origami-dress/2015/12/19/
--Anne
Aww, thank you Anne! You're wonderful!
Love the look of this dress!! I signed up for your newsletter and confirmed my e-mail this morning but haven't seen an e-mail with the link to the pattern. Does it take a while to process or did I miss something? Would love to make this for my 5yr old, perfect for our cool winters :)
Hi Chrystie, the pattern should have popped up when you confirmed--perhaps it closed before you saw it. I'll send you a quick email with it! And thanks for your sweet comment!
Thank you! Got your e-mail :) Can't wait to try it out!
Awesome! I can't wait to see!
Beautiful and yes I downloaded the pattern !! Thank you ever so much !!
Thank you Diana! You are always so supportive.
You are so very welcome. Love your site and that you put it all there in blogland for all us to see , Thank you !!
What a beautiful dress! The lace on the bodice is lovely. I'm even featuring this at our weekly link party! http://www.thelifeofjenniferdawn.com/2016/01/6-amazing-sewing-projects-to-try-today.html
Thank you Jennifer! I really appreciate it!
Trying to download origami dress pattern with NO luck...can you, pretty please email a link or pattern?
Thanks.
Hi!
I tried to download the dress pattern. It it keeps bringing me back to the top of the tutorial page. Would you be willing to email it to me?
Thanks!
Amy
Hi Amy, I'm guessing you are trying to download on a tablet or phone. These work best on a desktop, but if you are using a tablet/phone go to the bottom of the page and choose the desktop view and then it should work for you. The pop ups don't like the mobile site.
This is gorgeous! I didn't see it mentioned specifically, but are you using cotton here? What kind of fabric?