Ronja Dungarees

Reviewed by craftwerk on 5th April, 2018

I absolutely love my dungarees! I am a big fan of Named patterns anyway but hadn’t really considered this pattern until recently when I decided I needed a slightly fancier pair of dungarees (if there was such a thing) as I love my Topshop pair that are now too big for me- plus they’re not handmade!
I made mine from a ‘suedette’ which I believe is polyester but honestly feels so nice despite that. It was £5 a metre from Rolls and Rems in Lewisham (sorry, no online shop!).
Note, this is not a beginner pattern!
Despite the simple design, it’s not the easiest pattern to follow. However, this is a complaint I have with Named patterns in general; I find them a little too vague. A few more clarifying sentences here and there would make the world of difference. Maybe I’m too spoilt by indie pattern companies here but Named is an indie company so you would expect a bit more in the way of instructions. It does suit their scandi aesthetic though! I struggled with the button plackets the most- I got there in the end but it required a bit of guess work as to what they wanted me to actually do! I also had to unpick a few times and the result is a bit more messy than I would have liked.
However, I love the button detail. I also wasn’t sure I would like the crossover back but I love it now. If I make a denim pair though, I would consider hacking it, which I think would be relatively easy to do.
I didn’t make a toile (as ever. I did plan to but then I was lazy. Sorry!) but I did do some grading to the pattern before I cut it out. Based on the measurement guide, I was a size 8 on the waist, size 16 on the hip, size 12 on the bust. So I went with a size 12 in general and graded out to a 14 on the hip (checking the final measurements it seemed like it would be ok), and down to a 10 on the waist. I usually have to shorten the crotch on trouser patterns but decided the pattern piece looked like it might be ok. I also extended the back curve length a few inches for good measure. This was all just guess work really from a good deal of experience with making trousers for myself. My instincts were pretty good and I didn’t have to make any adjustments after sewing up. I don’t want them too fitted anyway, especially on the bum. I could do with shortening the crotch about an inch, maybe even less and extending the back curve a little more. The hips could do with another cm or so but it’s not a huge deal- things are always snug on my hips! But all in all, I’m pretty happy with the fit.
To say that I love these would be such an understatement. I LOVE these. They also go with every top in my wardrobe and I think that’s when you know you’ve got a winner; it just fits in so well, like it was always meant to be.
So I really recommend this pattern… but maybe not for beginners!

Full review on my blog: https://www.craftwerk.net/single-post/2018/03/04/Suedette-Ronja-Dungarees
And vlog: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HToTC8l1ut8