NICE KNIT DRESSES FOR TRANSITIONAL DRESSING

The seasonal transition has begun. Breezy summer dresses have had their time to shine, and a new fabric is going to dominate many of our wardrobes, as the spotlight shifts onto knit fabrics. We always keep a close eye on high street trends, and I have spotted a classic-yet-trendy style creeping into the 'new in' sections. It's the column knit dress.

So, we have rounded up 10 amazing options. Sewing knits is not difficult, but you do need to use a ball point needle and pay close attention to the stretch percentage your chosen pattern is designed for (you'll find this detailed on all our product listings).

It's also a good idea to make sure you pre-wash your knit fabric (which, you always do of course!) as knit fabrics can shrink a little. Oh, and, the zig-zag stitch is your new best friend. Now onto those gorgeous patterns!

Friday Pattern Company Collins Dress

Let's kick things off with a new design, the Collins Dress. This quick and easy sew comes with a few options to play with, and has handy hidden features. Sew it up as a top, short dress, or tea length dress with a choice of two cup size options (B/C and C/D) to achieve a great fit.

The back has low or high (bra friendly) options and most importantly, Collins has an integrated shelf bra. It is form fitting without being too tight and the hemline features a slight A-line sweep, balancing the proportions out beautifully!

Sizing: XS – 7X with B/C and C/D cups (approx. UK 6 – 34)

Chalk and Notch Tess Dress and Top

Tess is another new-for-autumn design. This fitted shape features an elegant, wide ballet style neckline and is the perfect base layer for autumn. You have plenty to play with as there are two front and back necklines and three sleeve options, as well as the chance to make a top or dress. 

You get bang for your buck with Tess, as you can sew it with no sleeves, short or long sleeves. It will become a year-round favourite!

Sizing: US 0 – 30 (approx. UK 8 – 30) with A/B and C/D bust cup options

BF Patterns Nicole Knit Top and Dress

This clever pattern doubles as a sophisticated dress that is secretly comfortable and a very useful basic top you can make again and again. Want to know another secret? Nicole features a built-in bra for light support.

It features a clean neckline and the option to make it sleeveless or with long sleeves. The dress version is  semi-fitted in the waist and hips, so it will skim rather than cling.

Sizing: US 0 – 20 and US 14 – 34 (approx. UK 8 – 22 and UK 18/20 – 38)

True Bias Brynn Cardigan

Sister to the popular Marlo Cardigan, Brynn is giving us a completely different shape - and dress - to add to our handmade wardrobe. There are loads of ways to make your cardigan - as a vest, dress, with short or long sleeves - you can really play around with this pattern.

The fitted shape makes Brynn the main event and less of a layering piece which could be really useful during party season.

Sizing: US 0 – 18 or US 14 – 32 (approx. UK 6/8 – 18/20 or UK 16 – 34)

Pattern Scout Mia Dress

Mia effortlessly combines sophistication and comfort, offering both style and warmth in one versatile piece. The fitted bodice flows into a fit-and-flare skirt, balancing the proportions beautifully. What's more, you have three bust cups options which will help achieve a great fit.

Sizing: US 0 – 30 with B, C and D cups (approx. UK 6/8 – 30/32)

Friday Pattern Company Dew Dress and Top

This updated version of a previous FPC is even better than its original. The Dew is a simple cowl neck style with big impact! The dress has roomy pockets and a shaped hem. The pockets are sewn flat to the front for maximum carrying capacity without added bulk. The top features an A-line silhouette and subtle high-low hem. Both styles are super comfortable to wear and sew up quickly.

Sizing: XS – 7X (approx. UK 6 – 34)

Named Salla Sweater Dress

If you are much more in the skimming silhouette camp, Salla's fit is spot on. Not too slouchy, but not too tight. It avoids being shapeless thanks to the wide belt and the collar is high enough for extra warmth without feeling restrictive.

I can't see why you wouldn't be able to shorten it into a top if you wanted to get more mileage out of your pattern.

Sizing: XS – XXL (approx. UK 4/6 – 26)

Paradise Patterns Honeygirl Dress Expansion

I will preface this pick with the fact that you must purchase the Honeygirl Tee pattern (which is a great buy anyway!) to be able to use this dress expansion. But I put it on the list for very good reasons. Use these new pattern pieces in combination with the original Honeygirl Tee pattern pieces to make a mini dress or maxi dress with a bell sleeve. 

The Honeygirl Dress is designed for a relaxed fit, with a back seam that follows the natural curve of your body to eliminate excess fabric pooling above your hips. The smallest part of the waist sits slightly higher on the dress than on the tee so the A-line skirt drapes beautifully.

And, if you love the pattern so much, there is a Honeygirl Tee Expansion (also sold separately) to make a boat neck top, tank top, or cardigan.

Sizing: A – P (approx. UK 6 – 34). The pattern includes B cup and D cup options. 

The Patterns Room Lora Dress and Top

A comfy yet chic dress that looks great with winter boots? Sign me up! Lora is a minimalist, pull-on dress and top with multiple style options that make it a great staple in your pattern collection. The pattern includes options for sewing a dress or top, with a crew, scoop or turtleneck, and with short or long sleeves.

Sizing: 10 – 18 (approx. UK 8 – 14) or 20 – 28 (approx. UK 16 – 24)

Fibre Mood Roya Dress

Roya has the classic, relaxed fit column shape that will be easy to sew and style. Choose between a long, narrow sleeve with gathers at the sleeve head or a shorter sleeve that flares towards the hem. The round neck with a neckband gives Roya a stylish, classic look. 

You can get more out of the pattern by shortening the front and back pattern pieces to make a top.

Sizing: EU 32 – 60 / US 0 – 28 / UK 4 – 32 (approx. UK 6 – 28/30)

Column dresses lend themselves really well to layering, and here are a few ideas for what you can style your make with:

• Blazers (featured: Friday Pattern Company Eddy Cardigan Blazer)
• Cropped Sweatshirt (featured: Daisy Chain Patterns Dale Sweatshirt)
• Workwear Jacket (featured: Chalk and Notch Den Jacket)
• Cardigan (featured: True Bias Marlo Sweater)
• Shirt (featured: Atelier Scämmit Must Shirt)
• Quilted Jacket (featured: Oh Me Oh My Sewing Sage Coat, Jacket and Vest)
• Gilet (featured Notches Benly Utility Vest)

So there you have it. Ten great options for adding the trendy-yet-classic knit column dress to your handmade wardrobe!