Megan Nielsen Matilda Dress

I've been wanting to make the Matilda since I first saw it years ago, as it stood out amongst other shirt dresses with its utilitarian but still very feminine lines and lots of details. But I was intially put off by the narrow size range (XS-XL), even if I did fit into it. Since then Megan Nielsen have expanded their size range and now offer two size bands, covering sizes 0-34. They are also re-releasing their older patterns as well, so when the Matilda came out, I snapped it up.

I made it in a beautiful raspberry-coloured linen, which lets all the pretty details of the dress shine - the breast pockets, angled skirt pockets, yokes, all the top-stitching... It was an absolute joy to sew and the instructions are excellent. The number of patterns pieces to cut is a bit daunting and it took me forever, but do not be put off by that, it's all worth it! If you need a bit more help with the sewing or fitting, Megan Nielsen have a whole series dedicated to the Matilda on their blog.

I did make a toile of the bodice first, as I wanted it to fit well and did a couple of adjustments usual for me, such as narrowing the shoulders, doing a sway-back, and adding a bit of room to the bust. As the bodice is princess-seamed and I only needed to add a little bit, I cheated a bit and just adjusted the curves of the seams, but I think the result looks good! Based on my measurements, I made size 12 at the top, grading to a 14 at the waist and hips and I find it fits true to size.

If you want to see more pictures and read a more detailed review of the pattern, you can find it on my blog.

Such a pretty dress and a great pattern. Recently updated to include more than the original 5 or 6 sizes and it now has the option of sleeves as well. It has a utilitarian vibe to it, with pleated breast pockets with flaps, drop shoulders and sizeable slanted patch pockets on an A-line skirt. The princess seams give the bodice a nice shape, too. Mine was made in linen and that worked really well. It's very comfy but looks great at the same time, so it seems like I've made an effort. Instructions are great and easy to follow and I am already planning one for cold weather soon.

I've had this Matilda shirt dress by Megan Nielsen patterns on my list for a long time. I've been sitting on the pattern for over a year.

I love the details of this pattern—the princess seams (always a winner for me!), the grown on sleeves, the oversized side seam enclosed patch pockets, the box pleated breast pockets, the topstitching details… seriously though, those pockets! ? I've seen so many fantastic versions in both medium weight linens and lightweight cottons. 

This is my viscose linen blend version in Rust Orange from Sew Me Sunshine. I've been dying to have more of this colour in my wardrobe, so I was so excited to see this linen blend in stock. I knew it would be perfect for this dress. It's got a great weight and drape—perfect to swoosh around in. 

I would have liked more contrast with my topstitching thread, but buying exclusively online certainly has its downsides. It was harder to buy slightly contrasting thread than I expected—I usually have the opposite problem!

I did a lot with the fit of this one. I tissue fitted and didn't muslin, ? but it worked so ?. I started with a size small for the bodice with a 2" FBA, graded to a medium at the waist for my current #B38W31H42 . Next version, I'll add another inch to the waist and upper back for ease. I know from experience that if I size up the whole dress, I'd end up with excess fabric at the shoulders/neckline, but these complex adjustments work well for my shape.

I ended up adding a couple of hidden buttons that close inward, to avoid button gaping under the bust and at the tummy. Apart from that, I didn't stray from the original design. The instructions were great, and it came together perfectly.

I'm so glad that I finally got around to making this dress. My next version will be in a beautiful, drapey cotton lawn. I can hardly wait!

Find more photos on my Instagram @lostmythread

I've had this Matilda shirt dress by Megan Nielsen patterns on my list for a long time. I've been sitting on the pattern for over a year.

I love the details of this pattern—the princess seams (always a winner for me!), the grown on sleeves, the oversized side seam enclosed patch pockets, the box pleated breast pockets, the topstitching details… seriously though, those pockets! ? I've seen so many fantastic versions in both medium weight linens and lightweight cottons. 

This is my viscose linen blend version in Rust Orange from Sew Me Sunshine. I've been dying to have more of this colour in my wardrobe, so I was so excited to see this linen blend in stock. I knew it would be perfect for this dress. It's got a great weight and drape—perfect to swoosh around in. 

I would have liked more contrast with my topstitching thread, but buying exclusively online certainly has its downsides. It was harder to buy slightly contrasting thread than I expected—I usually have the opposite problem!

I did a lot with the fit of this one. I tissue fitted and didn't muslin, ? but it worked so ?. I started with a size small for the bodice with a 2" FBA, graded to a medium at the waist for my current #B38W31H42 . Next version, I'll add another inch to the waist and upper back for ease. I know from experience that if I size up the whole dress, I'd end up with excess fabric at the shoulders/neckline, but these complex adjustments work well for my shape.

I ended up adding a couple of hidden buttons that close inward, to avoid button gaping under the bust and at the tummy. Apart from that, I didn't stray from the original design. The instructions were great, and it came together perfectly.

I'm so glad that I finally got around to making this dress. My next version will be in a beautiful, drapey cotton lawn. I can hardly wait!

Find more photos on my Instagram @lostmythread

I’ve made a few shirtdresses this last 12 months or so but this pattern is the winner by far, Megan Nielsen’s instructions were first rate - It was the first time I’d sewn in the yokes using the ‘burrito method’ for example, I live the idea of block fusing your pattern pieces too. There are lots of elements to this pattern that I love; the option for lots of topstitching to emphasise the utilitarian style lines of the dress being one, I also chose to have a contrasting fabric peeking out from the under collar and under the breast pocket flap. This dress is classed as an intermediate and I guess it is by dint of the collar, buttonholes, yokes etc..,but if that puts you off, don’t let it. The instructions, and the accompanying sewalong, MN provides merely means you have the opportunity to increase or solidify your sewing skills. The full review was written as an article for Sewing World magazine but I also talk about it over on my blog www.sewsarahsmith.com