Folkwear 237 Tango Dress

Buy the 237 Tango Dress sewing pattern from Folkwear. The tango craze of the early 20th century regularly enjoys a revival, and this pattern includes two tango dresses: a sensuous evening version dating from the 1920s (View B) as well as a more conservative daytime version (View A).

The unusual construction of the Tango Dress adds to its dramatic impact. A long sleeveless bodice hangs straight to the hips where it meets a skirt made of two uniquely cut sections. The back of the skirt falls away from a front hip panel that echoes the V neckline. Another shallow V hugs the body at the bodice/skirt seam in the back. The skirt front fits into the back and hip panel ingeniously. View B features a V-shaped cutout on the back bodice, two triangular-shaped streamers, and a handkerchief hemline that draws attention to the legs. Both day and night versions are finished by a rolled collar ending in front ties.

Knitting instructions are also included for a coordinating hip-length cardigan in stockinette stitch (sizes XS-M only). It can be a daytime cover-up for summer picnics or can shimmer at night when knitted in novelty metallics.

This sewing pattern is available to buy in the following formats:

– PDF (available to download immediately after purchase). What is a PDF?

– PDF pattern + Printed A0 copy shop (We print out the A0 pattern sheets, but you’ll need to download the digital instructions, as we don’t print these. The PDF files will be emailed immediately after purchase, and the A0 pattern sheets will be dispatched next working day). What is Copy Shop?

Note if purchasing copy shop printing: One of the pattern pieces is divided across two A0 sheets. The A0 sheets will need to be joined with no overlap. 

Suggested fabrics: 

Dress: Lightweight fabrics such as silk or polyester satin; charmeuse; crepe; challis; lightweight linen or cotton.

Sweater: A blend of cotton, linen, or rayon in a worsted weight or equivalent.

Fabric requirements: 

View A: 45" (115 cm) wide fabric: 5 1/4 - 5 7/8 yd (4.8 - 5.4 m) // 60" (150 cm) wide fabric: 3 5/8 - 5 1/4 yd (3.3 - 4.8 m).

View B: 45" (115 cm) wide fabric: 5 1/4 - 6 1/8 yd (4.8 - 5.6 m) // 60" (150 cm) wide fabric: 3 1/2 - 5 1/8 yd (3.2 - 4.7 m).

Sizing: XS – 3XL (approx. UK 4/6 – 28/30, based on our standardised size chart). Please also check the designer’s size chart and finished garment measurements. Note the sweater is in sizes XS – M only.

Notions: 

Dress: 3/4" (2 cm) single-fold bias tape, 12 1/2" (32 cm) for View A or 1 1/2 yd (1.4 m) for View B.

Sweater: Five 1" (2.5 cm) buttons; size 7 knitting needles; size 5 circular knitting needles.

PDF pattern includes: Instructions; US letter/A4 print-at-home pattern (50 pages); 36″ wide copy shop pattern (1 sheet); A0 copy shop pattern (4 sheets) // Layers: Yes // Projector file: No.

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