Tilly and the Buttons Lotta dress

Easy to make with no fiddly bits, Lotta is a perfect dressmaking project for beginners, or a satisfying speedy sew for more experienced stitchers. It has a blousey bodice and flared skirt, cinched in with a narrow elasticated waistline. Choose between knee length or midi length skirt, with grown-on short sleeves or bracelet-length drop shoulder sleeves, with optional deep patch pockets. To make it even more versatile, you can make this dress in either woven fabric or stretchy jersey. 

Fabric suggestions

Light- to medium-weight drapey fabrics such as chambray, viscose (rayon), Tencel (lyocell), double gauze, brushed cotton or crepe. The short sleeve version can also be made in less drapey fabrics such as linen, cotton lawn, and seersucker. More experienced? Try single knit drapey jersey, stretch velvet or light-weight French terry. 

Supplies

• Fabric 
• For woven fabrics: 0.2m (1/4 yard) iron-on interfacing (similar weight to your fabric)
• Matching thread
• 2 safety pins
• Your waist measurement in 10mm (3/8 inch) elastic
• Sewing machine and basic tools

Fabric requirements