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The Dakota by Sinclair Patterns

Have you ever had a favorite dress? You know the one that is so comfortable, but practical. It is perfect for wearing everyday, but also appropriate for wearing to church. It definitely would be an office staple, because you can look professional, but you feel like you might also be wearing your favorite nightgown. The second I put on my new Sinclair Dakota, I knew that this was that dress for me. I LOVE it!

Let me tell you all about this pattern!

You have quite a few options to make this your perfect dress.

The length: You can choose between dress length or tunic length. Dress length hits at about knee length. Tunic length is about mid-thigh length and is perfect for wearing with leggings or skinny jeans (maybe even opaque tights).

This is the dress length 

And here is Tunic Length!

The bodice options: You can sew the dress using two different bodice options. There is either a solid front bodice (cut on fold), or a front bodice with a placket. You can either sew buttonholes and buttons on your placket (or use snaps), or you can stitch the buttons through both layers for a "faux placket." I decided to stitch my bodice shut and sew the buttons through both layers because I only had six buttons, and seven were recommended (for the crew neck version). I didn't want it to gap open. It may not have been an issue, but I decided this was safer.

This is my "faux" placket version with the buttons stitched down through both placket layers

This version is my solid front bodice

The neckline options: There are two necklines included in this pattern. You can choose either the crew neck (higher neckline) or the scoop neck. If you choose to add the placket, you will need seven buttons for the crew neck or five buttons for the scoop neck. My solid navy dress was made using the crew neckline, and my floral tunic was made using the scoop neck!

Different Heights: This dress is ALREADY drafted for different heights, so hopefully you won't have to adjust length for yourself! You can choose to print either the petite version, the regular, or the tall version for this pattern. I am 5'5", and chose the regular length. It's perfect!

Gathering: You can choose to gather the skirt on this pattern using either the traditional method (of sewing gathering stitches and pulling the bobbin thread to gather it to the desired width), or you can use elastic to gather your skirt. I did use elastic for mine, and am very pleased with how it turned out! You put the elastic in the waist seam anyway, which keeps it from drooping or sagging, so I felt like it made just as much sense to just gather with elastic. And, it was SO easy doing it this way!



Sleeves: There are different sleeve options (long, 3/4, short, and sleeveless). I chose long sleeves for this version because it's so cold right now! But I'm looking forward to wearing short sleeves and sleeveless this summer! 🌞

The hemline: The skirt of this pattern has only one hemline option (aside from length), but it is so beautiful that it deserves to be mentioned! It is a nice curved hem, and is very flattering on everyone!



The instructions: I've always found Sinclair patterns to be so easy to follow. There are lots of pictures and excellent written instructions to get you through every step! I think the pattern is perfect for beginners and more advanced seamstresses alike. It's a fun, easy sew, and you can have a new dress in just a couple of hours!

Required Materials: 

The dress is drafted for lightweight knit fabric. The bust has negative ease, therefore, you will want a fabric with excellent stretch. You will probably want a 4 way stretch for the best results. For my first version, I used double brushed poly. For my second (not photographed yet), I used rayon spandex. I love both versions, and both fabrics worked well for me! 



You will also need something to stabilize the shoulder seams. I used cotton woven fabric selvage for the first one and clear elastic for the second one. Both options worked well for me. 

You'll need elastic for the waistline. Probably 1/4" is what is suggested since that is the recommended seam allowance, however I had A LOT of 3/8" so I used that! It worked well enough for me! 

If you choose to do the placket for yours, you will definitely need a lightweight interfacing and buttons or snaps. You can make a "faux placket" just by stitching the buttons on, or a functional opening placket, by sewing buttonholes.

It's such a great pattern!

My sister for sure needed one to match! 😉

It's on SALE for release this week!! 🙂 Go check it out HERE! 




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I have included my affiliate link to this pattern in this post. If you choose to purchase using it, it is the same price for you, however I will receive a small percentage of the sale! Thank you!! 💙

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