Ok, no surprise here…I love a dress with ruffles!! So, when Athina sent out her latest tester call for the Heidi Dress it was a quick yes from me. I sewed up the brand new pattern and have a full review below. I hope you enjoy my look at the latest pattern from Athina and pop over to her site if you would like to see more tester photos of the dress, including the other version available.
**Some links may be affiliate links on this post. Purchases made through these links will help support the blog at no additional cost to you. Thank you so much for your support**
The first thing that really catches my eye about this dress is this bright yellow fabric. It is so fun and a very unique design. I found it in the thrift store and I think it is vintage cotton. (I will have a post soon about finding fabric at the thrift store). The geometric design on it is raised and has an awesome weight and feel. Unfortunately, there are a few spots that have some damage either from sunlight or bleach, so I had to be careful when cutting this dress out. It took a bit more time to work around the flaws, but I’m still delighted with the outcome of this fun yellow sunny dress. For this dress pattern you can use any lightweight cotton, rayon crêpe, challis, or anything woven that has good drape to it. This fabric I chose is a tad on the stiffer side and I worried it may be have too much body for the pattern, but I love the way it worked out. The Heidi Dress is not designed for knits, however I feel as though you could make it work in a more stable knit if you really wanted to give it a go.
My wedges are this brand, no longer available in magenta 🙁
Let’s talk about these ruffles for a moment. The ruffle is created using a flounce pattern piece rather than gathering a ruffle. The flounce has a lot of curve along the outside edge and can make hemming it a little bit challenging. If you find it difficult, I would suggest either using bias tape trim to finish it (which is not currently included in the pattern instructions) or run a basting stitch prior to turning and hemming so that you can pull on the basting stitch and help ease in those curves. This will provide you with a smoother hem. Also, if you were using a fabric that you were fine with the serged edge showing, you could certainly just finish the edge, fold over once and topstitch. Just be aware that the stitching will show as you wear this dress.
Heidi Dress Pattern Review
PATTERN DESCRIPTION:
The Heidi dress is a lovely sleeveless dress, with or without a flounce. It includes inseam pockets, elastic waist, split neck opening in back, and a below the knee hemline.
PATTERN SIZING:
Sizes include UK 4-28 and A/B and C/D cup sizes. I have found that the AK Pattern sizing is right on for me. I make an 8 in the bodice and grade to a 10 in the waist and hips and I always love the fit. The newly added cup sizes also create an even better fit through the bodice.
Supplies Needed:
Light to medium weight woven fabrics with movement and drape such as rayon challis, viscose, cotton lawn, linen and linen blends, chambray, double gauze, crepe.
Iron with great steam if you are sewing those flounces – I personally use this ” target=”_blank” rel=”noreferrer noopener nofollow”>one and love the steam function.
3/8 inch elastic- like the one found ” target=”_blank” rel=”noreferrer noopener nofollow”>here.
A large hook and eye- like ” target=”_blank” rel=”noreferrer noopener nofollow”>this
Sewing basics like a machine, scissors, thread
DID IT LOOK LIKE THE PHOTO/DRAWING ON THE PATTERN ENVELOPE ONCE YOU WERE DONE SEWING?
Yes, I made view A with the flounce and no other alterations.
WERE THE INSTRUCTIONS EASY TO FOLLOW?
Yes, in general the pattern is simple to follow and the instructions are clear. The only part that can be difficult is hemming the flounce. A gathering stitch can be helpful to ease in your curves or finish with bias tape to help them lay nice and smooth while hemming the curved flounce. This step would likely be difficult for a beginner, so if you are concerned, keep in mind it will require patience. Also, make sure your iron is able to provide plenty of steam as you press the hem of the flounce and take your time.
WHAT DID YOU PARTICULARLY LIKE OR DISLIKE ABOUT THE PATTERN?
I love the flounce and the inseam pockets. Anything with ruffles, bows, etc is a favorite for me. I do not love the elastic waist but it provides an easy on and off option that requires no zippers, or buttons, etc. The finishing on the arm and neckline is simple and allows for a clean finish. The dress has to be taken off over your head, so if you get ready prior to getting dressed as I often do, this can be a bit tricky to not get makeup on the garment (but that may just be my own issue 🙂 haha).
WOULD YOU SEW IT AGAIN? WOULD YOU RECOMMEND IT TO OTHERS?
Yes, I think this would make a super cute blouse in a peplum length. While I may not need several of the same style dress in my closet I think I will make it again in the future. I would recommend this for advanced beginner and up if you decide to tackle the flounce, otherwise I think the other view is a beginner friendly make.
CONCLUSION:
I think this is another cute and fun summer dress pattern from AK patterns. I personally enjoy the fit of her patterns and the general style, I am glad I was able to test out her latest pattern release.
If you enjoyed this pattern, you may enjoy these looks created with AK Patterns:
Until next time,
Happy Sewing
About 18 years ago I decided to teach myself how to sew. Long before blogs and resources available today which meant it was often disastrous. But I never gave up because I loved it so much. Today I love helping others get started on their own sewing journey. You can read more about my family and I