Maria Paula — Open Back Dress Sewing Pattern (PDF)
Description:
We found your new go-to dress for summer! Maria Paula looks effortlessly chic with just the right amount of sexy. The sleeveless bodice, softly gathered midi skirt and a sensual open back give this simple silhouette a certain luster that can be dressed up or down for any occasion. Crafted from our pure linen in earthy rust color, this dress looks so modern and feels good on the skin. It's such a warm color and compliments many skin tones.
You don't need to show a lot of skin to feel sexy and the Maria Paula dress is here to prove it. When you feel good about yourself and what you are wearing, especially if this something was handmade by you, it's going to reflect on the outside and make you look feminine and beautiful.
Prouct Specifications:
| Type: | PDF Pattern |
| Skill Level: | Beginner |
| Design Variations: | 1 |
| Sizes: | 0/2 to 12/14, 16/18 to 28/30 |
| Illustrations: | Yes |
| Instructions: | Yes |
Customer Questions and Answers
Hello!! I am not able to download the pattern. A message saying that "a problem has occured and the download was not able to finish" appears. :( Is everything okah with the file?
F|S Team
hello, yes everything is OK with this file. Please try again, or email our helpful customer service staff who can download and email you a copy.
how many yards of fabric is needed for this dress?
F|S Team
Hello, The yardage for this dress for each size is located in the free download.
Following others' recommendations I chose a size based on final measurements (made a 4/6 and my body measurements would have been closer to a 10/12) and it fits perfectly with plenty of ease. I was able to use just 2 yards of fabric, and it looks great with or without a belt when it's sized down as I did. The dress is very flattering and easy to wear. I love the open back! It looks fun and summery on its own, and I wear it with a linen jacket or light cardigan for work, etc. The limited fasteners and no sleeves make this a *very* fast project, probably about four hours total. My modifications: -- I did paired inverted box pleats on both front and back rather than gathers for a smoother look. I just eyeballed the size and placement and made sure they were symmetrical, and it came out really well. -- I didn't have enough midweight linen on hand so I used a 2yd piece of japanese double gauze and it worked beautifully. For next time, and I will definitely be making this pattern again soon, I think I'll shorten the bodice by about an inch so it falls closer to my natural waist and I'll be using linen.
I'm sure the smaller sizes of this dress are lovely. But I'm making one of the largest sizes (to fit my measurements, per the sizing chart in the pattern) and the arms gape nearly down to my waist. Dear plus-size pattern makers: you can't just scale a smaller pattern up evenly across all measurements and call it good enough. That isn't how bodies work.
F|S Team
Hello there, We're sorry you didn't enjoy this free pattern. Yes this series is drafted from a single size and graded according to standardised measurements to fit other sizes. Our premium patterns do not use this method and are sized in groups that are graded from a single base size in that size category, so they may be truer to size.
This is a great dress! I had to slightly overlap the bottom flaps of the bodice to make it lay a little flatter (and not gape open) due to the stiffness of the cotton I used. I tested it first with fabric I had on hand. I was afraid the armholes were too tight, but after adding the skirt it pulled them down and fit just right. I made a 4/6 and based that decision on the finished garment measurements because I was kind of in between the two sizes. The directions were clear and easy to follow. Only changes I made (other than using a cotton) were that I widened the belt by about 2 inches and used bias tape for the neck and armholes. I also finished the hem with a blind hem stitch rather than a straight stitch.
I used the beautiful Blue Bonnet MIDDLE softened linen to make this. I posted a picture down below and I mistakenly said that the belt in this pattern is too short. In fact, I had interpreted the instruction wrong. I am making a wide belt (using the pieces as back to back instead of folding it in half). Anyway, i love this dress. Added extra buttons on the back. The tutorials are great. I already want to make another one now!
Beautiful dress! Instructions were a bit chaotic to follow but only because I'm a newbie. Jumping from tutorial to tutorial was a bit confusing but not impossible! Thank you for these lovely free patterns. I will be buying my fabric from you for the next pattern!
This is a dressed up version, with a fancier bow tie and heels. I have also worn it as a casual beach dress. It's really versatile. The open back makes it very comfortable to wear for those of us who are broad. I was able to size down for a good fit. Easy to follow pattern instructions. It was satisfying that it came together so easily. I didn't have enough fabric but was able to make it work with two yards by making it shorter and a little less full. Also had to piece the sash which I made a bit wider.
Love this dress! Made from 3 pairs of linen pants that I upcycled. I really like the loose comfortable fit and perfect for an everyday dress. I made the size 0/2 without any changes. I only added another button at the back so that it does not gape too much.
This is a great dress! I made it out of 100% cotton decorator fabric, which I think is slightly heavier than the weight of the linen they recommend. I wanted to try the pattern with fabric I already had to see how it came together. I will make this again with their suggested linen. I had to slightly overlap the bottom flaps of the bodice to make it lay a little flatter (and not gape open) due to the stiffness of the cotton. I was afraid the armholes were too tight, but after adding the skirt it pulled them down and fit just right. I made a 4/6 and based that decision on the finished garment measurements because I was kind of in between the two sizes. The directions were clear and easy to follow. Only changes (other than using a cotton) were that I widened the belt by about 2 inches and used bias tape for the neck and armholes. I also finished the hem with a blind hem stitch rather than a straight stitch.
Such a fun project! I have to add extra buttons as the bra is showing on the back. I used Blue Bonnet 100% linen softened Middle from this store, it's perfect. The belt on the pattern is too short. Just so ppl are aware, one should measure own waist and cut length accordingly.
Modified back side by adding buttons and made folds along the waistline instead of gathering
This dress was my first ever linen project! I made a muslin in size medium first, and realized I could easily go down a size. The dress went together very smoothly. I used my serger to finish the seams so there would be no chance of fraying. My only changes from the pattern were to widen the belt, which I think makes the fit more flattering, and stiching the back closed for a few inches up from the waist to add a little modesty!
This pattern is amazing! I have been wanting a dress of this style for quite some time but could never bring myself to spend the money that an Etsy shop or other boutique would charge. This is my first piece of clothing I have ever sewn and only my third sewing project in my life, the other two being over two years ago. The success I had speaks to the awesome pattern and the even more incredible tutorial. First time doing binding. First time doing gathers. It came together beautifully. I think it looks professional, and I know it is because of how amazing this site is put together. I was too nervous to purchase nice linen for my first go, and used a medium weight broadcloth. I'll try some linen for my next project for sure.
Sorry about the low quality image, it is just a screenshot from the progress video linked in my review.
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SKILL LEVELS EXPLAINED
Beginner: A beginner sewist is someone who is new to sewing and has limited experience using a sewing machine or hand sewing techniques. They are ready to follow basic patterns and sew simple projects, but may struggle with more complex designs.
Intermediate: An intermediate sewist has some experience with sewing and can tackle more challenging projects, such as making clothing with more intricate details or using more advanced techniques including sewing invisible zippers or sewing a partial placket. They likely have a good understanding of pattern making, fabric selection, and sewing machine maintenance.
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