Maria Paula — Open Back Dress Pattern
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.
- Free print-at-home format on A4 paper
- Layered PDF to print just your size
- Most patterns graded in size 0/2 to 28/30
- Many have Step-by-step instructions on The Thread blog
- No licensing restrictions. Sew as many as you like
Pattern specifications:
Type: | PDF Pattern |
Skill Level: | Beginner |
Design Variations: | |
Sizes: | 0/2 to 12/14, 16/18 to 28/30 |
Illustrations: | Yes |
Instructions: | Yes |
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!
The reviews saying there is no pattern just did not read the instructions on how to open it. It is very easy to access! Great pattern that is a fun quick make. Feel free to view a time lapse of my process here: instagram.com/p/B_0u9D9hrdc/ The reason I gave it four stars rather than five is the sizing felt off to me. I would recommend going based off of the finished garment measurements rather than the recommended sizing. I ended up taking mine in 8 inches after already doing the alterations I typically do.
Enjoyed sewing this lovely dress - techniques required were simple and nicely explained. I chose the pattern size based on the final garment measurements rather than my standard dress-size, which meant I went smaller than normal, but it worked well in this loose and summery fit.
Opened fine on a Mac for me, just follow the instructions on the pattern and follow the View>Show/Hide>Layers> and everything showed up fine. I can choose the sizes I want to print individually. Can also print them all to one master pattern. No issues! I got my fabric prepped and ready to cut, looks great and I'm excited to wear it!
I'm trying to do this on MacBook and it won't let me export to adobe. It's driving me nuts, I'm quite tech-savvy and can't figure it out...
Hi! Mac is usually set to open PDF files in Preview by default. So it would be easiest to download the pattern to your computer. Open Adobe and thru the Adobe menu click Open file and open the pattern file you saved - this way Preview software can't insist that it's the one that opens the file. You can email me at ask@fabrics-store.com and I will be able to walk you through the steps via email. Have an awesome day.
the download file does not contain a pattern, only pictures of the dress... does not matter if you use adobe or not!! Other patterns from this company are fine....this one is non-existent and the owner is not receptive to understanding her file is incomplete. ONCE YOU DOWNLOAD THE FILE, THERE IS ONLY PICTURES, NO PATTERN!!
Good morning - the pattern pieces are an attached file to the main PDF that has the pictures. Once you open the main PDF with Adobe. In the Adobe menu click View - Show/Hide - Navigation Panes - Attachments. Adobe will pop open a side panel with the attached file. Double click on the file and Adobe will open the attached pattern pieces. Hope this helps and I will email you pictures of the steps now. Have a great day
I clicked DOWNLOAD PATTERN, then used the icon (square with arrow) in upper right of subsequent screen to COPY TO ADOBE ACROBAT. It will copy pdf and launch Adobe where you can then find the pattern under the dots on far right at top of screen by choosing ATTACHMENTS. Good luck! I have never found these downloads to be intuitive, but love their patterns and material so much I keep coming back.
I clicked DOWNLOAD PATTERN, then used the icon (square with arrow) in upper right of subsequent screen to COPY TO ADOBE ACROBAT. It will copy pdf and launch Adobe where you can then find the pattern under the dots on far right at top of screen. Good luck! I have never found these downloads to be intuitive, but love their patterns and material so much I keep coming back.
I can D/L all other purchases....this page is blank and with lack of response from admin, I guess I wont. I have had others try it as well.... the file is broken as is my enthusiasm for this pattern
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.
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.
RETURNS & PRINTING INFO
We're proud to share our patterns without licensing restrictions. You may use our patterns to sew for personal use or for your business. For paid digital patterns, we do not offer returns. Please make sure to ask any questions you may have before purchasing a digital pattern.
Please read: Our patterns are formatted to work reliably across all devices that run Adobe Acrobat Reader applications. Each patterns comes with detailed printing instructions on terms of use. If you have any questions, e-mail us at ask@fabrics-store.com and our pattern makers will reply to you as quickly as possible.
SKILL LEVELS EXPLAINED
Beginner - Can sew simple straight & curved seams, some topstitching. Includes crafty-type projects and garments that do not require complex sewing techniques or closures.
Confident Beginner - Has sewn a few simple projects and is ready to learn more. Includes techniques such as set-in sleeves, inseam pockets, patch pockets, generous topstitching.
Advanced Beginner - Eager to continue building skills with new techniques such as zippers, buttons & buttonholes, tailored collars & cuffs.
Intermediate - Comfortable with projects that include multiple techniques such as pleating, yokes, fly zipper, slant pockets, and tailored waistband.
Advanced - Confident with complex, multi-step construction such as welt pockets and unusual details. Enjoys the challenge of new techniques and designer quality.
Maria Paula
*If prewashing in hot water, you may need up to extra 10% fabric due to shrinkage. ALL SEAM ALLOWANCES ARE INCLUDED AND NOTED ON THE PATTERN AND IN THE TUTORIAL.
*If prewashing in hot water, you may need up to extra 10% fabric due to shrinkage. ALL SEAM ALLOWANCES ARE INCLUDED AND NOTED ON THE PATTERN AND IN THE TUTORIAL.
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